Guided Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde: Resplendent Quetzal

The resplendent quetzal and 200 other species live in Curi-Cancha Reserve.

A guided bird watching tour in Monteverde's Curi-Cancha Reserve, led by Diego Rodríguez, a birder with over 12 years' experience in Costa Rica. You search for endemic species including the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, blue-crowned motmot and orange-bellied trogon using a spotting scope and field guides. The reserve spans multiple ecosystems (open areas and cloud forest) across two life zones, home to around 200 bird species. Tours run four and a half hours and require at least moderate physical fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bird Watching at Curi-Cancha Reserve

• Arrive at Curi-Cancha Reserve
• Observe endemic birds with guide Diego Rodríguez
• Use telescope for close-up bird viewing
• Spot species like quetzal and bellbird
• Explore open areas and cloud forest habitats

The experience

Four and a half hours in Curi-Cancha Reserve means you move through open areas and cloud forest, the two main ecosystems that make this reserve the top draw for birdwatchers in Monteverde. The reserve holds around 200 different bird species, and the itinerary targets the ones serious birders come for: resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, blue-crowned motmot, orange-bellied trogon, woodcreepers, leaftossers and wrens. Diego Rodríguez, who leads the tour, has spent over 12 years observing birds across Costa Rica and is an expert in their songs, behavior and natural history. He sits on the eBird Reviewer Committee for Costa Rica.

You watch through a spotting scope for close-up views, and the guide provides field guides to help you identify what you see. The tour is designed around a target list, the birds you came to find, rather than a casual stroll, so the pace and the stops follow where the species are most likely to be. This is the setup for serious birdwatchers. Casual observers will find the experience rewarding, but the tour assumes you know what you're looking for and why.

What’s included

• Field guides.
• spotting scope.
• laser pointer.
• birding guide with over 12 years' experience in Costa Rica.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We will meet at the reception of Curi Cancha reserve.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Get Your Birds Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour led by an expert guide, so you follow Diego's knowledge of where the birds are and how to find them rather than exploring on your own. Choose this if you want serious birding with someone who knows the reserve and the species, and you're comfortable walking for four and a half hours through cloud forest and open areas to track down your target list.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What birds am I most likely to see on this tour in Monteverde?

The resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, blue-crowned motmot and orange-bellied trogon are the target species, along with woodcreepers, leaftossers and wrens. Curi-Cancha Reserve is home to around 200 bird species across its open areas and cloud forest zones, so the exact sightings depend on the season and the day's conditions.

Who is Diego Rodríguez, the guide leading this tour?

Diego Rodríguez is a recognized birder in Costa Rica with over 12 years of experience observing birds in the Monteverde zone. He is an expert in bird songs, behavior and natural history, and he serves on the eBird Reviewer Committee for Costa Rica.

What equipment do I use to see the birds?

You watch through a spotting scope for close-up views and receive field guides to help identify species. The guide uses a laser pointer to direct your attention to birds in the trees.

How long does the tour take and what is the physical demand?

The tour runs four and a half hours and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The reserve involves walking through different ecosystems, so you should be comfortable on your feet for the duration.

What should I bring to Curi-Cancha Reserve?

Bring binoculars if you have them, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. The cloud forest can be cool and damp. A valid ID or passport is required for entry to the reserve.