Sitting along the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the small town of San Gerardo de Dota may be lacking in size, but it makes up for it in natural beauty.Travelers come here to hike through the pristine wilderness and view some of the region’s most predominant flora and fauna.

This quaint village is one of San Jose’s finest and, while not a major tourist destination, is one of the best locations for bird watching opportunities. The surrounding cloud forest is a haven for both birds and a vast variety of insect species, both of which likely go hand in hand.

Tucked along the Savegre River Valley near Los Quetzals National Park, the community is a hot bed for avian species. In fact, roughly 200 species flock to and from the region, including tanagers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and the famous resplendent quetzals. No question this place is a haven for birdwatchers.

Considered to be among the most striking birds in the world, the quetzals here nest in the nearby cloud forest and can be seen most of the year.

Nature enthusiasts will love the dense cloud forests, moss-covered oak trees, tropical plants and extensive network of trails through the region. Due to the diverse eco systems of the area, travelers will find plenty of beautiful spots to snap photos or take the occasional selfie.