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QUETZAL TOUR

Quick details.

• Users Ages: 6+
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• Map Marker Departure Location: Paraíso Quetzal Lodge
• Clock Start Time(s): 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Adult (Minimum of 2)

Ages 12 and up, ages 6 to 11, box meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner), enjoy a gentle walk to see quetzals in costa rica.

A gentle 1.5 km walk through the cloud forest will lead you to the quetzal’s habitat. The hike will take approximately two hours, led by a professional guide equipped with a spotting scope and a bird guide. The guide will provide detailed explanations along the way.

MEAL PURCHASE

If purchasing a meal, please consider the following meal schedule:

• Breakfast: 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
• Lunch: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Dinner: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING

Transportation recommended. Please contact us after booking the tour if you will not have private transport.

RELATED ADVENTURES

• Hour Glass 6 Hours
• Map Marker Paraíso Quetzal Lodge

HIGHLANDS BIRDING TOUR

This six-hour tour is specifically designed for bird lovers! Accompanied by an expert guide, identify a diversity of local birds and learn about their unique characteristics.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

GUIDED TRAILS AT PARAÍSO QUETZAL LODGE

Discover our expansive grounds with one of our guides! This guided trails at Paraíso Quetzal Lodge are the perfect place to discover the local ecosystem.

CALL US AT 970-449-3645 [email protected]

Upcoming Featured Tours:

Usa birding tours.

Please inquire about dates and details of the tours listed on this page

Colorado Birding Tours

Colorado Grouse Tour:  April 3-10, 2020 from Denver.  $2200 ($350 Single Supplement) with $150 discount per person if two or more people sign up together.  We will visit display grounds, known as leks, for Greater Sage-Grouse, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, and Sharp-tailed Grouse.  We will also look for Dusky Grouse and White-tailed Ptarmigan in addition to many other Colorado specialty birds like Rosy-finches, American Three-toed Woodpecker, and Pinyon Jay.

Colorado Grouse Tour :  April 26 - May 3, 2020 from Denver.  $2300 ($350 Single Supplement).  We will visit display grounds, known as leks, for Greater Sage-Grouse, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, and Sharp-tailed Grouse.  We will also look for Dusky Grouse and White-tailed Ptarmigan in addition to many other Colorado specialty birds like Mountain Plover, Gray Vireo, and American Three-toed Woodpecker.  10% discount if you sign up before January 31st, 2020.  

Custom Grouse Tours: We offer custom tours for smaller groups to see any of your target species including Greater Sage-Grouse, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Dusky Grouse, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Chukar, all three Rosy-finches, Gray Vireo, American Dipper, Pinyon Jay, Mountain Plover, Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown's Longspur, and many more! Available upon request in from late March to mid-May only.  Contact us for rates and availability.

Rocky Mountain Peaks and Colorado Prairies:   We can help you find your target species in Colorado whether they be a White-tailed Ptarmigan on a high mountain pass or a McCown's Longspur on the prairie.  Contact us for rates and availability.

New England

Option 1. White Mountains, with Donald Wilkinson. Highlights include Ruffed Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Bicknell's Thrush, Saltmarsh and Nelson's Sparrows. Join tour in Portland, ME. Available in June upon request. Option 2. Cape Cod, with Donald Wilkinson. Join tour in Boston. Available upon request.

Southeast Arizona

Santa Rita and Huachuca Mountains. Join tour in Tucson. Available upon request.

These tours are available upon request. Inquire for details. Option 1. Spring Migration on the Gulf Coast, with Greg Lavaty. Join tour in Houston. Option 2. Edwards Plateau and Big Bend National Park, with Greg Lavaty. Join tour in San Antonio. Option 3. Rio Grande Valley, with Greg Lavaty. Join tour in McAllen.

These tours are available upon request. Inquire for details. Hawaii Volcanoes, with Lance Tanino. Join tour in Kona.

Read Testimonials.

Have a group but no leader? Custom tours available!

