Quetzals
Dawn walks.
MongeNajera — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MongeNajera — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MongeNajera — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MongeNajera — CC BY-SA 3.0
A narrow, deep mountain valley in the Talamanca range at about 2,200 metres, where the clear Savegre River runs between moss-draped oak cloud forest, apple and peach orchards and small wooden houses, with a cool climate reminiscent of European mountains. It is famed for the resplendent quetzal, with shimmering green plumage, red breast and long streaming tail, among the world's most beautiful birds, seen here more easily than almost anywhere, especially from February to May when it feeds on wild avocado fruit and nests. Birders set out at dawn with local guides who know its trees, then walk forest trails to waterfalls and gorges and taste trout raised in the river. Los Quetzales National Park lies next door. The road drops from the highway down a steep, narrow, winding descent, and nights are cold, sometimes near freezing, so bring warm clothes. Never feed or touch wild animals, and watch them from a distance.
Dawn walks.
Oak forest.
Forest trails.
Talamanca range off the highway, about two hours south of San José
All year, most easily February to May in nesting season, with a local guide at dawn.