Paraíso Quetzal Lodge
A family-run birding lodge in the cloud forest at km 70 of the Inter-American Highway South
Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, high on Cerro Buena Vista
Paraíso Quetzal Lodge sits at 2,600 metres on Cerro Buena Vista, at kilometre 70 of the Inter-American Highway South, between Tapantí National Park and Los Quetzales National Park. This is cloud forest of moss-covered ancient oaks, and most people come for one bird: the resplendent quetzal. It suits birders working through a highland list, and families happy to swap a pool for a heater, a hot coffee and a misty morning on the trails.
Why we choose it
- Quetzals with a guide. The Quetzal Paradise Tour lasts about 2 hours with a certified guide, leaving at 5:30, 8:30 and 13:30, and it supports the Kabek conservation project. Take the early one.
- A day planned around your list. The 6-hour highlands birding tour runs on routes from 2,200 to 3,400 metres and is planned around the species you still need.
- A reserve of its own. 80 hectares with five trails, four waterfalls, fossils and a mountain cypress over 1,000 years old, and guests walk them on their own whenever they like.
Rooms and views
Guests stay in private wooden bungalows, and every one has a heater and hot water, which you will be glad of at this altitude. The Classic Bungalow sleeps 1 to 4 and has a balcony looking out over the Talamanca cloud forest.
The Superior Bungalow is the lodge's top room, with a king bed, a jacuzzi, cable TV and views into the cloud forest.
On the property
Los Colibríes Restaurant has big windows and a terrace over the Valle de los Santos, and much of what it cooks comes from the lodge's own organic garden. The cafe pours specialty coffee from the Dota-Tarrazú region with homemade pastries, and the bar mixes cocktails inspired by the cloud forest.
An observation deck stands above the canopy, with Poás and Barva volcanoes in view on clear days. There is a souvenir shop by the lounge, WiFi in the common areas and most cabins, and parking. The Serrano Salazar family founded the lodge in 2005 and runs it with local families. Watch the mud on the trails: tapir tracks turn up now and then.
Location and getting there
The lodge is about two hours south of San José, right on the highway, and no four-wheel drive is needed. It is up on the ridge, not down in the San Gerardo valley. We arrange a private transfer with a driver who knows the mountain road. Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Read more about San Gerardo de Dota and the quetzal highlands.
Hotels we book in San Gerardo
From our own hotel records: stars, themes and amenities. Nothing here is a price.
| Paraíso Quetzal Lodge | Savegre Lodge Natural Reserve & Spa | Mirador de Quetzales | Rancho Naturalista | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stars | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Boutique | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Yes |
| Spa | Not listed | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Team favourite | Not listed | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Check availability | See hotel | See hotel | See hotel |
Where it is
Your Costa Rican driver waits at arrivals and stops whenever you like on the way: fruit stands, a sloth in a tree, a bathroom.
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