Contact: Nick Komar, 970-449-3645 E-mail: [email protected]

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QUETZAL TOUR

There are no words to explain how it feels to see a Resplendent Quetzal. If this is your goal, you are in the right place. We are your best choice of guide.

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience as we search for the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal in the lush forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Led by our expert guides, you’ll explore the best habitats for the Quetzal, where you’ll have the opportunity to see its striking colors and its elegant and amazing behavior.

Our tour is designed to maximize your chances of spotting the Quetzal, and we’ll use our extensive knowledge of the bird’s behavior and habits to help you get the best possible sightings. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the ecology and natural history of one of the top 10 most beautiful birds in the world, the Resplendent Quetzal.

Our 2-hour tour is suitable for both novice and experienced birdwatchers.

Don’t miss your chance to see the Resplendent Quetzal and discover the natural beauty of the Savegre Valley. Book your tour with us today!

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Discovering the Resplendent Quetzal: A Guide to Costa Rica’s Prime Viewing Locations

by Joan Borreli | Mar 20, 2024 | Costa Rica Birding Blog

Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity. There are few places in the world that offer such an incredible array of birds and animals in such a small area.

Costa Rica is the third country in the world with the most bird species per square kilometer. Only Trinidad and Tobago and Panama out rank Costa Rica in that regard. It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and especially Bird Watchers.

Among its many treasures, the Resplendent Quetzal stands out as an iconic symbol of Central America. With its iridescent plumage, haunting call, and interesting nesting habits, witnessing the Quetzal in its natural habitat is a bucket-list experience for most avid birders.

In this article we will look at the best places in Costa Rica to observe this gorgeous bird. The nesting season for the Quetzal is from late January through mid-March. It is an especially memorable experience to see the male Quetzal, in full plumage gliding through the forest with his gorgeous emerald tail flowing behind him.

Here are the top locations for viewing the Resplendent Quetzal

Monteverde:.

Nestled in the misty mountains of the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Curi Cancha Reserve, and the Santa Elena Reserve offer a lush backdrop for Quetzal sightings. The misty cloud forest, alive with orchids, bromeliads, vines, towering tree ferns and tropical foliage provides a haven for hundreds of bird species, including the elusive Quetzal. Visitors can walk and hike on a network of well-maintained trails, immersing themselves in the pristine beauty of the cloud forest.

Monteverde’s various reserves showcase towering moss-draped trees and colorful orchids dotted throughout the forest. This is the prime habitat for the Resplendent Quetzal. Birders and photographers will be rewarded with sightings of the Quetzal’s vibrant plumage as it flits through the canopy in search of sustenance. The wild avocado trees are the favorite meal of the Quetzal, but other fruit bearing trees will often attract these birds. The easiest time to see the Quetzal in Monteverde is between February and July. There are Quetzals here year round, but they are most active and easy to see when the food supply is at its peak. Quetzals in Monteverde do migrate altitudinally as they search for their favorite food, the wild avocado. It is likely to see the Quetzal with a visit to any of the reserves in Monteverde regardless of the time you visit.

Top Locations in Monteverde:

● Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve ● Curi Cancha Reserve ● Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena

Top Hotels in Monteverde:

● Senda Monteverde ● Hotel Montana de Monteverde ● Hotel Heliconia ● Cloud Forest Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota / the Savegre Valley:

Enfolded in the Talamanca Mountains, the pristine San Gerardo de Dota or Savegre Valley offers a secluded retreat for both Quetzals and many highland bird species. This lush habitat boasts a cool climate. Rolling hills, sparse paramo and dense oak forests, provide a unique refuge for the Quetzal year round.

Unlike the busy tourist areas, San Gerardo de Dota offers a peaceful setting where bird watchers, photographers, and nature lovers can immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.

San Gerardo de Dota is the easiest place to see the Quetzal year round. Due to the bountiful food supply in this area, the Quetzal is not forced to migrate much, altitudinally, to find a reliable food source. This allows the area to have the largest population of Quetzals in Costa Rica.

