As one drives up, marvelous views appear before your eyes, carrot & potato plantations, the countryside, and on a clear day, scenic views of the Province of Cartago and Valley.
At an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level (2200 meters) and surrounded by the unspoiled ecology of the area, Trogon Lodge sits amidst dazzling flowers, showing amazing shades of colors and where centennial oak trees show their impressive roots.
The song of the Resplendent Quetzal in its magical fly, is a sample of the exuberant vegetation that lives in the area. A collage of green trees and mountains; a peaceful setting enhanced by the sounds of the river in its endless travel through the rocks, lets you feel nature and see it come alive, in a place where the mist of the scenery sets the mood for those searching to get away from it all.
San Gerardo de Dota is a small community of about 220 people, and part of the area known as “Los Santos” (The Saints, in English), towns named after the name of a Saint (just like Santa Maria, San Pablo de Leon Cortes, and others).
It is part of the Los Santos Forest Reserve, a biological corridor for a great array of wildlife, some of which are in danger of extinction. Only 9 km away from San Gerardo is Los Quetzales National Park.
Trogón Lodge features 24 standard and 1 superior room. Standard rooms are spread along the property gardens, in modules of 2 (total of 12 modules). Some rooms are closer to the Restaurant and main facilities, and some others are higher in the forest. The terrain is rugged and vertical. Please let us know when booking if you have any walking limitation to try and locate you closer to the main facilities.
Standard Room
24 standard rooms divided in 12 modules of 2 rooms, spread around the property gardens.
Superior Room
1 superior room perched up on a little hill that boasts a wonderful view of the Valley and the Lodge, and offering complete privacy. To access the room, a series of steps must be climbed. Please consider that at this altitude air is dense and pure, consider rest stops and walk slowly. Not suitable for families nor people with limited walking abilities.
Quetzal Quest
San Gerardo de Dota is home to a large population of one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas, the Resplendent Quetzal. From the Trogoniade Family and sacred bird to the ancient indigenous cultures, Quetzals have a peaceful and tranquil living in the area and reside here year round. The climate and good amount of food (Aguacatillo tree) provide a great habitat for these birds.
Join our local guide for coffee, before departing at 6:00 am on a quest to find Quetzals. Our guide, will lead the tour to try and spot one/some Quetzal (s) for you. With its metallic green plumage, crimson breast and bell and its incredible streamer-like feathers, watching a male Quetzal in its magical fly, is a unique, breathtaking experience.
Depending on season, tour may depart directly from the Lodge or may require transportation to a nearby location. (Transportation included in price). Return to the Lodge at 8:00 am for breakfast.
Birdwatching Tour
San Gerardo de Dota offers excellent opportunities for bird watching. More than 170 bird species have been identified in the area so far, including Tanagers, Black Guans, Flycatchers, Hummingbirds (Colibri), Trogons, Emerald Toucanet and Sparrows, among many others. Tour can be arranged in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on guides availability and guests preferences.
Depending on season and weather conditions, tour may depart either from the Lodge or may require transportation to a departure point. Tour is available with our without transportation (in case clients have their own method of transportation).
Paramo Tour
The “Paramo” is a unique highland area that develops in altitudes higher than 3,000 meters above sea level (9,840 feet approx.); an ecosystem that develops in the summits with its singular flora and fauna.
In Costa Rica, the Paramo is located mainly along the Talamanca Mountain Range, especially Cerro de la Muerte, Chirripo, Kamuk, Buena Vista and Cerro Vueltas. This tour will take you to the Paramo at Cerro de la Muerte, at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level (10,800 ft) to discover, with your tour guide, the variety of birds and plants that reside here.
Departure is from the Lodge, and transportation is required as drive will be up to the summit, where the tour will develop. In case customer has his own car, tour can be offered without transportation costs.
Cerro de la Muerte Hike
A hike for the adventurous! We will drive up from the Lodge to the peak of the mountain in the area of Cerro de la Muerte and dropped off here. Hike will start at the highland, and will go down 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) down to Savegre area. Along the way, enjoy observing plant and bird species.
Depending on the conditions of the terrain, the tour can be changed and offered as a climb instead of a descent. This will be decided by the guide at the moment and will be discussed with the participants, if appropriate. Participants are required to be in excellent physical condition and have hiking experience.
