Into the Realm of the Quetzal - Talamanca Highlands

The Talamanca Highlands are widely regarded as one of Costa Rica’s premier birding destinations. Towering oak forests, cool mountain air, and mist-covered trails create a magical setting where birdlife thrives. This region offers a serene and immersive experience, with breathtaking views over deep valleys and a sense of being truly off the beaten path. Every walk through these highland forests feels unhurried, intimate, and unforgettable — a must for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Birds You Can Encounter

The undisputed star of the Talamanca Highlands is the Resplendent Quetzal, often seen perched quietly among fruiting trees. Sharing this high-elevation habitat is an exceptional variety of hummingbirds, including the fiery and iridescent Fiery-throated Hummingbird, the elegant White-throated Mountain-gem, the tiny Volcano Hummingbird, the sleek Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, and the striking Snowy-bellied Hummingbird. Along the trails, you may also encounter highland specialties such as silky-flycatchers, tanagers, and finches, making each walk through the misty oak forest a rich and rewarding birding experience.