The nesting season, from late January through early April, does provide visitors the chance to see the most activity, but it is very likely that a visit to San Gerardo de Dota anytime of year will provide great looks at this magnificent bird.

The Savegre Valley is situated on the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Mountains, this abundant valley boasts several lovely habitats or life zones. From the misty cloud forests to pristine rivers or the interesting paramo, birders and photographers will enjoy the opportunity to enjoy many highland species. Here, the Quetzal finds sanctuary amidst the towering trees and dense vegetation and remains the “king” of the highlands. Don’t miss out on the array of endemic and near endemic species that share the skies and forest with the Quetzal.

Professional birding guides, who know the area, and understand Quetzal’s habits, will lead visitors into the heart of the valley, where fantastic birds nest and forage. Knowing where the food sources are, where nesting sites exist, and what calls to listen for, help guides to ensure guests are able to find the Quetzal in the forest. We highly recommend having a professional birding guide with you on your visit to expound on your chances of seeing this bird.

Whether perched silently on a mossy branch or darting through the canopy in a flash of emerald green, encountering the Quetzal in the wild is an experience beyond true description.

Top Hotels in San Gerardo De Dota:

● Savegre Lodge ● Suria Lodge ● Suenos del Bosque Lodge ● Quetzal Paradise Lodge

La Amistad International Park:

On Costa Rica’s southern border with Panama lies the La Amistad International Park. This rugged park is the largest National Park (International Park) in Central America. It covers over 1.5 million acres of unspoiled, pristine forest. This vast wilderness, with very little contact with humans, is home to a huge array of animals and birds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes lowland rainforests and montane cloud forests, providing a haven for species like the Quetzal. Within its hidden trails and groves, visitors can hike the rugged terrain searching for the Quetzal in an undisturbed setting.

Traversing the trails of La Amistad International Park, adventurers may glimpse the Quetzal amidst the towering trees and cascading waterfalls that characterize the region. Remote and untamed, this wilderness offers a glimpse into Costa Rica’s most natural heartland.

Visitors to La Amistad should be aware that hikes in this region are for the physically fit.

Top Hotels near La Amistad:

● Chirripo Art Hotel ● Hotel de Montana El Pelicano

Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the misty heights of Monteverde to the secluded valleys of San Gerardo de Dota, the country offers a myriad of opportunities to witness the beauty of the Resplendent Quetzal in its natural habitat.

As visitors immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and rich ecosystems of these prime Quetzal viewing locations, they gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.

Is seeing the Resplendent Quetzal on your birding bucket list? We’d love to help you choose the best time to plan your trip to Costa Rica and experience this beautiful bird. Whether you’re a bird watcher or a photographer, Costa Rica Focus can help you plan the perfect trip. Interested? Click here to contact us. The Resplendent Quetzal is waiting for you.

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Costa Rica Focus is a birding tour company that offers customized Costa Rica birdwatching tours for individuals or groups of people and guided by a knowledgeable birding expert who will help you spot and learn about the beauty of the birds of Costa Rica. Let’s talk about your Costa Rica birding vacation!

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COSTA RICA 12-Day: Quetzals and Hummingbirds

TOUR FOCUS BIRDS & WILDLIFE

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Scheduled tours, trip leaders, glenn crawford.

From: $4,450  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)

6 - 10  Participants

AVAILABILITY

2024: 6 spaces available

PRIVATE TOUR OPTION

This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

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Highlights of COSTA RICA 12-Day: Quetzals and Hummingbirds

• 800 plus species of birds
• The stunning Resplendent Quetzal
• Over 50 species of hummingbirds
• Incredible and beautiful habitat diversity

Description of COSTA RICA 12-Day: Quetzals and Hummingbirds

Costa Rica has become one of the most popular birding destination in the Americas thanks to the abundance of birds and other wildlife. Thanks to Costa Rica’s incredible habitat diversity, and its location as part of the land-bridge between North and South America, it is home to over 900 species of birds that have been recorded within Costa Rica’s borders.

