Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Sur
San Gerardo de Dota
You'll need a 4WD to reach to lovely hamlet of San Gerardo de Dota, since the road down from the Interamericana is treacherously steep in parts. In the village, the Hotel de Montaña Savegre ( 
740-1028, 
740-1027, 
www.savegre.co.cr ; Price: $51-75 without meals, Price: $101-150 with meals) is well known among birders for the number of quetzals that nest on or near its property. The very friendly dueños have trail maps, can arrange guides (which cost extra) and offer bird-spotting tips, trout-fishing trips in the Río Savegre and horse-riding through the village. Close by, the Trogon Lodge ( 295-8181, 239-7657, www.grupomawamba.com ; Price: $51-75) has comfortable cabins (despite being heated, they can still get chilly at night) and immaculate grounds, with several trout ponds and marked trails through the woods. There are also normally many quetzals to be seen around here (Marcelina Mata Martinez is a recommended birding guide). Both hotels offer a transfer service from San José. If you're on a tight budget, Cabinas El Quetzal (no phone; Price: $11-20) in the centre of the village has simple rooms in a family home.