The Quetzal Trail - 8 Days / 7 Nights
The Quetzal Trail, an unforgettable trekking adventure through Costa Rica’s cloud forests, rural communities, and pristine national parks. This 8-day itinerary takes you from the highlands of San Gerardo de Dota—home of the legendary resplendent quetzal—through hidden villages and breathtaking mountain landscapes, before reaching the golden beaches of Manuel Antonio. Along the way, experience authentic rural hospitality, discover lush primary and secondary forests, and enjoy close encounters with the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. Perfect for active travelers seeking both cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.
Summary
Places to visit:
➣ San Gerardo de Dota
➣ Manuel Antonio
Main attractions:
➣ Lots of wildlife (flora and fauna)
➣ Mid-level Trekking through cloud forest and rural communities.
➣ Direct contact with the hosting people in each lodging and shearing experiences
➣ Manuel Antonio National Park
Price US $ 2,004 per person. It could change depending on seasons.
This tour includes:
✓ Airport transfer - hotel and assistance
✓ 1 night at San Jose Hotel
✓ 6 nights in rural lodgings, 5 Days – 4 nights Trekking Package
✓ 2 nights at Manuel Antonio Hotel
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Three daily meals during the Trek
✓ Transportation needed
✓ Service and hotel taxes
✓ Price from US $ 2.004 per person. It could change depending on seasons.
This tour DOESN'T includes:
➣ Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
➣ Optional Tours
➣ Local and international calls
➣ Personal medical expenses
➣ Departure taxes (US$29 per person)
➣ Air tickets from and to Costa Rica
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO COSTA RICA
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at the international airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in San José. Accommodation.
DAY 2: SAN JOSE – SAN GERARDO
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards San Gerardo de Dota, a charming mountain village in the Talamanca range. Known as one of the best places in the world to spot the resplendent quetzal, this region offers a serene atmosphere surrounded by cloud forest landscapes. Accommodation.
DAY 3: SAN GERARDO – PROVIDENCIA (12 km hike)
Breakfast at the hotel. At 8:30 am, meet your naturalist guide and begin your trek from San Gerardo to the rural community of Providencia de Dota. This scenic 12 km trail passes through primary and secondary forests at varying elevations, offering plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife and bird species. Arrival in Providencia in time for lunch. Accommodation in a rural lodge.
DAY 4: PROVIDENCIA – BETANIA (14 km hike)
Early breakfast at 5:30 am. Transfer to Cerro Vueltas, the starting point of today’s 14 km trek. The hike takes 7–8 hours, crossing oak forests and offering breathtaking views of the Central Pacific. Picnic lunch on route. Overnight stay in Betania, at 900 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll stay in a rustic lodge, sleeping in tents with mattresses under a roofed platform. Shared bathrooms are available. Wake up to spectacular forest views and the songs of tropical birds.
DAY 5: BETANIA – SAN ISIDRO DE DOTA (7 km hike)
Breakfast at 5:30 am. Begin a 7 km trek (approx. 4–5 hours) to San Isidro de Dota. Arrival around 11:30 am at Rancho Tinamú, a family-run lodge where you’ll spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the Parra family. Accommodation and dinner.
DAY 6: SAN ISIDRO DE DOTA – MANUEL ANTONIO (18 km hike)
Breakfast at 5:30 am. Start your longest trek of the journey: an 18 km hike (7–8 hours) from San Isidro to Londres de Quepos. Stop for lunch at the rural lodge Los Campesinos in Quebrada Arroyo, then continue your descent towards the Pacific lowlands. Upon arrival in Londres, transfer to the coastal town of Manuel Antonio. Accommodation.
DAY 7: MANUEL ANTONIO – FREE DAY
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to relax on Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches or explore the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, home to monkeys, sloths, and abundant wildlife. Accommodation.
DAY 8: MANUEL ANTONIO – INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the international airport for your departure. Drop off your rental car. Departure according to your flight schedule.
Much to explore
