Mariam’s Quetzals Cabins, San Gerardo de Dota

Maybe the best “economy” lodging in San Gerardo de Dota. I stayed here just one or two nights with the Birding Club of Costa Rica back in 2017 and enjoyed it a lot. The cabins are basic but nice and the food is typical Tico and plenty of it! A good variety of birds on their property and you take a morning tour down the road for Quetzals. See their website at: https://miriamquetzals.com/index.html

Costa Rica Birding Club searching near Mariam’s.

Would I Return?

Maybe! It is okay, but there are simply better places to photograph birds in San Gerardo de Dota.

Likes

  • The price! One of the most economical lodges in San Gerardo de Dota.
  • A more active than usual bird feeder. (Just 1!)
  • The simplicity of the place and the meals.
  • Friendliness of the ladies running it.

Dislikes

  • No good Quetzal photo while there. No great guides like Savegre or even Trogon. The club had a guide but he didn’t know where Quetzals were like the local guides.
  • Very small piece of land. Not as much to explore on property as other places there.

Nature & Other Activities

  • Their good bird feeder.
  • It is in San Gerardo de Dota, so you can go anywhere in the area.
  • Black-capped Flycatcher
  • Talamanca Hummingbird
  • Flame Tanager male
  • Flame Tanager female
  • Acorn Woodpecker

Rooms & Food

  • Simple, basic and good, nothing fancy or gourmet! But fine!

Getting There

  • Driving from Atenas is 124 km or about 3 hours.
  • Most tour companies provide transportation to the lodge. I use Walter Ramirez in Atenas, Walter’s Taxis & Tours, call or WhatsApp (506) 8873 4266.
  • Public bus does not go to the lodge, but you can get a bus to a further south location that will stop and let you off at the highway exit for San Gerardo de Dota and the lodge will pick you up there. Talk to the lodge about which bus is better. And see schedules on https://thebusschedule.com/cr/

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Morning Fog Vista from Mariam’s Quetzals.