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SIGNATURE MOMENT
Waking up to the dawn chorus of howler monkeys
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Watching tanagers and toucans as the sun rises over the Arenal Volcano
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Experiencing the dramatic differences in flora and fauna at different elevations
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Witnessing first-hand the major role army ants play in the rainforest ecosystem
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Observing Resplendent Quetzals feeding on fruit trees at Paraíso del Quetzal

Classic Costa Rica: Quest for the Quetzal

Feb 22 - Mar 04, 2025

11 days | Costa Rica | Quest Nature Tours

With such an amazing biodiversity within a small country, Costa Rica is an ideal ‘first ambassador’ for travellers looking to explore Central America. On this tour of discovery, we venture from the country’s Central Valley down the Caribbean foothills into the eastern lowlands; cross the Continental Divide to the Pacific lowlands and the wetlands of the dry northwest; ascend to cloud forests and climb even farther up into the stark páramo above the tree line. By visiting so many unique ecoregions, the landscape will always be changing, and the cast of animals and plants will change with it.

The attendant (and substantial) diversity of bird life will be readily apparent as we explore. Standouts will include macaws, toucans, trogons, motmots, tanagers, hummingbirds, antbirds and manakins. Butterflies are similarly impressive, with slick heliconians and giant blue Morphos catching our attention. Though more secretive or cryptic, we can expect to encounter numerous interesting mammals, reptiles and amphibians, especially on our exciting night walks. From the captivating beauty of a Resplendent Quetzal to the subtlety of a tiny orchid clinging to life in the canopy of a fallen rainforest tree, this will be an invigorating experience for the senses.

We are offering a 3-night post-trip extension to the fabulous Osa Peninsula. Please read the itinerary for more information.

Pura Vida!    
Quest Nature Tours Worldwide Explorers Club University of Guelph Alumni Tours
Tour Cost (per person):
US$5695 includes taxes and gratuities
Group Size:
10 - 12 participants   

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; ground transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle; park entrance fees; airport transfers, if travelling as per the group flight itinerary; meals as specified in the itinerary; services of local English-speaking guides; water available throughout (to be used with a refillable bottle); coffee, tea, and water at meals; all taxes and gratuities; services of your Quest leader Kyle Horner

"In the company of an excellent driver and local guide we covered a variety of terrain and habitats without feeling road weary, and felt welcomed in the carefully chosen accommodation that reflected the community and culture around it. And we met the Tour's title: Quest for the Quetzal...and resplendent they were!" - Amanda Hey
"[Kyle Horner] Enthusiastic, well spoken, approachable, went out of his way to ensure everyone had a chance to see the bird of the moment." - Anne and Michael

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Arrive in San José
2Travel to the Caribbean Lowlands
3Exploring the Arenal region
4Travel to the Pacific Lowlands
5Day trip to Hacienda San Joaquín
6Travelling along the Pacific Coast
7Mangrove Tour and the Pacific Coast
8-9Los Quetzales National Park and Paraíso del Quetzal
10Travel to San José via Tapantí National Park
11Depart San José
Optional Extension: Four nights in the Osa Peninsula
Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

A graduate of the University of Guelph, Kyle Horner is a consummate environmental educator and well-travelled, lifelong naturalist who can proudly say he’s been birdwatching since before he could walk! He has also worked as a field technician for a variety of research projects. He is currently the NatureCounts Engagement Coordinator at Birds Canada, where he helps to build awareness and adoption of that innovative bird data platform. Kyle is also completing a book on turtles of North America, to be released in 2024!

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Quest Nature Tours Worldwide Explorers Club University of Guelph Alumni Tours
Tour Cost (per person):
US$5695 includes taxes and gratuities
Group Size:
10 - 12 participants   

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; ground transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle; park entrance fees; airport transfers, if travelling as per the group flight itinerary; meals as specified in the itinerary; services of local English-speaking guides; water available throughout (to be used with a refillable bottle); coffee, tea, and water at meals; all taxes and gratuities; services of your Quest leader Kyle Horner

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Classic Costa Rica: Quest for the Quetzal

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