Quetzal  Tour 

Embark on the ultimate birdwatching and ecological pilgrimage into the pristine cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Nestled in a deep mountain valley, the breathtaking Trogon Lodge serves as our spectacular base for this highland adventure. Here, surrounded by primary forests and the soothing sounds of the Savegre River, resides the Resplendent Quetzal—the sacred, emerald-and-crimson bird of the Americas.

Leaving San José before dawn, we arrive just as the forest wakes up, maximizing our chances of spotting this legendary bird alongside an expert naturalist guide. After a thrilling search and a delicious highland breakfast, our journey takes a dramatic turn as we ascend even higher to explore the rare Páramo ecosystem. Found only at the highest peaks of the Cerro de la Muerte, this sub-alpine wonderland features dramatic landscapes, dwarf vegetation, and unique endemic birds found nowhere else on Earth. Combining mystical cloud forests, rare ecosystems, and world-class birding, this tour is an unforgettable immersion into Costa Rica’s highlands.

Tour Itinerary

• 04:00 AM – Departure from San José Rise and shine! We pick you up from your San José hotel in comfortable transportation, leaving early to beat the traffic and reach the valley just as the cloud forest begins to wake up.

• 06:00 AM – Arrival at Trogon Lodge & Resplendent Quetzal Quest We arrive at the beautiful Trogon Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota. Grab your binoculars and camera as we immediately head into the specialized trails for a 2-hour guided search. Our expert guide will track the wild avocado trees where the Quetzals feed, giving you the absolute best chance for a breathtaking sighting.

• 08:15 AM – Delicious Highland Breakfast After an exhilarating morning in the forest, warm up and recharge at Trogon Lodge’s restaurant with a delicious, authentic breakfast accompanied by freshly brewed local coffee and stunning garden views.

• 09:30 AM – Sub-Alpine Páramo Ecosystem Tour We board our vehicle and ascend to the highest peaks of the Cerro de la Muerte to explore the Páramo. This unique, high-altitude ecosystem sits above the timberline and feels like another world. Your guide will introduce you to its unique dwarf flora, volcanic landscapes, and endemic bird species such as the Volcano Junco and the Peg-billed Finch.

• 12:00 PM – Gourmet Local Lunch We return to the warmth of the valley to celebrate a successful day of exploration with a hearty, delicious lunch featuring fresh ingredients typical of the region.

• 01:30 PM – Return Transfer to San José Relax and enjoy the scenic drive back down the mountains, reflecting on the day’s incredible sightings.

• 03:30 PM – Arrival at your San José Hotel Approximate drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with spectacular photos and memories of a lifetime.

What’s Included:

• Round-trip comfortable transportation from San José.
• Professional, bilingual naturalist guide equipped with a high-definition spotting scope.
• Guided Resplendent Quetzal walk at Trogon Lodge reserves.
• Guided Páramo Ecosystem Tour at Cerro de la Muerte.
• Hearty traditional breakfast and delicious gourmet lunch.

What to Bring:

• Warm layers and a windbreaker/rain jacket (temperatures in the Páramo can be very cold and windy, often dropping below 10°C / 50°F).
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction.
• Binoculars, camera, and extra memory cards.
• Sunblock (UV rays are very strong at high altitudes) and insect repellent.

PICK UP TIME: 04:00 am

PICK UP PLACE: Your hotel in San Jose.

DURATION: 8 Hours

MINIMUM: 1 Passenger

2-3 Pax: $295
4-6 Pax: $275
7-9 Pax: $250
10+ Pax: $225
CHILDREN RATE: (5-12 years): $225

EXPEDITION ESSENTIALS (WHAT TO BRING)

To ensure your comfort, we recommend bringing:

• Footwear: Closed-toe tennis shoes or athletic sneakers with a rigid sole for pedaling safely.
• Clothing: Breathable athletic wear or padded cycling shorts, a lightweight raincoat, and an extra change of dry clothes.
• Protection: Sports sunglasses with a strap, eco-friendly mosquito repellent, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Extras: A compact camera or GoPro, and extra cash for personal expenses.

• Greenway Nature Tours is a leader company in Costa Rica offering unforgettable experiences since 1999. Explore our all inclusive Costa Rica Vacations and Costa Rica Tours from San Jose. We offer more than 200 unique experiences all around Costa Rica including Arenal Volcano, monteverde, Corcovado, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Puerto Limon, Tortuguero and more. Check our certifications with the Costa Rica Tourism Boardand Essential Costa Rica for better references about us.Contact & SupportNeed assistance? Reach our team via WhatsApp: +506 8530-2973.info@greenwaytours.com | www.greenwaytours.com

  For more Tours by Greenway Tours visit our Main Web Site