Trogon Lodge sits on a 33-hectare farm in the Savegre Valley, at approximately 2200 meters altitude, nestled within the cloud forest of Los Quetzales National Park. The lodge takes its name from the trogon, a colorful bird whose family includes the resplendent quetzal, the emblematic bird of the region.

Why stay here

The property appeals to travelers seeking a high-altitude base to explore Costa Rica's cloud forest, observe birds, and hike the national park trails. Over 170 bird species frequent the valley, including the resplendent quetzal, which lodge guides search for during early-morning excursions. The Savegre River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, crosses the property and feeds ponds where trout are raised for the restaurant.

The ecotourism commitment manifests through the use of organic ingredients grown on-site, the lightweight design of wooden cabins scattered throughout the gardens, and the preservation of native vegetation: orchids, ferns, geraniums, and arums.

Atmosphere

The air is crisp, sometimes misty. The pace is unhurried. Wooden cabins nestle among shrubs and trees, spaced generously apart. Evenings gather guests at the bar beside the restaurant, around a billiards table and jukebox, or in the adjoining lounge with its library and DVD collection. The gardens invite slow-paced strolls, camera in hand: butterflies, hummingbirds, and tropical flowers welcome close observation.

Cabins and rooms

Accommodations comprise around twenty standard rooms arranged in pairs within wooden cabins scattered throughout the gardens. Each features a private bathroom, king-size, queen-size, or single bed, thick blankets, and gas heating for cool mountain nights. A porch with rocking chairs extends each room toward the garden or forest.

One superior room stands apart, perched on a hillside and accessed by stairs. It's the only room with a television, a bathroom with hot tub, and a separate shower.

Restaurant and services

The El Quetzal restaurant offers contemporary Costa Rican cuisine rooted in local organic ingredients: vegetables from the garden, regional fruits, homemade jams and bread, trout from the property's ponds. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, with the kitchen adapting to dietary preferences. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at fixed times in the morning, early afternoon, and evening.

The bar extends the evening with wine, beer, or herbal tea. A shop near reception offers local handicrafts and warm clothing suited to the altitude. Wi-Fi is limited to common areas (restaurant, bar, lounge) and intentionally absent from rooms.

For activities, the lodge organizes several guided excursions with additional fees: the Quetzal Quest for early-morning watching, the Páramo circuit, and hikes to Cerro de la Muerte. A zip-line course with around ten platforms, suitable for beginners, rounds out the offerings. Trout fishing in the Savegre River is also available, with fish prepared on-site.

Location and access

Trogon Lodge sits in the Savegre Valley near San Gerardo de Dota, close to Cerro de la Muerte on the Talamanca range. Plan roughly 2.5 hours by road from San José via the Pan-American Highway. The lodge provides shuttle or private transfer service from the airport, as well as connections to other destinations such as San Isidro del General, Manuel Antonio, or Dominical.

Nearby

The region offers several natural extensions to your stay. The village of San Gerardo de Dota and surrounding valley concentrate hiking trails, birdwatching, and horseback rides. Further afield, the Rio Macho Reserve and the Talamanca plateaus deepen your cloud forest exploration.

Before or after your mountain stay, San José serves as a transit point. Several quality properties can be found there, such as Hotel Grano de Oro, Hotel Aranjuez, or Hotel Bougainvillea. The Pacific coast, around Manuel Antonio and Dominical, is reachable in a few hours from the lodge.

Planning your Costa Rica stay

Trogon Lodge fits naturally into an itinerary combining cloud forest, national parks, and coastline. To build a complete circuit, explore our Costa Rica trips and their custom options.