San José ⇄ San Gerardo de Dota (Quetzal Route)
Price
$6 / ₡3,000
Duration
2h 30mOperator
MUSOCTerminal
MUSOC Terminal (drop off Km 80)Official MUSOC southbound buses depart hourly from 5:30 AM; get off at Kilometer 80. From $6 USD.
Travel through the majestic Cerro de la Muerte to the San Gerardo de Dota valley — one of the best places in the world for spotting the resplendent quetzal.
Official Direct Bus Schedules
| Service | Monday–Friday | Weekends & Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| ⬆️ Outbound (to destination) | Hourly from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM (get off at Km 80) | Hourly from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM (get off at Km 80) |
| ⬇️ Return (to origin) | Hourly from 4:30 AM to 5:30 PM (from Km 80) | Hourly from 4:30 AM to 5:30 PM (from Km 80) |
Alternative Routes & Connecting Options
Can not find a direct bus? These proven combinations get you there with easy transfers:
- 🔁 Via Cartago: any southern bus from Cartago passing the Cerro de la Muerte, get off at Km 80.
- 🔁 Local taxis from the Km 80 stop reach the villages in 15 minutes.
Essential Backpacker & Travel Tips
- 🎒 Tell the driver you are getting off at "Kilómetro 80" (Curva de Dota). It is cold mountain weather — bring warm layers. Early morning is the best time to see quetzals.
- 🍽️ Food & Rest Stops: No main stop — tell the driver
- 💳 Payment on board: No
- 💵 Always carry cash in Costa Rican colones for local buses; card is not guaranteed on all operators.
- 🧊 Air conditioning and luggage size vary by operator; arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes early.
Destination Photo Gallery
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