Quetzal Birdwatching Quepos: Early Morning San Gerardo Tour

Quetzals move to the highlands at first light. That's when you'll be there to find them.

A 10-hour birdwatching tour from Quepos to San Gerardo De Dota in the Costa Rican highlands, departing at 2:30 am to catch the Resplendent Quetzal and other highland species as they feed at dawn. A licensed guide leads peaceful hikes through Los Quetzales National Park, and you'll use a top-line Swarovski spotting scope to observe birds up close. Breakfast and lunch are included, along with all photos and videos captured through the scope.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching and hiking in San Gerardo De Dota

• Start early morning birdwatching
• Observe quetzals and other birds
• Enjoy peaceful forest hike
• Have breakfast after birding
• Descend to lower lands for more birding
• Receive water and snacks during tour

The experience

The pickup happens at 2:30 am from Quepos or Manuel Antonio. Early enough to reach the highlands before the quetzals move up from the lowlands to feed. The Resplendent Quetzal is considered one of Central America's most beautiful birds, and San Gerardo De Dota is its nesting ground. Locals who own the forest keep it untouched, which is why the birding here works: you're hiking through preserved habitat, not a managed park. A licensed guide from the Costa Rican Tourism Chamber leads the way and speaks English or Spanish.

Once you're in position at dawn, you'll use a top-line Swarovski Crystals spotting scope to watch quetzals and other species: hummingbirds, flycatchers, woodpeckers, tanagers, wrens and more. Every photo and video you take through the scope is yours to keep. The guide handles the scope. You get to look and learn. As the morning progresses and the day warms, you'll descend to lower elevations to spot different birds. Water and fruit snacks keep you going through the hikes.

Breakfast is a typical Costa Rican gallo pinto (rice, beans and eggs), served after the early birding. Lunch later is a casado (rice, beans, salad and your choice of pork, chicken, fish or vegetarian) plus ice tea. The highlands stay cool, so bring a coat. Remember that animals are wild and not in captivity. The guide will do their best to find birds, but sightings depend on the day and the season.

What’s included

• Bottled water and fruit snacks.
• a licensed Costa Rican Tourism Chamber guide in English or Spanish.
• use of a top-line Swarovski Crystals spotting scope.
• all photos and videos taken through the scope.
• typical Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto.
• typical Costa Rican lunch of casado with your choice of protein or vegetarian.
• ice tea.
• hotel pickup from Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Costa Rica Wakoo Tours – Jason Solano, Naturalist & Birding Guide

Is this one for you?A minimum of two participants is required to book. The 2:30 am departure and 10-hour commitment suit travelers who are serious about birdwatching and willing to start before dawn to catch the quetzals at their most active.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided 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 24 h before the start.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup in Quepos?

Pickup is at 2:30 am from Quepos or Manuel Antonio so the tour can reach San Gerardo De Dota before dawn, when quetzals move into the highlands to feed.

Will I actually see a Resplendent Quetzal, or is it not guaranteed?

San Gerardo De Dota is the nesting home of the Resplendent Quetzal, and the early morning timing is designed to catch them as they feed. The guide will do their best to locate them, but sightings depend on the day and season: animals are wild and not held in captivity.

What birds besides quetzals might I see on this tour?

The highlands and lower elevations around San Gerardo De Dota are home to hummingbirds, flycatchers, woodpeckers, tanagers, wrens, haws and many others, depending on the season and time of day.

Do I need to bring my own binoculars?

Yes, you'll need to bring your own binoculars. The tour provides a top-line Swarovski Crystals spotting scope for close-up viewing and photography.

How physically demanding are the hikes in San Gerardo De Dota?

The hikes are described as peaceful and suitable for all fitness levels. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or problems with knees or hips. Temperatures in the highlands are chilly, so bring warm clothing.

What's included in the meals on this tour?

Breakfast is a typical Costa Rican gallo pinto with rice, beans and eggs. Lunch is a casado with rice, beans, salad and your choice of pork, chicken, fish or vegetarian option. Water, fruit snacks and ice tea are provided throughout the day.