Guests of the Savegre Mountain Hotel are invited on a private guided full-day tour within the pristine and wild cloud forest surrounding the hotel to look for the Resplendent Quetzel as well over 200 other birds species living there. The Severge hotel is located on a mountain in the middle of a lush native rainforest and sits on the Severge River.
You’ll meet with the resident naturalist guide who will talk to you about this specific cloud forest environment and what birds you might expect to see. You’ll head out to explore the natural trails through the cloud forest on foot. Your guide will bring along a powerful spotting scope and will be happy to hold your camera up to the scope to take extra close-up shots if you like.
Located in the Talamanca mountain range, just outside of San Jose, this cloud forest habitat reaches elevations of over 10,000 feet. Here you will find the average temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the convergence of the Pacific and Atlantic wind currents, a constant cloud coverage forms blocking the sunshine, and a steady stream of mist is created.
This mist maintains the life of many varieties of air plants, known as epiphytes, that grow abundantly on the giant old growth trees. You’ll see a thick coverage of bromeliads, orchids, mosses, and ferns. There have been over 1,000 orchid species identified in Costa Rica!
This unique habitat supports over 200 species of tropical birds, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzel. The brilliantly colored male Quetzal sports two 3 foot long tail feathers to attract the female. The female does not have the streaming tail feathers but she is quite colorful and beautiful herself.
Birdwatchers gather from all over the world just to witness this rare bird in its natural habitat. Here in the San Gerardo de Dota area and especially around the Savegre Moutain Hotel, there is an abundance of these birds. They are attracted both by the local cloud forest climate as well as the plethora of wild avocados growing on the Lauraceae trees near the hotel.
This tour includes a bilingual naturalist guide and is only available to hotel guests. You’ll hike approximately 3 to 4 hours beginning and ending at the hotel’s reception area.
Please wear enclosed hiking shoes and bring along your raincoat, camera, binoculars or any other spotting gear. You’ll likely meet other birding enthusiasts while staying at the hotel.
No transportation is needed from Savegre Mountain Hotel. Transportation is not included from other area hotels.
The Birdwatching Tour Private - Full Day - Savegre Moutain Hotel is available from San Gerardo de Dota
Latitude: N 9° 33' 3.85"
Longitude: W 83° 48' 25.72"