Quetzal Season in Monteverde: What to Expect and When

Every year between roughly March and June, Monteverde cloud forest hosts one of the most anticipated wildlife events in Central America: the nesting season of the Resplendent Quetzal.

Males display their long iridescent tail streamers near cavity nests in dead wild avocado trees, and dawn is consistently the best window for both sightings and photography, when quetzals are most active feeding on wild avocado fruit before the heat and cloud cover build.

Outside nesting season, quetzals are still present in Monteverde and the surrounding Tilarán mountains, but sightings become less predictable and require patient, guided fieldcraft.

If a quetzal sighting is a priority for your trip, planning an expedition during nesting season and booking an early start gives the best odds.