The resplendent quetzal is the aptly named national bird of Guatemala. Majestically aloof, with an iridescent green body and bold red breast, quetzals can grow to be a meter in length, including their luxurious tail streamer. 

Despite their size and easily recognizable coloring, spotting these birds in the wild is difficult. Ensure that your Guatemala trip includes an encounter with this quiet overseer of the region’s cloud forests by visiting Biotope del Quetzal.

This bird sanctuary is dedicated to maintaining the quetzal’s habitat, and it accordingly boasts numerous individuals, as well as more than 50 species of trees, 150 species of other birds, mushrooms, orchids, and all the best of Guatemala’s cloud forests.