Gema del Bosque Lodge

Gema del Bosque Lodge is a peaceful mountain retreat surrounded by the cloudforests of the Talamanca highlands. It’s an ideal base for birders seeking cool, fresh air, scenic landscapes, and high-elevation specialty species.

Quick Facts on Gema del Bosque Lodge
- Type of Location
  Mountain retreat
- Habitat
  Highland Forest, Gardens, Riverine Forest
- Commonly Seen Bird Species
  Resplendent Quetzal, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Large-footed Finch, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Ruddy Treerunner, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Spotted Wood-Quail, Flame-colored Tanager, Acorn Woodpecker

What to Expect During Your Stay at the Gema del Bosque Lodge...

Rooms and Amenities

Gema del Bosque Lodge offers comfortable cabins and rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, and forest or garden views. The cool climate means rooms do not require air conditioning. The on-site restaurant serves Costa Rican and international dishes, with vegetarian and other special diets available on request.

Birding on the Property

Trails through the property lead into pristine cloudforest, providing excellent opportunities to spot highland endemics. Flowering plants around the lodge attract a variety of hummingbirds. Local guides are available for targeted Quetzal and highland species tours.

Other Activities Available

Guests can enjoy hiking, photography, and visits to nearby waterfalls and viewpoints. Cultural experiences in local mountain communities can also be arranged.

Gema del Bosque Lodge

Travel & Logistics

Conservation Initiatives
Gema del Bosque works with the local community to promote sustainable tourism and maintain surrounding habitat.
How to Get There
Located near San Gerardo de Dota, the lodge is about 3–3.5 hours from San José via paved and well-maintained mountain roads.
Seasonal Notes
Quetzals are most often seen from February to May during breeding season. The dry season (Dec–Apr) brings sunnier skies and easier road access, while the green season (Aug–Nov) brings lush vegetation and more mist.
Best Times to Visit
February–May for Quetzal nesting. December–April for drier conditions. August–November for lush scenery and fewer visitors. Conditions are generally good year-round.

A Few More Notes on Gema del Bosque Lodge