Experience a close encounter with the Phoenix of our tropical cloud forest, the Quetzal (holy bird of the Mayans), on the nature trails of the Trogon Lodge, perched 7000 feet above sea level near Cerro de la Muerte in San Gerardo de Dota.

Located in San Gerardo de Dota, approximately 85 km southeast of San Jose, on a family farm in the mountains at 7,000 ft. altitude, with a crystal clear river running through the property. Guest accommodations include 10 rooms, each with private baths, hot water and heating. Delicious home-cooked meals are served in a family-style restaurant.

The cozy and relaxing atmosphere of the Trogon Lodge makes every guest feel right at home. The beautiful surroundings provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, as well as discover the wonders of Costa Rica’s ecology.

Rio Macho Forest Reserve

Visit the highlands of the Talamanca Mountain range, the oldest geological formation in Costa Rica. The Rio Macho Forest Reserve is Costa Rica’s largest protected area, composed of 13 different units for a total of over 200,000 acres. This area is home to an immense variety of flora, and an ecological niche in which the quetzal (holy bird of the Mayan culture) may be seen year-round.

Experience a close encounter with the Phoenix of our Tropical Cloud Forest, the most beautiful bird of the new world. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to spot the rare quetzal in a tranquil environment, very similar to that of the world famous Monteverde, but even better!

Rio Macho Forest Reserve is the natural habitat for a great diversity of flora and avifauna . . . some of the plant species include the cipresillo (oak – querquis costaricensis), mountain needle, and blueberry, all endemic to this area. Also to be found are hundreds of species of bromeliads, lichens, mosses, ferns and a multitude of orchids and colorful flowers such as gesnerids. In addition to the quetzal, you can also observe trogons, the unique silky fly-catcher, coppery headed emerald hummingbirds, cerise-throated hummingbirds and the peg-billed finch, all of which are endemic, found only in this part of the world.

This is the perfect spot for the nature lover.

Tours Click here for a list of the tours available to Trogon Lodge

This area has been researched for years by our most dedicated expert naturalists, who discovered this rare ecological niche in which these birds may be found year round. You are invited to hike this niche, part of the largest protected area in all of Costa Rica (a total of 95,000 hectares are protected in 13 different units.) The area we will visit is one of the highest points in the Talamanca Mountain Range, a large tectonic formation reaching 10,000 feet above sea level and forming part of the Continental Divide.

You will be overwhelmed by the variety of flora and avifauna in this area . . . the montane oak forest, which is the principal forest type of high elevations. The dominant trees are magnificent oaks reaching 125 feet in height, like the wild brazilletto and winter’s bark tree.

The understory has an abundance of moss festoons, bromeliads with red pigmented leaves, like the escalonia. This makes a perfect environment for the crowned wren thrush, large-footed finch, and sooty robin, just to name a few species. Two basic horseback riding tours provide excellent riding for both experienced and inexperienced riders. Both tours feature scenic trails through this natural paradise. For the hiker there are paths along the rivers and lakes that offer much more than the quetzal in this magnificent reserve. All tours can be arranged through the Lodge.

Trogon Lodge Rates: