Los Quetzales National Park

A Treasure for Bir Watching in Costa Rica

Los Quetzales National Park, located in the mountains of the Talamanca Mountain Range, is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and fascinating destinations for nature lovers, ecotourism enthusiasts, and bird watchers. Established in 2006, this park is dedicated to the conservation of the habitat of the majestic quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a mythical bird and symbol of tropical biodiversity. Its location in the southern part of the country, between the provinces of San José and Pérez Zeledón, and its stunning natural beauty make it an invaluable refuge for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is not only important as the home of the quetzal, but also as part of one of Costa Rica’s most important biological corridors.

History and Creation of the Park

Los Quetzales National Park was established in 2006 with the goal of protecting the habitat of several endangered species, especially the quetzal, which requires high-mountain forests and cloud forests to thrive. The creation of the park was driven by the growing need to preserve these mountainous ecosystems, which are essential for both biodiversity and the regulation of climate and water resources.

One of the primary threats to the quetzal and other species in the region was deforestation, particularly around agricultural lands and expanding urban areas. As a result, the park focuses heavily on conserving the forested areas and protecting the watersheds that supply water to surrounding communities.

Location and Accessibility

Los Quetzales National Park is located in the Los Santos Valley, which stretches between the cantons of Dota (San José) and Pérez Zeledón (San José), about 80 km south of San José, Costa Rica’s capital. This area is famous for its mountainous landscapes, cloud forests, and microclimates, which change with elevation.

The park is located in an easily accessible area for visitors, but reaching it requires taking Inter-American Highway South (Route 2) toward the city of San Isidro de El General. From there, visitors must take a detour toward the Cerro de la Muerte, a popular access point to the park. The road to the park is well-maintained, although conditions may be more challenging during the rainy season.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Los Quetzales National Park is home to several mountain ecosystems, such as cloud forests, montane forests, and paramo, which support a remarkable variety of plant and animal species. This biodiversity makes the park a crucial destination for ecotourism and a site for scientific research into tropical ecosystems.

Flora

The park is characterized by the presence of cloud forests, a unique ecosystem found on the high slopes of the mountains. These forests are dominated by tree species such as oak (Quercus), guarumo (Cecropia), and cypress (Cupressus), along with various species of ferns and mosses that thrive in the constant moisture.

Epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants without harming them) are common in the park, especially orchids, bromeliads, and lichens. These are key components of the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and the overall structure of the forest.

Fauna

Los Quetzales National Park is home to a wide variety of animal species, both terrestrial and flying, with the quetzal being the most iconic. The quetzal is known for its vibrant green and red plumage and long, sculpted tail, and is found in the mountainous regions of Central America. This bird holds great cultural significance, particularly among pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica.

In addition to the quetzal, the park hosts a range of species such as the white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus), the puma (Puma concolor), the ocelot (Leopardus wiedii), and various species of wildcats and rodents. The park also has many species of bats, snakes, including the coral snake (Micrurus spp.), and a wide array of insects and arachnids.

The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with more than 200 bird species recorded, including the woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), trogons (Trogonidae), and various species of hummingbirds.

Rivers and Waterways

The park is surrounded by several rivers and streams that feed into the General River watershed and the Savegre River basin. These rivers and tributaries are vital for the surrounding communities and agricultural activities. The water systems also provide important habitats for many aquatic species and help maintain the ecosystems within the park.

Read more about Los Quetzales National Park on the SINAC site: Read more