Located at 2,300 metres altitude on a private reserve near Los Quetzales National Park, this pleasant lodge is surrounded by lush flower-filled gardens and ancient trees.
A series of wooden bungalows – each with two separate rooms, a shared verandah and a distinctive green roof – cascades down the hillside overlooking the river and forest, connected by pathways. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable – all 23 rooms have en suite bathroom, hot water heating for chilly nights. The restaurant serves hearty meals – you can even catch a trout in the pond and have it prepared for dinner. The lodge has a pleasant atmosphere, and with any luck you may even spot a quetzal perched close to the reception block in the morning.
Various optional birding and walking tours are available – at additional cost – on a daily basis. At 0600 each day the in-house naturalist guide leads a two-hour early morning bird walk with the aim of spotting the beautiful resplendent quetzal. Three different trails of varying length and difficulty lead from the lodge through the forest (one to a beautiful waterfall). Other activities include horse-riding or the lodge's own canopy tour through an area of primary and secondary cloud forest.
Trogon Lodge is situated two hours southeast of San José near the Cerro de la Muerte, one of Costa Rica’s highest peaks, and is reached via a narrow, twisting, steep mountain road that leads to tiny San Gerardo de Dota on the floor of the Savegre Valley. En route from San José there are fine views of Cartago Province, a patchwork of plantations and market gardens.
Enjoy the beauty and spectacle of Costa Rica's flora and fauna on this fantastic tailor made trip, encompassing the best of the country. Exploring rainforests and coastlines, the itinerary is designed to introduce you to the incredible variety of birds, wildlife and plant species to be found in Costa Rica.
Find out more about Cloud Forests & Mountains
Costa Rica has long been an established wildlife destination, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Join acclaimed photographers Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde on this unique itinerary that includes stays in prime locations to discover some of the country’s best preserved ecosystems.
Find out more about Costa Rica: Rainforest Photography Workshop
The verdant country of Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast - this small nation is bursting with fascinating flora and fauna. Our extensive 12-day group trip visits some of the finest wildlife locations within Costa Rica to encounter some of its more exotic species.
Find out more about Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders
The most recent addition to Costa Rica's national parks, Los Quetzales extends across three types of rainforest, and 14 different ecosystems. Mostly cloud forest, it protects a crucial habitat for a number of plant and animal species, notably the resplendent quetzal, after which the park was named.
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Where: Central Pacific Region
Ideal for viewing: resplendent quetzal, collared trogon, fiery-throated hummingbird, sooty robin, black guan
Excellent for: Wildlife photography, Wildlife for families, Birdwatching
