Biotopo del Quetzal

The Biotopo del Quetzal sits directly on the road from Guatemala City to Coban in the Baja Verapaz cloud forest, and it was established to protect the resplendent quetzal, the bird that gives the country its currency and appears on its flag, along with the forest it depends on. Two loop trails climb through dripping forest of oak, tree fern, bromeliads and epiphytes, past small waterfalls and pools, with the vegetation itself doing much of the work: this is what cloud forest looks like when it has not been cleared. Quetzals are present but far from guaranteed, and they are most likely in the breeding season when the males are calling and feeding on wild avocado.

What you actually see

• Cloud forest structure - tree ferns, bromeliads and epiphytes in quantity.
• Two loop trails - routes of different lengths through the reserve.
• Small waterfalls and pools - the water along the paths.
• Resplendent quetzals in season - the bird the reserve was made for.

When to go

March to June, the breeding season, when quetzals are most active and most likely to be seen; the reserve is worth walking at any time. Half a day. Early morning gives the best chance.

Honest expectations

Quetzal sightings are luck; many visitors see none, and the reserve does not promise otherwise. It rains constantly and the trails are muddy and steep. The main road runs alongside and traffic noise carries. Guides are worth hiring for the birds.

Nearby

Purulha is south; Coban lies north.