Bird & Nature Watching Package
Spend a week in Exclusive wildlife exploration to Panama's National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Our 4x4 Land Cruisers will drive you to locations off the beaten path. We have selected the best locations to see the Resplendent Quetzal, Howler Monkey, Sloth, Agouti, White Nosed Coati, and Pygmy Squirrel. Abundance of animals and birds is seasonally dependent. Birds and wildlife move around depending on the weather and ripening fruits and flora. To view a photo gallery of our bird watching tour click here
What is a Quetzal and why are they so special?
The Resplendent Quetzal is a spectacular bird of the trogon family. It is found from southern Mexico to western Panama (unlike the other quetzal of the genus Pharomachrus, which are found in South America and eastern Panama). The quetzal plays an important role in Mesoamerican mythologies. Resplendent Quetzals have a green body with an iridescence from green-gold to blue-violet and a red breast. Their green upper tail coverts hide their tails and in breeding males are particularly splendid, being longer than the rest of the body. The primary wing coverts are also unusually long and give a fringed appearance. The male has a helmet-like crest The mature male's beak is yellow and the female's is black.The skin of the quetzal is very thin and easily torn, so it has evolved thick plumage to protect its skin. Like other members of the trogon family, it has large eyes that adapt easily to the dim light of its forest home. The "song" is a treble syllable described as kyow or like "a whimpering pup", often in pairs, which may be repeated monotonously. Resplendent Quetzals have other unmusical calls as well.
Myths and legends of the Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal was considered divine, associated with the "snake god", Quetzalcoatl by Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations. Its iridescent green tail feathers, symbols for spring plant growth, were venerated by the ancient Aztecs and Maya, who viewed the quetzal as the "god of the air" and as a symbol of goodness and light. Mesoamerican rulers and some nobility of other ranks wore headdresses made from quetzal feathers, symbolically connecting them to Quetzalcoatl. Since it was a crime to kill a quetzal, the bird was simply captured, its long tail feathers plucked, and was set free. Quetzalcoatl was the creator god and god of wind, often depicted with grey hair. In several Mesoamerican languages, the term for quetzal can also mean precious, sacred, or erected. Until recently, it was thought that the Resplendent Quetzal could not be bred or held for any long time in captivity, and indeed it was noted for usually killing itself soon after being captured or caged. For this reason it is a traditional symbol of liberty. However, a zoo in Mexico has kept this species since 1992, and in 2004 breeding in captivity was announced (Orellana, 2004).
The bird is of great relevance to Guatemalan culture, being a character in the widely popular legend of the local hero Tecún Umán, a prince and warrior of the Quiché (K'iche') Maya during the latter stages of the Spanish conquest of the region. This quetzal was his nahual (spirit guide). The Quiché repelled several attacks from the Spanish army, even though outmatched in weaponry (guns, armor and cavalry against spears and arrows).
Legend has it that on the day the conquistador Pedro de Alvarado fought against Tecún Umán, there was a quetzal flying overhead. On the first strike Tecún Umán, on foot, managed to disable Pedro de Alvarado's horse. Alvarado was then given another horse and on the second strike ran through Tecún Umán's chest with a spear.The quetzal flew down and landed on Tecún Umán, dipping its chest in the warrior prince's blood. It is there that the bird acquired its distinctive red chest feathers. It is debatable whether these events happened, but the Maya fought fiercely for their land and freedom during the conquest. One Mayan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since; it will sing once again only when the land is truly free.
The bird is of great relevance to Guatemalan culture, being a character in the widely popular legend of the local hero Tecún Umán, a prince and warrior of the Quiché (K'iche') Maya during the latter stages of the Spanish conquest of the region. This quetzal was his nahual (spirit guide). The Quiché repelled several attacks from the Spanish army, even though outmatched in weaponry (guns, armor and cavalry against spears and arrows).
Legend has it that on the day the conquistador Pedro de Alvarado fought against Tecún Umán, there was a quetzal flying overhead. On the first strike Tecún Umán, on foot, managed to disable Pedro de Alvarado's horse. Alvarado was then given another horse and on the second strike ran through Tecún Umán's chest with a spear.The quetzal flew down and landed on Tecún Umán, dipping its chest in the warrior prince's blood. It is there that the bird acquired its distinctive red chest feathers. It is debatable whether these events happened, but the Maya fought fiercely for their land and freedom during the conquest. One Mayan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since; it will sing once again only when the land is truly free.
What's included in our Bird Watching package:
We will provide hassle free booking services with the best Panama City hotels, transportation services and domestic airlines at no extra charge for that segment of your trip. Some of the items listed are optional, for example the VIP airport lounge, the Panama Canal tour, or even staying the night in Panama City. The arrival time of your incoming and outgoing flights will dictate whether or not you would need to spend the night in the City. We also have information for those of you arriving via San Jose Costa Rica posted below:
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation call us toll free at 1-866-992-6622
San Jose Costa Rica Segment
Valle Escondido Resort Segment
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation call us toll free at 1-866-992-6622
- Panama City Segment
- Our optional VIP airport service, your bags and passport will be processed while you relax in the Royal Lounge. Price: $84.00 per couple
- We recommend the luxurious Hotel De Ville. To obtain our discount price, we will make your reservation. To view their website click here. Our price: $215.00
- A special tour of the famous Panama Canal and it's museum. Price: $48.40
- Airport pick up and transport to your hotel, canal tour transport and transport to the domestic airport. Also included is your return trip from the domestic airport to the international airport. Price: $141.24
- Air Panama flight to David, Chiriqui. Round trip airfare price per couple: $496.80 To visit Air Panama's website click here
- Total price per couple for the Panama City VIP, canal tour, hotel and Round trip airfare to David, Chiriqui: $1,015.00
- Total price for singles Panama City VIP, Canal Tour, hotel and and Round trip airfare to David, Chiriqui: $729.00
San Jose Costa Rica Segment
- We recommend the Hampton Inn; airport pickup included. Prices vary depending on the dates.
- Air Panama flight from San Jose, Costa Rica to David, Chiriqui. This price includes two round trip tickets.
- To visit Air Panama's website click here
- Round trip airfare price per couple from San Jose to David, Chiriqui: $678.00
- Round trip airfare price one person from San Jose to David, Chiriqui: $339.00
Valle Escondido Resort Segment
- Five night's stay at the luxurious Valle Escondido Resort, Golf & Spa
- Breakfasts and dinner are included
- A couple's massage in our exclusive Health & Beauty spa
- A manicure and pedicure in our spa for both
- A guided bird watching tour in Boquetes nature reserves
- A guided tour of the famous "Quetzal Trail"
- Private transportation to and from David's domestic airport to Valle Escondido Resort
- Valle Escondido Resort Segment Cost: $1,960.00 per couple
- Valle Escondido Resort Segment Cost: $1,343.00 one person