It´s considered the most beautiful bird in America and is currently in danger of extinction. We are talking about the Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala but in Costa Rica, we have the honor of being able to observe it in places like Monteverde, Braulio Carrillo National Park and, of course, in the Saints Zone (Zona de los Santos).
It´s also known as the “snake bird” for its long tail and elegant, majestic and charming flight.
The Quetzal inhabits cloud forests, with altitudes between 1000 and 3000 meters above sea level, in Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
That´s precisely why, in San Gerardo de Dota, hundreds of tourists every year try the Quetzal watching. An experience that can be considered transcendental.
What is the Quetzal like?
It´s a medium-sized bird. Its plumage is iridescent green with golden, maroon, violet or blue reflections. It has a red breast and a yellowish bill.
The male also has a long and beautiful tail, about 65 cm long.
This bird can´t fly at high speed, but, as already mentioned, its flight is hypnotic. A kind of powerful dance.
In fact, for the Mayan cosmovision of all Mesoamerica, the Quetzal was a symbol of fertility and abundance. It was even considered a sacred bird. Its feathers were used to create large and imposing headdresses for priests and kings. Of course, Quetzals were simply captured and released after part of their elegant plumage was removed. The punishment for killing a Quetzal was death.
Also, for certain indigenous ethnic groups of Mexico and Guatemala, the Quetzal is associated with the god Quetzalcoatl and is seen as a symbol of goodness and light.
If observing Quetzals in their natural habitat, is one of your dreams, fulfill it with us.
At Mirador de Quetzales we offer exclusive 2-hour tours with the support of an experienced guide. As part of the experience, you will also be able to spot other exotic birds such as trogons, great partridge, sooty robin, woodpeckers, goldfinches, among others.
In addition to the tour, we offer:
- An extraordinary gourmet restaurant served by our chef Don Ra.
- Bungalow-style rooms for up to 6 people.
- And a beautiful hummingbird garden, ideal for taking pictures.
Contact us, and we will gladly serve and guide you, to live the magical experience of the Cloud Forest, the Paramo and the power of the Quetzal.