Visiting multiple diverse habitats, the highlands of Cerro de la Muerte is drenched with mosses, lichens and orchids while the Caribbean lowlands are lush with bromeliads and heliconias. The mangrove-lined rivers and dry forest of the Pacific coast offer a new and different set of plants and wildlife. Throughout the trip we will look for Bay-headed Tanager, Rufous Motmot, Snowcap, Black-crested Coquet, Fiery-throated Hummingbird and, of course, the revered Resplendent Quetzal.

Length of Tour

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrival / Hotel Bougainvillea

Days 2 through 4 – Pacific Dry Forest

Days 5 through 7 – Highlands of Savegre

Days 8 through 10 – Caribbean lowlands

Day 11 – Return to Hotel Bougainvillea

Day 12 – Flights Home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 arrival in costa rica.

Participants may be arriving in Costa Rica at varying times throughout the day. Please arrive no later than 4:00pm so you will be at hotel in time for dinner. After a relaxing dinner we will have a brief orientation to Costa Rica and the tour. Then have a good night’s rest and prepare for an early rise to begin our amazing journey!

Day 2 Drive to the Pacific Dry Forest

AM After Breakfast the group will load the van and drive down the slope to the Pacific Coast. Expect at least a 4 hour drive depending on birding (and crocodile viewing) stops along the way!

PM Lunch along the way plus a visit to the Tarcoles Bridge to view the crocodiles before arriving at our lodge. After check-in we will meet for some birding before dinner. Dinner at the lodge.

The Hotel lies near the Pacific coast, south of the Rio Tarcoles. From here we will explore Carara National Park, a confluence of several habitats—tropical dry forest, coastal marsh and southern rainforest.

Day 3 Pacific Dry Forest

AM Early breakfast before departure to Carara National Park. As we walk the trails at Carara we will look for Scarlet Macaw, Blue-crowned Manakin, Black-faced Antthrush, and the elusive Streaked Antpitta. Nearby we have also found Pacific Screech Owl, Striped Owl, Olivaceous Piculet, and the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird.

PM Boxed lunch so we can continue birding. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 4 Pacific Dry Forest

AM Early breakfast The dry scrub along Guacimo Road, offers a whole new suite of birds, including Double-striped Thick-knee, White-throated Magpie-Jays, Turquoise-browed Motmots and possibly Gray-cowled Wood-Rail.

PM Return to hotel for lunch and a brief siesta before departing for the Rio Tarcoles for a boat trip in the tidewater bay and river in search of waders, caracaras, parrots, warblers and the elusive Rufous-necked Woodrail. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 5 Drive to The highlands of Savegre

AM Early breakfast before departing for the Savegre Valley, about 6 hours with birding stops. Lunch on the way.

PM Arrival at lodge, birding after check-in.

NOTE: At this higher elevation, please take walks slow and steady!

Our lodge, set into the hillside at about 7000 feet, offers comfortable rooms, with heaters as it gets very cool at night at this elevation. The restaurant offers excellent meals that often include fresh trout.

Surrounded by one of the finest examples of highland pine-oak cloud forest on the planet, the ride into the valley is spectacular! The surrounding private nature reserve is the best place in the world to see the Resplendent Quetzal—one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas. Other “hot” finds here may include Flame-colored Tanager, Volcano Junco, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and Flame-throated Warbler.

Day 6 Savegre

AM Pre-breakfast birding, breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast we will get a ride to the top of the mountain above the lodge. This is a bumpy truck ride, so hang on! Specialties here include Costa Rican Pygmy Owl and Silvery-throated Jay.

PM Lunch at the lodge before afternoon birding along the river in search of American Dipper and many of the other specialties. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 7 Savegre

AM Pre-breakfast birding, breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast we will walk along the river and explore the waterfall trail for more highland specialties.

