The Quetzal´s Route

Is called the Quetzal’s route, because in the highest part of Providencia de Dota it is very possible to watch this famous bird, with its fine feathers, which are a mixture of brilliant red and green colors.

During this walk you will be passing from a cold climate 1950 Mts. high to a warm one in Savegre  de Quepos that  is located on the sea level. Hiking  through the  secondary and primary forest.  Gives the hiker the opportunity to observe the different types of vegetation and zones of life located in the forestal reserve of  Los Santos.

Also, you will have the chance to share with five rural communities: Providencia de Dota, Piedras Blanca’s community, San Isidro de Dota, Rio Blanco and Quebrada Arroyo.  All these communities belong to Coopesavegre Cooperative, which at the same time is affiliated to Cooprena, R. L.

This hike includes three lodging nights, 3 daily meals and an English Speaking guide and a local assitant.

Day 1: Quetzal National Park/ Providencia de Dota / Albergue la Chaqueta 

At 6:00 A.M. welcome at the Quetzal National Park entrance, and then transfer in a 4X4 to Providencia de Dota.  At 7:30 begins the hiking towards La Chaqueta.  This is one of the hardest segments of the entire itinerary, going through the heart of the Forestal Reserve of Los Santos.  During this trip you will be able to observe the dense Tropical Humid forest, where coexist in perfect harmony a great number of species of flora and fauna.

Overnight at La Chaqueta Lodge, which is managed by the Mora family who mainly dedicate themselves to agricultural labors and to the attention of the hikers that pass by the area. Rooms are equipped with bunk beds, shared bathrooms and with cold water only. (Average temperature in the area 24 degrees) with a capacity of 24 persons maximum. 

Technical Level High: This hiking has duration of approximately   8 hours and the distance is of 14 Kilometers. It begins at an altitude of 1750msnm, then ascends up to 1922msnm, from here initiates a continuous descending up to 706msnm, where the La Chaqueta Lodge is situated.

The day begins with a delicious typical hot breakfast.  After we take the trail towards Piedras  Blancas Community, located at the middle of the way, where the Granados Family which manages the initiative where a typical lunch will be served. After lunch,the hike continues to in direction to Rancho Tinamu.

During this journey the hiker can observe some parts of the primary forest utilized by agricultural and cattle practices of the residents of the area.  During the walk the Savegre river has to becrossed twice, the first time through a hanging bridge and after using an ferrycable.

San Isidro de Dota, which is a tipical village of the zone, is located in the protected zone of Cerro Nara (Nara Hill), counts with evergreen exuberant forests.  The water richness of the zone is impressive due to its countless sources; many of these can be seen on the way. 

The zone is one of the rainiest areas of the country with precipitations close to 5000 mm. From certain points of San Isidro de Dota the views of the Savegre riverbasin are really magnificent and if the climate permits it el Cerro de la Muerte can be seen and a beautiful panorama of the pacific coast.  

The Rancho Tinamu is managed by the Parra family who also dedicate themselves to agricultural and cattle activities besides attending the tourists that visit the area. 

Technical level, basic: The distance is of 14kilometers, approximately 6 hours hiking. This journey begins at an altitude of 706 msn at La Chaqueta and descends to 400 msnn in Rio Piedras Blancas and then ascends up to 900 msnm when reaching San Isidro de Dota the altitude is of 840 msnm, where Rancho Tinamu is located.

RanchoTinamu:  Has 8 rooms, some of these equipped with bunk beds.  Shared bath rooms. Cold water only.

Day3: San Isidro de Dota/Quebrada Arroyo  

Early departure from San Isidro de Dota towards Quebrada Arroyo, where Los Campesinos reserve is located.  This village is also known as the “Vanilla Men” due to the fact that this condiment was one of the  main plants seeded and harvested by the farmers in the area. The forest in the area is considered in recuperation.

After lunch, here you will have the opportunity to walk through one of the most fantastic hanging bridges in the country, also to take a refreshing bath in one of the natural pools formed by the waterfalls of the place.   After dinner a meeting with the locals ofthe village takes place.  Here the founders give a talk about the history of the village.  The Lodge counts with 8 cabins, all of them count with a small terrace, and private bath. Each cabin counts with 4 bunkbeds.  

Technical Level, Medium:   Duration 5 hours, distance 14 kilomenters,descending 400 msnm.

4 Day:  Quebrada Arroyo/El Silencio  

Breakfast.  Early  departure to El Silencio.  First we walk down the hill up to the river for about an hour , then after passing the river on another ferry  cable, we reach Santo Domingo village, to continue the hiking for 3 more hours in a plane road until arriving to El Silencio Cooperative, located at Savegre de Quepos.  After lunch, end of the route. 

Technical Level, Basic:   Duration 4 hours, distance 8 kilometers,descending from 250 msnm to the sea level.  

LODGING FACILITIES

Albergue La Chaqueta

Rancho Tinamu

Los Campesinos

Incluyes:

• All meals.  Lunch and dinner the first day and breakfastthe last day (Authentic costarican food),incluyes natural refreshment and coffe.

• Snack duringeach  hacking

• Lodging in the mentioned lodges at thefoot of this program

• English speaking guide.  And Local assistant.

• Ground transportation  mentioned in this program   

• Unhandled luggage assistance

• A litter of water daily

• 3 Lodging nights as mentioned in the program

What to wear:

• •  Warm clothing for the mountain

  • Light clothing for the warm areas

  • Raining coat

  • Mosquito repelent

  • Towel and bathing suit  for refresing baths on the way

  • Flash light

  • Sweets and other

  • Special shoes for long hiking

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