The high season for visits to San Gerardo de Dota is from December to April. While May through November is the official rainy season, the rainiest months are September and October, and rain is expected all year, even in the high season. Therefore, many tourists want to go to a cloud forest to see a quetzal, a beautiful bird that is the national bird of Guatemala but is found easier in Costa Rica due to its protected environment.  While Monteverde is more well known for quetzals, only in San Gerardo de Dota can you see them all year. 

The temperature in San Gerardo de Dota is quite different than in much of Costa Rica. The temperature can be as low as 55 degrees at night as it’s a cloud forest. Daytime temperatures may be in the low 70s. Rain is expected all year. Don’t count on a true dry season. Rain is present most days, but this adds to the beauty of the forest. You may get away with shorts and T-shirts during the day but will need a sweater at night. Some lodges provide space heaters.

Yes. It’s a quiet family destination for rest and rejuvenation. It’s magical and boasts scenes almost out of a storybook. It’s off the beaten track and a unique place to take in the cool mountain air, green mountains, and fresh water to swim in or tour through. Locals and tourists spend their days fishing, visiting botanical gardens, and relaxing under waterfalls in this natural wonderland.

The majority of the restaurants, including “Comidas Tipicas Miriam” and “Los Lagos Restaurant”  in San Gerardo de Dota, serve local and international cuisine. Try the typical breakfast, “pinto, " a flavorful rice and beans dish with onion, pepper, and cilantro hints. It’s accompanied by sour cream, tortillas, and eggs. The typical lunch has rice and beans separated and accompanied by chicken, fish, pork, beef, plantains, a vegetable dish, and salad. There’s also an Italian pizzeria that’s pretty good and an open-air restaurant that caters to many diets, including vegetarian, celiac, and vegan. It’s called Cafe Kahawa. You’ll want to try some locally grown coffee, fresh trout, and locally sourced prized mushrooms at least once during your stay in San Gerardo de Dota.