You can definitely watch them at highland sites in Chiapas, Mexico but there aren't too many places that are readily accessible where the The Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, where it is also the name giver to the Guatemalan currency. Hikings, Tours. But the Quetzal is not the only attraction of its namesake national park. Home » The Costa Rica Animals » The Resplendent Quetzal. Trying to comfort the dying man, the bird landed on his body where it’s chest got stained by the blood. Named for the emerald and crimson quetzal, Los Quetzales National Park in Costa Rica is the newest national park protecting 12,000 acres of cloud forest. Although many warriors died, every arrow just veered past Quetzal. Like he read my horoscope. Well, the bird was once worshipped by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs for its radiant beauty. During your stay at Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, you will be immersed in exuberant vegetation and pristine habitat where you will get to know the most intimate secrets of the region.. An extension of 80 hectares contains a wealth of fascinating and unique flora and fauna. It is found from Chiapas, Mexico to western Panama (unlike the other quetzals of the genus Pharomachrus, which are found in South America and eastern Panama). It is well known for its colorful plumage. Especially if your timing is right. Quetzal Valley Cabins San Gerardo de Dota Km 80 Interamericana Sur , 11701 San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica – Excellent location – show map The prime time for Resplendent Quetzal watching in Costa Rica is mid-February to July–their mating season. Situated among the mist-covered peaks of the Talamanca Mountains, Los Quetzales is Costa Rica's newest national park, covering more than 12,000 acres of cloud forest. Look for quetzals and other high-altitude avian species in the wonderful Costa Rican parks and reserves. Maybe I was meant to be here after all. And then the quetzal thing. As the quetzals continue to disappear from Guatemala, San Gerardo de Dota, in Los Santos region of southern Costa Rica, has seen a resurgence in its populations due to the community’s decision to reforest a number of the area’s clear-cut former dairy pastures. Many avid birders consider the Resplendent Quetzal the glittering crown jewel of birding in Costa Rica and Central America. 150 species of multicolored frogs), 220 species of reptiles and a world of insects, call Costa Rica home. They may also be spotted in the private cloud forest reserves of Monteverde and in the cool highlands of San Gerardo de Dota, which sits 7200 feet above sea level along the Cerro de la Muerte. Young Resplendent Quetzals start to fly at about three weeks of age, although male birds only grow their long tail streamers after about three years. Diet The Quetzal mostly eats fruits of the avocado family, as well as figs. Size: If you go through the size of Resplendent Quetzal, it normally has the length of 36 to 40 cm along with the 65 cm tail streamer … Resplendent quetzals are threatened throughout their range, mostly because of deforestation. There are deep, smooth, slurred melodies in simple patterns echoing through the dense cloud forest. 243 likes. Though many Central American cloud forests have fallen pray to deforestation and other man-made threats, many of Costa Rica’s cloud forests remain protected by law, providing opportunities for quetzals to live and breed in relative peace. It is a special area for birdwatching, particularly the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a near-endangered species according to the UICN list. Suddenly Quetzal’s chest began to throb and a beautiful bird emerged from out of his body. Panama Costa Rica Guatemala Belize Nicaragua Honduras. © Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. That is one of the reasons the Quetzal became a symbol of liberty in several cultures. The Resplendent Quetzal, Pharomachrus moccino, is such a beautiful bird, that we thought to share useful information to encourage you to visit the area where it can be seen. Hmmm. The highlands between Km. The Center helps students learn about field biology and research, while also promoting biodiversity, sustainability and social responsibility. It is found from Chiapas, Mexico to western Panama (unlike the other quetzals of the genus Pharomachrus, which are found in South America and eastern Panama). Its size and color green and red (especially visible in the males) makes it a real gem. Maybe I was meant to be here after all. 3 types of rainforest. Quiet place surrounded by an exuberant landscape on the banks of the Savegre river, one of the cleanest least polluted rivers in Costa Rica and Latin America. And then the quetzal thing. Our guides are ready to serve your birding and nature photography needs in the USA, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Jamaica. Twenty-five years later, I was walking through the cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica, hoping to make my lifelong dream of seeing a real quetzal … 15 Likes (0) Views. If I had to pick my favorite two-winged wonder in Costa Rica, it would have to be the resplendent quetzal bird. We will help you. It may be revered in Guatemala and grace cloud forests from southern Mexico to Panama, but the easiest place to see Resplendent Quetzal has got to be Costa Rica. An altitude between 6,562-9.843 feet (2,000-3,000 meters). Quetzal Birdwatching Experience at San Gerardo De Dota Group Tour. Los Quetzales National Park is located in the district of Copey and canton of Dota, San José province, 76.5 kilometers south of the capital. This bird is most active in canopies and edges. That was when Chiruma realized that Quetzal’s necklace must be his protection. C’est également ce qui lui vaut son nom de quetzal « resplendissant » puisqu’il semble briller par … Alone or in flocks, this bird is very difficult to spot. This endangered species of bird are found only in a select few places of Central America, including this National Park of Costa Rica. Venture outdoors on your next vacation to explore Costa Rica's Los Quetzales National Park. Paraiso Quetzal Lodge, Costa Rica At the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge, they really only have feeders for hummingbirds so other bird sightings are a little hit or miss. See also: My Pandemic Odyssey to Costa Rica: The Woo Woo; My Pandemic Odyssey to Costa Rica: A Rocky Start Birdwatching, Tours. The word quetzal was originally used for just the resplendent quetzal, the long-tailed quetzal of Guatemala, (more specifically a town called Petén) which is the national bird and the name of the currency of Guatemala. A gift. More than 140 species, many of them are unique in Costa Rica, makes this place a birdwatcher's dream. Paraíso Quetzal Lodge has been selected by the European Association of Friends for Nature (EAFN) Paraíso Quetzal Lodge is a 50-minute drive from Cartago City Center and 90 minutes’ drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Quick View. And in life? The resplendent quetzal has often been called the most spectacular bird in the New World. So where can you observe this beautiful, yet somewhat mysterious creature? Previously the Los Santos Reserve, the park protects sections of the Savegre River which originates high up on the Cerro de la Muerte and flows through the picturesque valley of San Gerardo de Dota. Der Quetzal wird auch Göttervogel genannt. One day there was a battle between the Quiches and a neighboring tribe. CALL US AT 970-449-3645 ... San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica +506-2740-1010 qerc@snu.edu. It is one of the country’s most famous birding hotspots. The resplendent quetzal is considered a specialized fruit eater, basing its diet almost entirely on wild avocado fruits. The natural habitat of this stunningly gracious green and red bird is cloud forest, which in Costa Rica is located in … Most likely seen in Costa Rica’s central highlands at Poas, Monteverde and in San Gerardo de Dotaaround the Cerro de la Muerte. Un regalo. During your stay at Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, you will be immersed in exuberant vegetation and pristine habitat where you will get to know the most intimate secrets of the region.. An extension of 80 hectares contains a wealth of fascinating and unique flora and fauna. The type of cloud forest generated by different climatic conditions includes trees covered with The Quetzal is said to be easier to see in Costa Rica due to its protected forests with good infrastructure in terms of trails, roads and tours, especially in two main areas, Cerro de la Muerte and Monteverde Costa Rica. The Quetzal is found throughout the mountainous rainforests of … Look no further than the valley of San Gerardo de Dota in Costa Rica’s central highlands. The Quetzal Education Research Center brings students and researchers from around the world, including the host country, to engage dialogue and research focused on the tropical cloud forest and its floral and faunal community for the purpose of sustainability. Morbi et leo condimentum, mollis velit interdum, congue quam. $302.57 per adult. 58 and Km. Resplendent quetzals have beautiful green body feathers, red breasts and long wings. © 1996-2021 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Central America - A world of diversity! Another day Chiruma surprised Quetzal in the forest and shot an arrow straight through his nephew’s heart. The region’s cloud forests are covered in wild avocado trees, the quetzal’s fav… Best destinations and places in Costa Rica to see Quetzal birds. Interested in Quetzals or other birds of Costa Rica? The weather in the cloud forest might be sunny but the wet clouds can come anytime. Our guides are ready to serve your birding and nature photography needs in the USA, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Jamaica. The IUCN listed them as ‘Near Threatened’ by IUCN. Most guides carry a spotting scope for close-up views of the birds, so keep in mind that small digital cameras are great for photographing through the scopes. 14 different ecosystems. Size: If you go through the size of Resplendent Quetzal, it normally has the length of 36 to 40 cm along with the 65 cm tail streamer … If I had to pick my favorite two-winged wonder in Costa Rica, it would have to be the resplendent quetzal bird. A gift. They truly are the most ornate and spectacular of the Trogons and can grow up to 25 inches / 65 cm. You can find the Resplendent Quetzal from Southern Mexico all the way down to western Panama, where it lives in moist tropical forests in mountainous regions. Even today, a glimpse of a wild resplendent quetzal feeding or simply perched in a tree can feel like a magical experience. 11703 San Gerardo de Dota Provincia de San José. Famous for its majestic coloring and long feathered tails, quetzals are considered the most beautiful bird in the world. In Costa Rica, the resplendent quetzal is protected within five national parks – Braulio Carrillo, Poas Volcano, Chirripo, La Amistad and the new Quetzal National Park. They can be found in the mountain forests of this Costa Rica, where they call home. The type of cloud forest generated by different climatic conditions includes trees covered with 46 Likes (0) Views. Costa Rica is an incredible country in Central America that is perfect for bird watching, birding vacations and birding tours. Best destinations and places in Costa Rica to see Quetzal birds. To this end, it collaborates with students and researchers around the world, Green open spaces. AEAP: Costa Rica is the country that As Early As possible.