San Gerardo de Dota is a true "Shangri-La" deep in the Talamanca Mountains of southern Costa Rica. The small village is a center for apple and peach farms along the Savegre River. It also attracts fly fishermen and birders from all over the world.
Among birders, the area is treasured as the best place in Costa Rica to see arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the extraordinary Resplendent Quetzal. Quetzals nest in the cloud forests covering the valley walls and are easily seen during breeding season. They're also reliably seen at other times of year, though the males have lost their long central tail plumes by June and are less easily found. The cloud forests also harbor a fine mix of high elevation and southern Costa Rica specialty birds reminiscent of western Panama. A visit to this area is high on the wish list of every knowledgeable birder touring Costa Rica.
