The prime time for Resplendent Quetzal watching in Costa Rica is mid-February to July–their mating season. It was the Mayas who also believed the Quetzal as the “god of the air” and a symbol of lightness. Resplendent quetzals have beautiful green body feathers, red breasts and long wings. There are two subspecies, P. m. mocinno and P. m. costaricensis. The Mayas believed the quetzal is the “god of the air” and a symbol of lightness and good. 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. 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. An altitude between 6,562-9.843 feet (2,000-3,000 meters). More info. Hmmm. Magnificent sacred green and red bird. Toward the end of the rearing period, the female quetzal tends to leave her young, and the male must stay behind until the baby quetzals are ready to live on their own. Due to the continued destruction of their cloud forest habitat, these beautiful birds are now threatened in Guatemala and elsewhere throughout their range. If I had to pick my favorite two-winged wonder in Costa Rica, it would have to be the resplendent quetzal bird. 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. Quetzal Tour. To this end, it collaborates with students and researchers around the world, Or gave me a kiss. 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. Like he read my horoscope. During this period, the bay and avocado trees bear fruit–the Resplendent Quetzal’s favorites. There are already reserves in Costa Rica and Guatemala in which the Quetzal still survives, but if the Resplendent Quetzal is to endure, it would be most beneficial to have a system of cloud forest parks from Mexico through Panama. The highlands between Km. The gift of merely seeing its bad self. So where can you observe this beautiful, yet somewhat mysterious creature? Los Quetzales National Park and Coope-Dota Coffee Experience. Chiruma, the jealous younger brother of Cacique wished the death upon Quetzal since he wanted to become the next leader himself. 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. Bird watchers from all over the world come to spot the Resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica. During this period, the bay and avocado trees bear fruit–the Resplendent Quetzal’s favorites. Hotel and Environment. $204.00 $262 per adult. 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. 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 … Bird watchersfrom all over the world come to spot the Resplendent Quetzalin Costa Rica. 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. Another day Chiruma surprised Quetzal in the forest and shot an arrow straight through his nephew’s heart. They can be found in the mountain forests of this Costa Rica, where they call home. 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 … This endangered species of bird are found only in a select few places of Central America, including this National Park of Costa Rica. They can be found in the mountain forests of this Costa Rica, where they call home. The Quetzal Education and Research Center is located in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, and acts as a second campus for the Southern Nazarene University. 11703 San Gerardo de Dota Provincia de San José. 46 Likes (0) Views. 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. From the corner of your eye you spot a shimmer of iridescence from blue-violet to green-gold high up in the canopies. Of course there is the ever present Clay-Colored Thrush (Turdus grayi), the national bird of Costa Rica… In Monteverde, the quetzal is most frequently observed from March through June, during its mating season. See also: My Pandemic Odyssey to Costa Rica: The Woo Woo; My Pandemic Odyssey to Costa Rica: A Rocky Start ... San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica +506-2740-1010 qerc@snu.edu. The Center helps students learn about field biology and research, while also promoting biodiversity, sustainability and social responsibility. 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. 107 of Route #2 – Panamerican Highway South of Costa Rica is “QUETZAL TERRITORY”. Read more. It still often refers to that bird specifically but now also names all the species of the genera Pharomachrus and Euptilotis. One day there was a battle between the Quiches and a neighboring tribe. The type of cloud forest generated by different climatic conditions includes trees covered with A photographic guide to Birds of Costa Rica. Los Quetzales National Park in Costa Rica derives its name from a majestic looking bird, the Resplendent Quetzal. Well, the bird was once worshipped by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs for its radiant beauty. 