PM Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon birding along the river and up the entrance road to higher elevations.

Day 8 To Caribbean Lowlands

AM Breakfast before departing for Selva Verde Lodge (about 6 hours with stops). Birding stop on top of the mountain for Fiery-throated Hummingbird if we did not get it before departing Savegre.

PM Late afternoon arrival at Selva Verde Lodge and birding from lodge deck and around the property before dinner.

Selva Verde is located in the midst of the 500 acre Sarapiquí Rainforest Preservation Area in the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, bird and wildlife watchers, scientists and students, as well as adventure seekers.

The rainforest surrounding Selva Verde provides habitat for over 300 bird species, 120 species of mammals, 48 amphibian species, 89 reptile species, more than 10,000 species of insects, approximately 1,500 species of orchids, 330 species of trees and countless plants.

On a tour of Costa Rica’s rainforest it is possible to find between 50 and 100 different tree species in a few acres. You will also find a wide diversity of plants, birds and animals. There are approximately 1,500 species of orchids alone.

Day 9 Caribbean Lowlands

AM After breakfast at the lodge we will head to the La Selva Research Station for a full day of birding. The station offers 1,600 hectares of well-preserved old-growth and recovering wet lowland tropical forest that abuts the Braulio Carrillo National Park. The 4 to 6 km wide forested corridor that connects La Selva at 35 m above sea level to the Barva Volcano at 2,906 m is one of the best-preserved elevational gradients in the tropics..

PM We will have lunch at the station so we can continue to bird the grounds before returning to our lodge for dinner.

Day 10 Caribbean lowlands

AM Today’s birding will begin along the Rio San Jose, through gallery forests in search of the many birds that can be found here. Afterward we will enjoy Reserva El Tapir, known as the “Old Butterfly Garden,” full of butterflies, of course, but also many hummingbirds… including the much sought after Snowcap.

PM After a lunch on the road, we will enjoy the feeders and trails at Cope’s Gardens. Here we will seek numerous species including, Crested Owl, Spectacled Owl, Uniform Crake, Thicket Antpitta and Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant. Dinner back at the lodge.

Day 11 San Jose / Hotel Bougainvillaea

AM After breakfast at the lodge we will pack up and head to the La Paz Waterfalls and Hummingbird Gardens. Full of feeders and wonderful scenery, we will enjoy much of the morning here with lunch at the Gardens as well.

PM Early afternoon we will continue our drive to San Jose (about 2 hours not including birding stops). We will have dinner at Hotel Bougainvillea.

Today’s drive will offer more spectacular views and some good birding stops as we return to San Jose for our farewell dinner and a good night’s sleep before returning to the USA.

Day 12 Return to USA

Departures to USA at anytime throughout the day.

Cost Details

Cost is $4,450 per person, based upon double occupancy, from San Jose, Costa Rica (Airport code SJO). This trip ends in San Jose, Costa Rica (Airport code SJO).

Single Supplement

If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $900 will be assessed.

Deposit Requirements

A $500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

Hotel bougainvillea.

Hotel Bougainvillea lies 45 minutes north of San Jose in the “suburb” of Heredia. A typical hotel large hotel, the Bougainvillea offers all the expected amenities. However, the hotel is well known for its lush gardens which are well kept and home to many birds! This stop makes a great first and/or last night for any birding trip.

Sueños del Bosque

Sueños del Bosque sits at about 7000 feet on the side of a mountain, surrounded by cloud forest, along the Savegre River. The lodge offers comfortable rooms with en suite facilities and heaters, which are sometimes needed at this elevation. Keep a rain jacket handy however, as you are in the clouds.

Selva Verde Lodge

Selva Verde Lodge lies in the Caribbean lowlands only a few hours from San Jose. Its lush forest offers great birding opportunities along its many muddy trails. Bungalows are comfortable with en suite facilities. Delicious meals are served in the main building.

Activity Level

Activity level rating:  2  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

Mostly easy trails, though often muddy. Some higher elevation walking (7000ft-10,000ft). Don’t worry, we move slow to see more!

