San Gerardo de Dota is a small mountain village in Costa Rica's Talamanca mountain range, south of San José, nestled in the lush Savegre River Valley. This tranquil nature destination is renowned for its cool, misty cloud forests and exceptional birdwatching, particularly opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America's most striking birds. Visitors can follow forest trails, photograph moss-covered trees and waterfalls, and explore the biodiversity of nearby Los Quetzales National Park and private nature reserves. The clear waters of the Savegre River offer opportunities for trout fishing, while cosy mountain lodges and local restaurants provide a welcoming base for exploring the countryside. With crisp mountain air, abundant wildlife and peaceful rural surroundings, San Gerardo de Dota is an appealing retreat for nature lovers, hikers and wildlife photographers.
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula lies between the Pacific Ocean and Golfo Dulce in the country’s southwest. One of the most biodiverse regions in the world, it is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, from monkeys and tapirs to colourful tropical birds, reptiles and amphibians. Corcovado National Park protects vast tracts of rainforest, wetlands and coastline, offering visitors opportunities to explore its rich ecosystems on guided walks. Along the coast, beaches and surf breaks invite exploration, while the waters around Isla del Caño attract divers and snorkellers with their coral reefs and abundant marine life. Dolphins and whales can also be spotted in the surrounding waters. Puerto Jiménez, the peninsula’s principal town, serves as a convenient base for excursions, with restaurants, shops and accommodation. For a glimpse into the region’s pre-Columbian past, the Finca 6 Archaeological Site features ancient settlement remains and remarkable stone spheres associated with the Diquís culture.
Southern Costa Rica is known for its remote, unspoilt landscapes encompassing the towering Cerro Chirripo standing at 3820 metres, the jungle-clad Osa Peninsula, and the magnificent La Amistad International Park. Visitors can spot an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths and coatis; discover the rugged coasts of the Golfo Dulce - a wild, scenic and incredibly biodiverse gulf; and immerse themselves in the local Bribrí, Boruc, Cabecar, and Ngobe cultures. Don’t miss a visit to the Corcovado National Park, featuring a network of scenic hiking trails, long stretches of golden shoreline, and a variety of diverse ecosystems.
Located conveniently close to the city of San Jose, captivating Carara National Park boasts dense jungle and easy hiking trails and is considered to be one of Costa Rica’s best birding destinations. This protected area encompasses 4700 hectares and a number of distinct ecosystems, including marshlands, lagoons, and gallery forests. Lucky travellers will spot animals such two-toed Sloths, Agoutis, Armadillos, Pacas, Great Anteaters, Crocodiles, Kinkajous, Tayras, Margay cats, Collared Peccaries, White-tailed Deers, a variety of monkeys, and over 400 bird species. The park is also famous for containing one of the highest diversity of trees in the world, as well as a number of enthralling and fascinating pre-Columbian archaeological sites dating back as far as 2000 years, which can be visited along the beautiful trails.
