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Los Quetzales & Highland Birding Expedition from Manuel Antonio

Search for the Resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica’s cool Talamanca highlands on a full-day expedition from Manuel Antonio or Quepos:

  • Explore cloud-forest birding areas near Los Quetzales and San Gerardo de Dota
  • Travel with a bilingual guide and local highland birding expert
  • Look for quetzals, hummingbirds, tanagers, trogons and other highland species
  • Enjoy round-trip hotel transportation, breakfast and lunch
  • Depart at approximately 4:00 a.m. for the best early-morning birding opportunities

$295.00

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Reserve now, pay later to secure your spot today.

Los Quetzales & Highland Birding Expedition from Manuel Antonio

Leave the tropical coast before dawn and journey into Costa Rica’s cool Talamanca highlands for a full-day birding expedition near Los Quetzales National Park and San Gerardo de Dota. A bilingual guide and local birding expert help search the cloud forest for Resplendent Quetzals, hummingbirds, tanagers, trogons and other high-elevation species.

Duration: Approximately 10–12 hours
Start: Approximately 4:00 a.m.
Pickup: Selected Quepos and Manuel Antonio hotels
Destination: Los Quetzales and the San Gerardo de Dota highlands
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Group: 4-person minimum; 6-person maximum

What You Can Expect

Your day begins before sunrise with hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio or Quepos. Travel inland and upward through changing landscapes toward the cloud forests of Dota, where cool temperatures, moss-covered trees and wild avocado species create important habitat for highland birds.

Your bilingual guide teams up with a local birding expert to locate and identify birds by sight and sound. The Resplendent Quetzal is the signature target, while hummingbirds, tanagers, trogons, woodpeckers, flycatchers and other species may also appear. All birds are wild and sightings—including quetzals—can never be guaranteed.

Tour Itinerary

Early Hotel Pickup

Pickup begins at approximately 4:00 a.m. from selected accommodations in Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Exact timing depends on your hotel and will be provided with confirmation.

Highland Journey and Breakfast

Travel by road toward the Talamanca highlands and stop for the included breakfast. The drive is approximately 2.5 hours each way, subject to traffic, weather and pickup routing.

Cloud-Forest Birding

Explore suitable birding areas around Los Quetzales and San Gerardo de Dota with your bilingual guide and a local expert. Routes are selected according to current bird activity, weather and trail conditions.

Highland Lunch

Enjoy the included lunch and time to appreciate the cool mountain setting. Advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking.

Return to the Coast

Travel back to Quepos and Manuel Antonio after the birding expedition. Return time can vary with road conditions, weather, stops and group pace.

What’s Included
  • Round-trip hotel transportation from selected Quepos and Manuel Antonio accommodations
  • Bilingual naturalist guide
  • Local highland birding expert
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Guided birdwatching expedition
  • Applicable admission expressly confirmed on your booking voucher
What’s Not Included
  • Pickup outside Quepos and Manuel Antonio unless arranged for an additional fee
  • Binoculars, spotting scopes or photography equipment unless specifically confirmed
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Anything not specifically listed under “What’s Included”
What to Bring
  • Binoculars and camera with a suitable lens
  • Warm layers—the highlands can be cold, windy and wet
  • Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
  • Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with traction
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Small daypack and waterproof protection for electronics
Altitude, Fitness and Accessibility
  • The route may reach elevations near 10,000 feet, and cool weather or altitude can affect stamina.
  • A moderate fitness level is recommended for uneven forest paths and extended periods of standing or walking.
  • The experience is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Travelers with heart, respiratory, mobility or altitude-related concerns should seek medical guidance before booking.
Group Size and Private Tours

The advertised group tour requires at least four participants and is limited to approximately six. A private departure may be available by advance request at a separately quoted price.

Weather and Wildlife

Cloud-forest conditions change quickly, so routes and timing may be adjusted for safety or bird activity. Rain, fog and cool temperatures are normal. No specific bird or wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

Cancellation

Cancellation terms, minimum-participant requirements and any weather-related alternatives must follow the policy shown during checkout and on the confirmed booking voucher. Review those terms before payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

Allow approximately 10–12 hours from pickup to return. Traffic, weather and birding conditions can affect the schedule.

Will I definitely see a Resplendent Quetzal?

No. Your guides know the habitat and current patterns, but every bird is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

How cold is the highland area?

Los Quetzales can be much cooler than Manuel Antonio, with official destination information reporting typical park temperatures around 5–14°C (41–57°F). Bring warm, waterproof layers.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included. Share dietary needs when booking; accommodation remains subject to confirmation.

Are binoculars provided?

Do not assume personal binoculars are included. Bring your own unless the operator confirms equipment on your voucher.

Can this be booked privately?

A private tour may be available by advance request. Pricing depends on group size and confirmed logistics.

Location

Provinces

Location

Destination Province San José
Departure Area Selected Manuel Antonio and Quepos accommodations, Puntarenas
Birding Area Los Quetzales National Park and San Gerardo de Dota highlands
Duration Approximately 10–12 hours
Start Time Approximately 4:00 a.m.
Travel Time Approximately 2.5 hours each way
Transportation Round-trip road transportation from the selected pickup area
Guides Bilingual guide and local birding expert
Meals Breakfast and lunch included
Group Size 4-person minimum; approximately 6-person maximum
Maximum Elevation Up to approximately 10,000 feet, route dependent
Difficulty Moderate; uneven terrain, cool weather and altitude
Language English and Spanish
Private Option Available by request and separate quote
Wildlife Policy All sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed

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  1. Zipy Ride

    The 4:00 a.m. pickup was early, but arriving in the cool highlands in time for the morning bird activity made it worthwhile. Our guide and the local birding expert were patient and excellent at recognizing calls, and the spotting scope helped everyone get a good look. We were fortunate to see a quetzal as well as several hummingbirds and tanagers, although wildlife sightings will naturally vary. Breakfast and lunch were both welcome during the long day. Bring warm layers, rain protection and binoculars—the temperature is very different from Manuel Antonio.

    Zipy Ride

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