Additional Information

The Birds of Costa Rica

(2007, Cornell University Press)

By Richard Garrigues & Robert Dean

Purchasing Flights

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

Trip Reports

Image gallery.

Location Map

Quetzal and Highland Expedition Bird Watching Tour

Resplendent quetzal.

The Resplendent Quetzal is a bird species that everybody wants to observe. Although it is not easy to find it at all. There are only two places in Costa Rica where you can observe to epic Resplendent Quetzal, these places are MonteVerde and San Gerardo Dota. Our bird watching tour takes place at San Gerardo Dota. Located approximately 3 hours from the Manuel Antonio Park area. The Dota area reaches approximately 2700 meters sea level of altitude. This altitude makes this place to be one of the most amazing areas for birds in our beautiful Costa Rica.

History of San Gerardo Dota:

When Costa Rica was still an unexplored country by naturalists, the local people started to notice about the abundance of flora and fauna. This fact gradually made our country began to attract the attention of many scientists, due to the reports of various new species for science. Then later a couple of botanists, students from Harvard University arrived to Costa Rica for an orchid investigation in the San Gerardo Dota area.

In their scientific publication, these botanists included a special note which mentioned how incredibly abundant Resplendent Quetzal was at this valley. Later this article caused several naturalists to start coming to this area, during the 70's for observing the birds, especially the Resplendent Quetzal.

In addition to the Quetzal, San Gerardo Dota has an immense population of birds, with very high presence of endemic species that have evolved at the highest mountains of Costa Rica. All of this makes this place to be definitely a great location for birdwatchers. Even non-bird watchers will highly appreciate the fantastic birdlife of the area and will be delighted with breathtaking views of these beautiful mountains besides finding the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, more than 200 species have been recorded in the Tropical and Subalpine Cloud Forest of San Gerardo de Dota and Cerro de la Muerte.

About the tour

Once we arrive at San Gerardo Dota, we start our bird watching adventure searching for different species, especially the Resplendent Quetzal. The first hours of the morning happened to be the best time of the day for finding the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, while they perch on the some of the trees eating fruits like the little avocados.

Later in the morning, we will take you to the typical ranch of Doña Miriam for enjoying a delicious breakfast, this place is also well known for the large number of birds that come to perch nearby, which makes it an excellent attraction for photographers who can easily photograph the many beautiful birds after having enjoyed a delicious typical costa rican meal.

Visiting San Gerardo Dota and the surrounding areas may be the best option for a bird watching trip in Costa Rica. As we continue the adventure, we visit several specific places at San Gerardo. Our idea is to complete the best bird watching expedition as possible.

Transportation Rates Note

• Pickup from Quepos City & Manuel Antonio is included in the regular price
• Pickup from Esterillos - Jaco - Los Sueños is NOT included in the regular price. Please let us if you need to have the transportation from these specific areas. We would be pleased to customize your tour
• Do you have any question on how to book a package with various activities?
• Do you need to accommodate a large group?
• Do you have special needs on your trip?

Please Contact us

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Costa Rica: Quetzal Photography Extravaganza

• Costa Rica: Raptor Migration Spectacular
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March 26 – April 1, 2025

From: San Jose CR

Participant Limit: 8

Activity Level: Light

Price: $4,499 per person

Double occupancy. Single supplement: $500

This is a photography tour, designed to photograph target species with a focus on quality over quantity.

With over 900 species recorded, Costa Rica is a photographer’s dream! Tanagers, hummingbirds, motmots, the list goes on but, one bird is always at the top of everyone’s list, Resplendent Quetzal! The timing of this trip allows our small groups to access private properties during the quetzal nesting season and obtain incredible images of these stunning birds. In addition, we will spend time photographing some of the incredible hummingbird species in the area. Songbird opportunities will be abundant as we visit private feeders to capture incredible images of birds like Flame-colored Tanager, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, and Slaty Flowerpiecer. Join us for this incredible opportunity in beautiful Costa Rica!

