Founded in 1976, the Biotopo del Quetzal covers an area of approximately 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) of mountainous tropical cloud forest. In addition to its namesake resident (the quetzal), the Biotopo is home to an abundance of tropical flora and fauna. Sadly, due to surrounding deforestation and fragmentation, it's becoming increasingly difficult to spot a quetzal here, but you will see a wealth of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, and mosses, as well as a host of other bird species, including the Emerald Toucanet and highland guan. If you're lucky, you might spot a howler monkey. The best time to see a quetzal in the Biotopo is March through June.

There are two different loop trails here, one marked corto (short); the other largo (long). They are about 2km (1 1/4 miles) and 4km (2 1/2 miles) in length, respectively. The short loop will take about 45 minutes to an hour, the long trail about twice as along. Several small waterfalls line the trails. Be sure to check out the information hut near the entrance to the trails, as well as the small collection of orchids and bromeliads.