Hi Joel,

It was not an organized tour, but after identifying the location, I used the hotel to find a local guide for the Quetzals. This was in San Gerardo de Dota and we stayed at Hotel Savegre. The first time I saw a Quetzal was in Monteverde. I remember when there they talked about how the Quetzal populations were actually a bit higher in the Mtns south of San Jose and I targeted San Gerardo de Dota as it is right next to Quetzal National Park (I thought that was a good sign). While I did not learn a ton, it seems like the National park is more of a summer/fall location for the birds, but they come down into the valleys (still at 7,000-9,000 ft) to nest from December-April. So that is where we found them.

If I were to go back to the area, one of the photo guides I ended up meeting was Marco, his sister & girlfriend own Lauraceas Lodge, which had been one of the other locations I considered. I would probably look at it a bit harder at it.

The other reason I picked San Gerardo de Dota was Batsu. They have converted part of an old orchard into photo blinds. Pictures are coming, but it was excellent. Marino was my guide for the Quetzals, his son (Felipe) owns Batsu and the daughter-in-law owns and excellent nearby restuarant (Alma de Arbol).

Monteverde is much more developed than San Gerardo de Dota. Not even really comparable. But, I will say, we hiked a long while to see a Quetzal in Monteverde. In San Gerardo de Dota, they had a number of spots that they could drive up too. So, what I recall being told may be true.