Trip Leaders

• Ground Transportation
• Park Entrance Fees

Not Included

• Passport and Visa Fees
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Personal Items
• Travel Insurance

Birds and More Seen on This Tour

Questions about this tour?

Tour question.

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Privacy Overview

TOUR RATES 2023-2025

From 1 March 2023 until 15 November 2025

With our certified English/Spanish speaking guide

Children until 6 years free, 6-12 years half price, with the exception of the horseback tour.

Lunch or snack available to take with you; snack USD 11,69 A.T.I., lunch USD 17,84 A.T.I.

TIP: please wear clothes without bright colours when you make the quetzal or bird watching tour, in order to minimize the impact.

• It can happen that you have to enter a private property with admission fee, depending the migration pattern of the  Quetzal . This fee is NOT included in the rates and is maximum 5,- USD per person
• Minimum of two persons per tour
• Tour is not made with our guide
• Tour with own transportation. If you need transportation, please let us know.

Have a look at the  bird -checklist and mammal-checklist  of our  forest  reserve

Tour description.

Quetzal Tour

Leave for an early morning walk to see the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), the sacred bird of the Aztec and Maya Cultures. San Gerardo de Dota is known to be the best place in Costa Rica to see this magnificent bird, with a yearly success rate of over 95% with our experienced guide.

Starts between 5 and 6 am on the public road in front of the reception parking lot. Ask at reception the exact time, arriving 5 minutes late may result in losing your tour!

Duration: aprox. 2 Hours Location: Valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, warm clothing, poncho It can happen that you have to enter a private property with admission fee, depending the migration pattern of the Quetzal.

This fee is NOT included in the rates and is maximum 5,- USD per person

Guided flora and fauna tour in the Dantica Forest Reserve

During this tour we give special attention to our “wild avocado trail”, where many avocado species can be found, native to this forest and the favourite food of the resplendent quetzal. Our reserve is famous for bird species such as spotted wood-quail (Odontophorus guttatus), buffy-crowned wood-partridge (Dendrortyx leucophrys) and the buffy tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes lawrencii).

Starts between 8.00 AM and 4.00 PM from the reception parking lot. Duration: 1 Hour Location: Dantica Forest ReserveDon’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, poncho

Enjoy the trails of our private Forest Reserve along the “Ojo the Agua” river, one of the clearest rivers in Central America, and walk beneath ancient oak trees, learning about the many plant species such as bromeliads, orchids, ferns and mosses. Traverse natural clearings and secondary and primary oak forest to give you a better insight in how regeneration works.

Starts between 8.00 AM and 3.00 PM from the reception parking lot Duration: 2 Hours Location: Dantica Forest Reserve

Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, poncho

Bird Watching Tour short

Explore the valley of San Gerardo de Dota and see the bird s that are typical for the upper montane cloud forest , such as the acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), black guan (Chamaepetes unicolor), golden-browed chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys) and volcano hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula).

Starts: Between 8.00 AM and 3.00 PM from the reeption parking lot Duration: 2 Hours Location: Valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, poncho

Bird Watching Tour long

The valley of San Gerardo is a wonderful place to observe bird s; it is catalogued in the famous book: “Fifty place to go birding before you die”. Of the more than 150 species that are found in this valley, over 30% are endemic, such as the long tailed silky-flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus), fiery-throated hummingbird (Panterpe insignis), black-faced solitaire (Myadestes melanops) and collared redstart (Myioborus torquatus).

Starts: Between 8.00 AM and 1.00 PM from the reception parking lot Duration: 4 Hours Location: Valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, poncho

Bird Watching Tour with waterfalls

This attractive bird ing tour takes you to the beautiful waterfalls of the Savegre river, the first one leads you over a bridge into a small cave to become part of the waterfall, the second one is one kilometer further away, surrounded by lush forest . Because you are at lower altitudes this forest is very different from the other forest s you can visit in the valley.

