Finding a quetzal

Trip Start Feb 08, 2008
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35
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Trip End Mar 26, 2008


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Where I stayed
Mirador de Quetzales

Flag of Costa Rica  ,
Sunday, March 23, 2008

Quetzals draw birders from around the world as they are considered among the most beautiful. Though I wouldn't really have considered myself a birder before going to Costa Rica, as the weeks progressed, I knew I wouldn't be able to leave the country without seeing one of these birds.

I read of a place at Kilometer 70 on the Pan American Highway that was reputed to give you a 99% chance of seeing a quetzal; those seemed like good odds. After running into a Dutch couple who'd been there, and assured me you really could get a San Jose-bound bus to stop and pick you up in the middle of nowhere, I decided I'd go.

For those who may stumble across this site and are doing travel planning, of the two bird tours I did herr, I'd much more strongly recommend Jorge Serrano at Paraiso de Quetzales (Phone in Costa Rica: 2-200-0241). He owns his cabins, too, similar to where I stayed and he knows his birds. The family is also delightful, and reviews of the food there excellent.
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Comments

benjaminmw
benjaminmw on

cool!
Did you see Quetzalcoatl?
You should send in one of those pictures to the Williston Observer. They would love it. :)

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