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. The natural habitat of this stunningly gracious green and red bird is cloud forest, which in Costa Rica is located in … Quetzals breed in cloud forests, but move to lower altitudes for part of the year.” To build nests in stumps or rotted trees Quetzals use their strong beaks. While it’s true that the resplendent quetzal can be elusive, you are bound to have luck with the help of a local birding guide. More than 140 species, many of them are unique in Costa Rica, makes this place a birdwatcher's dream. Costa Rica +506 2200-0241 Location. The highlands between Km. Newsletter. This bird is most active in canopies and edges. Maybe I was meant to be here after all. My 8-year-old son loves birds, and with both kids intrigued about quetzals because of that “Q” picture, we couldn’t pass up the chance to see them while were in Costa Rica. Those feathers belonged to a male quetzal. Famous for its majestic coloring and long feathered tails, quetzals are considered the most beautiful bird in the world. The quetzal was breathtaking to behold, even in print. What is the habitat of the Quetzal? Birdwatching, Tours. Most likely seen in Costa Rica’s central highlands at Poas, Monteverde and in San Gerardo de Dota around the Cerro de la Muerte. Cerro de la Muerte, Ruta 2 Sur km 70. Quetzal feathers are beautiful to look at and photograph. It is a special area for birdwatching, particularly the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a near-endangered species according to the UICN list. 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. And then the quetzal thing. Flying Resplendent Quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno, Costa Rica, with green forest in background. These birds inhabit the cloud forests of Costa Rica, however, they are easier to see in San Gerardo de Dota, and the entire Savegre River valley, where they are seen almost all year round. Rome2rio makes travelling from Costa Rica to Puerto Quetzal easy. He tried to kill his nephew by several ways but each time he mysteriously failed. They take turns incubating up to three eggs. This endangered species of bird are found only in a select few places of Central America, including this National Park of Costa Rica. Der Quetzal wird auch Göttervogel genannt. The iridescent bird was associated with the “snake god,” Quetzalcoatl, and the bird’s green tail feathers were said to represent the green growth of spring. Los Quetzales National Park in Costa Rica derives its name from a majestic looking bird, the Resplendent Quetzal. 14 different ecosystems. They generally live alone, but during mating season can be found in pairs and even in small groups. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. They are most active in the forest canopy. 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 … Most likely seen in Costa Rica’s central highlands at Poas, Monteverde and in San Gerardo de Dotaaround the Cerro de la Muerte. Diet The Quetzal mostly eats fruits of the avocado family, as well as figs. 58 and Km. CALL US AT 970-449-3645 Etiam molestie egestas quam. 150 species of multicolored frogs), 220 species of reptiles and a world of insects, call Costa Rica home. About Us. CALL US AT 970-449-3645 Find all the transport options for your trip from Costa Rica to Puerto Quetzal right here. Although many warriors died, every arrow just veered past Quetzal. 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. Especially if your timing is right. There are also many great Birding Lodges throughout Costa Rica from where you can start your Birding Adventure! Green open spaces. And then the quetzal thing. The weather in the cloud forest might be sunny but the wet clouds can come anytime. Interested in Quetzals or other birds of Costa Rica? Like he read my horoscope. The overall body length without the males long tail feathers is about 14 – 16 inches /  36 to 40 cm. ... San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica +506-2740-1010 qerc@snu.edu. We will help you. They truly are the most ornate and spectacular of the Trogons and can grow up to 25 inches / 65 cm. The resplendent quetzal (/ ˈ k ɛ t s əl /) (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a bird in the trogon family. During the breeding season the males attract attention by their loud calls and spectacular display flight high above the canopy. Biologically, his long tail will help the male quetzal attract a mate – in practice, it is one of the bird’s defining characteristics, helping bird watchers identify it from a distance. That is one of the reasons the Quetzal became a symbol of liberty in several cultures. Suddenly Quetzal’s chest began to throb and a beautiful bird emerged from out of his body. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. $dotcontent.find('7ca42581-b81d-4eb2-8520-3f13e7c76947').customCode, Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage. Look no further than the valley of San Gerardo de Dota in Costa Rica’s central highlands. It is one of the country’s most famous birding hotspots. Read more. The quetzal was breathtaking to behold, even in print. This magnificent bird, also known as Pharomachrus mocinno, belongs to the Trogan family and counts 6 species as members over all: the Crested, the Golden-headed, the White-tipped, the Pavonine, the Eared and of course the Resplendent Quetzal. Newsletter. There are two subspecies, P. m. mocinno and P. m. costaricenis, respectively known as the resplendent quetzal and the Costa Rican resplendent quetzal, a species important to Mesoamerican myth. It had shimmering emerald wing feathers, a small yellow beak and a three-foot long tail with iridescent blue feathers. Look no further than the valley of San Gerardo de Dota in Costa Rica’s central highlands. What a special moment – you have spotted the precious Resplendent Quetzal! 