Starts: Between 8.00 AM and 1.00 PM from the reception parking lot Duration: 4 Hours Location: Lower valley of San Gerardo de Dota and the waterfalls Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, poncho

Los Quetzales National Park – Páramo Tour

Visit the second highest peak in Costa Rica (3491 meters asl) with its unique, mainly endemic Páramo vegetation and with a beautiful view of the Pacific coast and the Turrialba, Irazu, Barva y Poas volcanoes.

Starts: Between 6.00 AM 2.00 PM from the reception parking lot Duration: 3 Hours Location: Cerro de la Muerte, which is part of the Los Quetzales National Park  Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, warm clothing, poncho, sunglasses, sun protection

This tour is inside the National Park; currently there is no entrance fee. Rate is without entrance fee and susceptible to changes.

Los Quetzales National Park – Cerro de la Muerte Walk*

Walk down the second highest peak in Costa Rica (3491 meters asl) into the forest of the San Gerardo de Dota valley. Ascending through 2 different ecosystems and 4 different vegetation zones, this is the most complete tour we offer and it gives you a perfect insight in the biodiversity of this region.

Starts: Between 8.00 and 11.00 AM from the reception parking lot Duration: 6 Hours Location: Cerro de la Muerte, which is part of the Los Quetzales National Park , and valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, walking shoes, poncho, sunglasses

This tour is inside the National Park; currently there is no entrance fee. Rate is without entrance fee and susceptible to changes. Private property entrance fee is included in the rates. Minimum number of participants: 2 persons

Horse Back Tour to the waterfalls

Make an adventurous ride through rivers and lush forest to the waterfalls at the end of the San Gerardo de Dota valley.

Duration: 2,5 Hours Tour with own transportation Starts between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm 3,5 km down the road Rates are with proper transportation; you pay directly to the guide Location: Lower valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, poncho

Horse Back Tour through the forest

A ride on the forested slopes above the Savegre River, including the visit of a small waterfall.

Duration: 2 Hours Tour with own transportation Starts between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm 3,5 km down the road Rates are with proper transportation; you pay directly to the guide Location: Lower valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, poncho

Horse Back Tour crossing the river

Make an short ride through crossing the Savegre river several times.

Duration: 1,5 Hours Tour with own transportation Starts between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm 3,5 km down the road Rates are with proper transportation; you pay directly to the guide Location: Lower valley of San Gerardo de Dota Don’t forget to bring: binoculars, poncho

Coffee tour

Visit the Coopedota coffee farms in the hard of one of the best coffee regions of Costa Rica: Santa Maria de Dota in the Los Santos region. The tour lasts 4 hours, of which 2 hours are for transportation: on hour to get there and hour driving back.

Duration: 2 Hours Tour with own transportation Starts between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm in Santa Maria de Dota Duration: 2 Hours Location: Santa Maria de Dota Don’t forget to bring: walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection

“Highly recommended for all those who are not only interested in bird ing. Costa Rica ‘s nature is more than birds and this is the only place (on a 4 weeks trip) where we got competent information on plants and vegetation.” Ulrich & Annick – Germany / France.  Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge –  Hotels San Gerardo  de Dota – Costa Rica

Hike Volcanoes. Help Kids.

Join one of our unique treks through the beautiful highlands of Guatemala and help drive social change with every step.

Xela - Lake Atitlán

Duration:  3 days

1,100Q per person

Volcán Zunil

Duration: 2 days

700Q per person

Nebaj - Todos Santos

Duration: 5 days

2,000Q per person

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100% of your monthly gift goes directly to providing opportunities for children living in poverty

Special Festival Trek! Oct 29 - Nov 2

Join us for our special edition hike from Nebaj to Todos Santos! This trek offers not only breathtaking views but also a chance to partake in the vibrant Day of the Dead and All Saints festivals. It’s an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and cultural celebration, and an unmissable event in the Guatemalan calendar.