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    PhotographyLa Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela

    Valle de los Quetzales – Full Day Birding & Photography Tour

    Full-day private excursion from La Fortuna to La Paz de San Ramón to photograph the Resplendent Quetzal in its cloud-forest habitat — plus honeycreepers, hummingbirds and oropendolas at Don Ignacio Arias' private property.

    • Full day (~10–11 hrs)
    • La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela

    From $350.00USD · per person · Taxes included

    Private tour

    Do you need transport?

    Total · $700.00 USD Taxes included

    Book Now

    24 h+: book online · 6–<24 h: request without payment · <6 h: WhatsApp.

    More than 8 travelers or a special request? Ask us
    Resplendent Quetzal male at Valle de los Quetzales, San RamónPhoto: VIVO ExpeditionsResplendent Quetzal male perchedPhoto: VIVO ExpeditionsResplendent Quetzal male in the cloud forestPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    1 of 3Resplendent Quetzal male at Valle de los Quetzales, San RamónPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Photo credits: Photo: VIVO Expeditions

    Gallery

    Resplendent Quetzal male at Valle de los Quetzales, San Ramón
    Photo: VIVO Expeditions
    Resplendent Quetzal male perched
    Photo: VIVO Expeditions
    Resplendent Quetzal male in the cloud forest
    Photo: VIVO Expeditions
    Red-legged Honeycreeper perched
    Photo: VIVO Expeditions

    Tour details

    Maximum group
    Private · up to 6 photographers
    Camera level
    All levels · phone, bridge, DSLR or mirrorless
    Hides and feeders
    Wild avocado trees and observation points
    Guide
    Yehudi Hernández or Elías Peña · VIVO
    Target species
    Resplendent Quetzal, highland hummingbirds and trogons

    No professional equipment required. Recommended: 300 mm or longer for birds; 100 mm macro and flash at night.

    Every guide carries a telescope and helps with phone-scoping.

    Quetzal: January–May. Operated year-round.

    Book at least 24 hours ahead. Hotel transport quoted separately.

    Breakfast and lunch included. Groups of 4–6; more than 6 by manual request only.

    Location

    La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela · 90 km from La Fortuna (≈135 min drive)

    Tour Location· La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela

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    Tour at a glance

    Full-day private excursion from La Fortuna to La Paz de San Ramón to photograph the Resplendent Quetzal in its cloud-forest habitat — plus honeycreepers, hummingbirds and oropendolas at Don Ignacio Arias' private property. Full day (~10–11 hrs) · La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela · From $350.00 USD.

    Includes: Private birding & photography guide · Exclusive access to Don Ignacio Arias' property · Local "soda" breakfast on arrival · Traditional Costa Rican lunch · Spotting scope & ID assistance

    Book now · Free cancellation up to 48 h before your tour

    About

    A private full-day birding and photography expedition to Valle de los Quetzales, a hidden mid-elevation cloud-forest valley in La Paz de San Ramón, roughly two hours from La Fortuna. The tour is built around exclusive access to Don Ignacio Arias' private property, whose mature wild avocado (aguacatillo) trees are one of the most reliable Resplendent Quetzal feeding sites in northern Costa Rica — reserved for our guests only, so there are no crowds jostling for the shot. Departure is very early (around 4:00 AM) to reach the valley at dawn, when quetzal activity peaks and light is at its best for photography. In addition to the target species, expect Montezuma oropendola, red-legged and green honeycreeper, violet sabrewing, green hermit, masked tityra, collared trogon, prong-billed barbet, black guan and a long list of mid-elevation specialists. A traditional local breakfast at a family soda on arrival and a home-cooked Costa Rican lunch are included. From $350 per person · all taxes and fees included; transport is quoted separately by hotel and zone. Minimum 2 guests. Ideal for serious birders, photographers and anyone who wants the quetzal experience without the highland-lodge overnight.

    Itinerary
    1. 4:30 AM · Hotel pickup

      Private transport from your La Fortuna area hotel.

    2. 4:50 AM · Arrive at La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela

      Briefing with your bilingual naturalist guide.

    3. 5:00 AM · Guided experience begins

      Immersive interpretation at a boutique pace.

    4. 10:00 AM · Wildlife & photo stops

      Curated stops for sightings and photography.

    5. 3:00 PM · Return to hotel

      Comfortable transfer back to your accommodation.

    Included
    • Private birding & photography guide
    • Exclusive access to Don Ignacio Arias' property
    • Local "soda" breakfast on arrival
    • Traditional Costa Rican lunch
    • Spotting scope & ID assistance

    Not included

    • Camera equipment, hotel transportation unless stated, meals not listed, gratuities. Observers who start photographing pay the photographer rate.
    What to bring
    • Camera with telephoto lens (400mm+ recommended)
    • Binoculars
    • Warm layers — cloud-forest climate (15–22°C)
    • Light rain jacket
    • Comfortable closed shoes
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Neutral, dark or camouflage-friendly clothing
    • long pants
    • closed-toe shoes or rubber boots for wet ground
    • rain cover for you and your gear
    Pickup & times

    Start time: 5:00am

    Pickup can be coordinated

    La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela

    Share your hotel or Airbnb name during checkout and we confirm pickup time and any transport cost in writing.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long does this tour last?

    It lasts Full day (~10–11 hrs). Start times: Departure 5:00 AM.

    Is transport or pickup included?

    Transport is never included in the tour price. We quote it separately by hotel and zone, so you only pay for the route you actually need.

    Is this tour designed for photographers?

    Yes. The pace follows the light and clean angles, with real time at each subject instead of covering distance. Non-photographers are welcome too.

    What happens if it rains?

    Rain is part of the rainforest and the activity normally runs; bring a light rain jacket. If conditions become unsafe we reschedule or refund according to our policy.

    Where does this experience take place?

    La Paz de San Ramón, Alajuela

    Birding calendar by area

    Not sure yet? Send us a request

    Valle de los Quetzales – Full Day Birding & Photography Tour

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    Do you need transport?