A lush region of cloud forest and one of the best places to observe the Resplendent Quetzal - one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica.
San Gerardo de Dota is an area of primary Cloud Forest, approximately 2 hours drive from San Jose. Located in a valley between high mountains, it has its own microclimate which often makes it colder than the rest of the country, particularly at night.
Frequent rains make the vegatation verdant and lush, but the area has excellent trails for hiking. The main activity in San Gerardo is birdwatching, specifically because it is one of the only places to see the Resplendant Quetzal - one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica.
Need some help with your trip? Our advisors have travelled extensively and using their firsthand knowledge & experience can help craft your perfect holiday.
Choose your perfect holiday San Gerardo de Dota
Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Explore Poas, Irazu and Arenal volcanoes, enjoy optional excursions in Arenal National Park and discover Manuel Antonio National Park.
Route
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Birdwatching Wetlands & Mountain Habitats
12 Nights from
£4,082
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
Explore unique wetlands on the Pacific coast and Tortuguero National Park, mountain landscapes and eco-systems by Arenal Volcano and continue to the mangroves and beaches of N…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
Costa Rica
Explore by land and sea
14 Nights from
£5,642
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Discover natural wonders, Tortuguero flooded coastal forest, Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper cruise exploring the beautiful Pacifi…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Costa Rica
Highlands & Flooded Rainforest
10 Nights from
£2,840
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde
Explore National Parks, home to exotic bird and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Stay in excellent hotels and character jungle lodges where our expert guides will bring…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde
Costa Rica
Luxury Lodges & Forest, Off-Grid
16 Nights from
£7,552
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste
Staying in luxury accommodation throughout, explore five National Parks including mighty volcanoes, cloud forests, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Relax on a remote trop…
Route
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste
Costa Rica
Ninos Family Adventure
14 Nights from
£3,844
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos Beach
A complete family adventure from the Caribbean side to the Pacific Ocean, exploring volcanoes, wildlife, rain forests, waterfalls and relaxing in the laid-back beach resort at…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos Beach
Costa Rica
Volcanoes, Rainforest and Beach
14 Nights from
£4,859
San José - Arenal - Tamarindo
Discover mountain landscapes and Poas volcano, explore Arenal National Park and enjoy a week on the beach in a stylish boutique hotel.
Route
San José - Arenal - Tamarindo
Costa Rica
Birdwatching for Experts
19 Nights from
£6,242
San José - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Gulf of Nicoya - San Gerado de Dota - Turrialba Volcano
A tour designed for birdwatching enthusiasts, staying a specialist lodges with expert local guides to help you discover a wide array of species, particularly at Turialba priva…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Gulf of Nicoya - San Gerado de Dota - Turrialba Volcano
Costa Rica
Origins Deluxe
25 Nights from
£13,940
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio
A comprehensive deluxe journey of discovery, flying Business Cabin, visiting over 7 national parks, and staying in the best hotels and isolated lodges, on a long, slow pace jo…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Forest River Rafting & Remote Beach
11 Nights from
£5,372
San Jose - Pacuare River - Puerto Viejo
Enjoy an adventure on the Pacuare River with rapids and optional river-rafting, trek in the rainforest and stay five nights on the Caribbean coast at a delightful boutique bea…
Route
San Jose - Pacuare River - Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica
Quality Time for Families
14 Nights from
£3,542
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
A slow pace tour of Costa Rica, perfect for families; Arenal Volcano, rainforests, birdwatching and excellent lodgings with activities for families of all ages. Plus, relax on…
Route
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
Costa Rica
Caribbean, Central & Pacific Eco-Systems
14 Nights from
£3,833
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio
Explore five National Parks with exuberant flora and fauna, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Admire an active volcano, follow forest trails and relax on the beach.
Route
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio