Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills holidays
Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills holidays at a glance
This is one of Costa Rica’s most unspoilt natural areas. Sitting on the Pacific side of the continental divide, the valley and foothills draw walkers, birdwatchers and nature lovers after immersive wildlife experiences.
Dominating the landscape is Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest peak, which pulls in adventurous trekkers. Below the mountain, forested valleys and foothills teem with bird, mammal and reptile life.
The trout-filled Savegre River winds through dense rainforest, waterfalls and canyons before eventually flowing towards the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio National Park. Fishing and white-water rafting are among the area’s outdoor attractions.
The forests around San Gerardo de Dota are famous for their quetzal population. Fruiting trees attract these birds alongside other tropical species, making the area one of Costa Rica’s best birdwatching destinations.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
These forested foothills and valleys are a magnet for nature lovers, especially bird watchers and walkers.
When to visit Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills
Best time to visit Savegre Valley? Sitting between roughly 1,000m and 2,200m, expect cooler temperatures than the lowlands and mist year-round, whenever you go.
The driest climate and the best months for bird-watching are between February and April. Temperatures at this altitude remain in the mid 20°Cs, although the areas around San Isidro Del General are noticeably warmer and you’ll encounter mostly tropical rainforest as you descend towards the coastal area of Dominical.
It can rain at any time here but most precipitation falls between May – November, which awakens the most lush and verdant foliage. This ‘green’ season is quieter in terms of visitor numbers and can be cool at night.
Top Things to do in Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills
The region’s appeal centres on wildlife, birdwatching, hiking and exploring Costa Rica’s cloud forests – among the best things to do in Savegre Valley is simply following the trails and seeing what crosses your path.
Visit the famous national parks and lesser-known private nature reserves of Costa Rica.
Visit the famous national parks and lesser-known private nature reserves of Costa Rica.
Accommodation in Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills
Our featured accommodation in the region is Trogon Lodge, set within the wildlife-rich Savegre Valley. Accommodation in the area is designed to maximise access to birdwatching opportunities, hiking trails and the surrounding cloud forests.
Trogon Lodge is a stylish countryside property in the Savegre cloud-forest -offering outdoor activities and bird-watching.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Off The Beaten Track Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills · Pacific coast · Osa Peninsula
14 days from £3,750
FAQs about visiting Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills
Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Savegre and Chirripo?
At 2,200m above sea level and frequently swathed in mist, San Gerado de Dota has cooler temperatures than the lowlands. It can rain at any time but most precipitation falls between May – Nov. This ‘green’ season is quieter in terms of visitor numbers. The best months for bird-watching are Feb – Apr. The areas around San Isidro Del General is noticeably warmer and the eco-structure is predominantly tropical rain forest as you drop towards the coastal area of Dominical.
- What language is spoken in Savegre and Chirripo?
The main language spoken in Savegre and Chirripo is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Savegre and Chirripo?
The Colón is the main currency used in Savegre and Chirripo. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in San Isidro Del General but we recommend drawing out money in San Jose airport first. UK credit or debit cards are accepted but take cash for smaller or remoter areas. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) too.
- What is the time difference between Savegre, Chirripo and the UK?
The time difference between Savegre, Chirripo and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with Savegre and Chirripo?
A visit to the remote Southern Pacific coast for a beach wind down at Dominical or Uvita ( 2-3 hours by road) and the spectacular Corcovado National Park on Osa Peninsula (2-3 hours by road and 1 hour by boat ). Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.
- How do I get to Savegre and Chirripo?
The Savegre Valley and Chirripo Foothills are reached by a 3-5hr drive from San José along the Cerro de la Muerte with Los Quetzales National Park on your right and the Talamanca mountain range on your left. Dropping down to the bottom of the valley and leaving the main highway, the road winds for approximately 1 hour.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Savegre and Chirripo?
During January in San Isidro del General the Fiesta Cívica fills the streets and locals dress up while mariachis provide the soundtrack. In May when the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro, is honored with a colorful parade.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.