San Jose to Los Quetzales National Park: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
7h 30mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest of Los Quetzales National Park for the chance to spot the rare, vibrant green Quetzales bird or an array of tropical insects and elusive mammals.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in San Jose whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Your helpful Daytrip driver ensures your safe and comfortable journey from San Jose to Los Quetzales, wehre your adventure can begin. You'll explore at your own pace, enjoying the peace of mind that your driver is waiting nearby for a convenient return trip.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Los Quetzales National Park should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$64
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$192
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in San Jose
You choose the pickup spot. Los Quetzales National Park
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 4 hours - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Step into an enchanting cloud forest and catch a glimpse of the rare, vibrant green Resplendent Quetzal flitting through the trees.
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Main attractionsÂ
- Bird watching, primarily for the parkâs namesake Resplendent Quetzal, most common from March through July
- Hiking trails leading to towering oak trees, tropical orchids, and tumbling waterfalls, especially around the Savegre River Valley
- Possible sightings of the park's more elusive wildcats, monkeys, and the Bairdâs Tapir
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Take noteÂ
- Sturdy hiking shoes, extra layers, sun and bug protection are essential
- Guided hikes and wildlife expeditions may offer the best experience; consider booking these in advance through local companies
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Back to San Jose
Weâll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Yes, the route between San Jose and Los Quetzales passes through small mountain communities with simple restaurants, sodas, and lodges, several specializing in fresh trout from local rivers. Many travelers stop for a hot lunch on the return journey. Your driver can recommend reliable family-run spots based on local knowledge, which is especially helpful in mountain weather when warm food is welcome.
You can walk the main trails on your own, but a local naturalist guide makes a major difference for wildlife and bird sightings, especially for spotting quetzals. Many lodges and small operators along the route offer early-morning birdwatching walks that can be booked in advance. Trail signage is limited compared with larger Costa Rican parks, so a guide also helps with route choices.
Los Quetzales National Park is about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of San Jose, with a typical drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours each way. The road climbs through the Talamanca Mountains, where weather changes quickly between sunshine, mist, and rain. Your private driver is familiar with the winding mountain paths.
Yes, the park works well for families who enjoy nature walks. Most trails near the visitor area are short and well-marked, with frequent stops for wildlife and plant spotting. Younger children may find longer hikes tiring at altitude, so it helps to break the day with a stop at a nearby cafe or trout farm. With a private driver, you can shape the timing around the family's energy.
The park protects misty cloud forest along the Savegre River Valley, with trails that wind past towering oaks, tropical orchids, mosses, and small waterfalls. Wildlife here includes the Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds, Baird's tapir, monkeys, and elusive wildcats. Plan for a few hours of gentle hiking, birdwatching, and time around the visitor center. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cloud forest weather is cool and damp, so wear layered clothing, including a warm fleece and a waterproof jacket. Sturdy hiking shoes with grip are important, as trails can be muddy. Bring insect repellent, sun protection for breaks in the clouds, water, snacks, and binoculars for birdwatching. A small dry bag or rain cover for cameras and electronics is also a smart addition.
Beyond the iconic Resplendent Quetzal, the park is home to many hummingbird species, trogons, toucanets, and warblers, plus mammals such as howler and spider monkeys, coatis, and the elusive Baird's tapir. Wildcats including pumas and ocelots live here but are very rarely seen by visitors. Mornings and just before dusk are usually the most active times for sightings.
The breeding season, roughly March through July, is the best window for seeing the Resplendent Quetzal, when the males display their long emerald tail feathers and feed on wild avocado-like fruit. Early morning is the most active time, often just after sunrise. A guided birdwatching walk significantly increases your chances, since experienced local guides know the favorite feeding trees.
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