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. La Ruta del Quetzal, Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica. Hmmm. Home » The Costa Rica Animals » The Resplendent Quetzal. Costa Rica is a shelter for one of the richest biodiversities on Earth. Contacto: Fressy Ramirez Restaurant 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. After 18 days of incubation, the eggs hatch, and both the male and female quetzal share parenting duties, feeding their babies fruit, insects, frogs and tadpoles. The world’s interest in the quetzal dates back to pre-Columbian times. The resplendent quetzal is considered a specialized fruit eater, basing its diet almost entirely on wild avocado fruits. 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. Restaurant Remember: Rain Jacket, sunscreen and hiking shoes are essential. 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. San José, 2014. 12,355 acres (5,000 hectares). 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. 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. 850 (incl. Costa Rica is famous for resplendent quetzal spotting not because of its unique environs, but because of its protected forests. There are deep, smooth, slurred melodies in simple patterns echoing through the dense cloud forest. There are already reserves in Costa Rica and Guatemala in which the Quetzal still survives, but if the Resplendent Quetzal is to endure, it would be most beneficial to have a system of cloud forest parks from Mexico through Panama. It was declared a national bird in 1977 as it is very common. Costa Rica is an incredible country in Central America that is perfect for bird watching, birding vacations and birding tours. Miriam's Quetzals and the San Gerardo de Dota valley offer amazing birding, so much that the San Gerardo de Dota is the only destination in Costa Rica mentioned in the book: Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die. Ediciones Jadine: Susan C.L.Fogden. Males have a bright green plumage with a brilliant red breast, white tail feathers and elongated upper tail coverts. Their name comes from the Aztec word ‘quetzalli’ meaning precious or beautiful – we can definitely see why! Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. And in life? 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. 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. The gift of merely seeing its bad self. That was when Chiruma realized that Quetzal’s necklace must be his protection. Miriam's Quetzals and the San Gerardo de Dota valley offer amazing birding, so much that the San Gerardo de Dota is the only destination in Costa Rica mentioned in the book: Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die. 15 Likes (0) Views. Quick View. 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. Famous for its majestic coloring and long feathered tails, quetzals are considered the most beautiful bird in the world. You will live forever.”. The male has a crested head, glittering green back, maroon lower breast shading to a bright crimson belly and dramatic 25" streamers that trail as it flies. We will help you spotting one in Costa Rica! The Quetzal is found throughout the mountainous rainforests of … 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. 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. ... San Jose, Costa Rica 376 contributions 19 helpful votes. Action flight moment with Quetzal, beautiful exotic tropic bird. The prime time for Resplendent Quetzal watching in Costa Rica is mid-February to July–their mating season. The Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, where it is also the name giver to the Guatemalan currency. Un regalo. We covered a lot of destinations during that trip and this was by far the best value. © 1996-2021 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. December through May is the best time to see them, but some travelers have luck during other months of the year. 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 does seem very freedom loving, don’t you think so? It is one of the extinct species and mostly resides in natural reserves in Guatemala and Costa Rica. 7 endemic) bird species, an incredible variety of mammals, aquatic fauna of approximately 130 species of tropical fish, an abundance of amphibians (incl. Birdwatching Tour. Un regalo. 12,355 acres (5,000 hectares). Female quetzals exhibit similar, if more muted, color patterns than their male counterparts. There are two subspecies, P. m. mocinno and P. m. costaricensis. 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. Costa Rica The Resplendant Quetzal The spectacular iridescent plumage of the Resplendent Quetzal, a bird of the cloud forest and the sacred bird of the Maya.