Hotel de Montaña El Pelícano is a quiet, family-run lodge tucked into the scenic foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, in the rural village of San Gerardo de Rivas. With its cool mountain air, sweeping views, and vibrant gardens alive with birdsong, this rustic mountain retreat is a favorite among birders and nature photographers seeking access to some of Costa Rica’s richest highland ecosystems. Just minutes from Cloudbridge Reserve, Chirripó National Park, and other high-elevation trails, the lodge is an ideal base for spotting montane specialties, including hummingbirds, tanagers, and chlorophonias.
The lodge features eight rooms in the main building and four stand-alone cabinas, each offering a clean and cozy space to unwind between outings. Rooms are simple but well-maintained, with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water showers, and views of either the garden or surrounding mountains. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though signal strength may vary in some rooms.
Guests enjoy home-style Costa Rican meals at the on-site restaurant, where ingredients are sourced locally and portions are hearty. The lodge’s peaceful setting and organic gardens attract a variety of hummingbirds, warblers, and mountain tanagers, making it possible to bird right from your doorstep. Between outings, guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy the views, or take a short stroll through the gardens.
Certified by Costa Rica’s Blue Flag and Sustainable Tourism programs, Hotel de Montaña El Pelícano is committed to environmentally responsible hospitality. Whether you’re chasing endemics at dawn or soaking in the quiet beauty of the mountains, this lodge offers a comfortable and welcoming retreat for birders exploring Costa Rica’s cloud forests.