Albergue de Montaña Paraíso del Quetzal

Albergue de Montaña Paraíso del Quetzal Review

Nestled in a cloud forest just minutes off the main highway, this rustic lodge is, indeed, a paradise for resplendent quetzals and for the visitors who want to spot the most beautiful and sought-after bird in Costa Rica. Even if you don't catch sight of a quetzal, the vistas of cloud-enshrouded mountains and valleys will keep you busy, as will the hiking and birding trails through ancient oak forests dripping with moss and epiphytes. Each cozy cabin, set in splendid isolation, has a double bed plus a bunk bed, and lots of blankets. Two superior cabins have hot tubs and king-size beds. Nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s (around 4°C to 7°C) at this high altitude, and you'll be happy for the electric heaters, hot-water bottles and tiny tiled bathrooms with steaming-hot showers. The main lodge has a wood-burning stove and an observation gallery abuzz with brilliant hummingbirds that aren't the least bit fazed by onlookers. Meals are simple but hearty, cooked on a woodstove. This is the first hotel in this world-renowned birding area to receive the country's coveted Blue Flag for eco-friendliness. Per-person rates include breakfast, dinner, and one guided birding tour. The hotel also arranges daylong birding tours of the area ($80).