Tucked away in the highland cloud forest, Los Quetzales Lodge & Spa is ideal for those longing to retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern living. At 7260 feet above sea level (2,200 meters), the reserve has the highest lodging facilities in the country, and lies inside the primary cloud forest of Volcan Baru National Park, which was established in 1976. The Volcan is adjacent to the 407,000 acre Parque Internacional La Amistad, which straddles Costa Rica and Panama. Our 400 hectare reserve has been protected by the private efforts of its founders in 1970.

It is our privilege to offer the only eco-vacation resort in Panama or Costa Rica with overnight accommodations inside a national park.

Our climate varies from 75 degrees F. during a sunny day to 45 degrees F. on our chilliest winter night. But the one thing about our ambiance, which amazes most visitors, is the absence of biting insects - no mosquitoes, no chiggers, not even a stray no-see-um! Fortunately our area also lacks venomous snake species.

Getting to Los Quetzales is easy. We are only 1 1/2 hours by bus from the Costa Rica border, on excellent paved roads all the way to our main hotel and headquarters in the town of Guadalupe, adjacent to Cerro Punta. From there, for those guests who wish to visit the mountainside reserve inside the Park, we provide access on a rocked road via a 4-wheel drive or horseback. Many folks also enjoy walking to the cabin area, a gentle 30 minute climb featuring mountain scenery quilted with small vegetable patches and colorful gardens in the town of 400 inhabitants. Higher up, on the way to the cabins, you'll walk past simple friendly homes of Guaymi indians.

I takes about seven hours by bus to reach us from San Jose, Costa Rica or Panama City, Panama. Those in a hurry to slow down and relax may choose a 50 minute flight from Panama City to David, or San Jose, Costa Rica to David, Chiriqui. From David, where we can arrange transportation for our guests, the drive to Guadalupe takes about one hour and fifteen minutes.

 

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A destination in itself
A unique eco experience, comfortable climate, spacious rooms surrounded by forests, flowers and green valleys.See list of all accommodations

• Camping
• Guided Tours
• Horseback Riding
• Wellness Center
• Mountain Biking
• Botanical Gardens
• Archeological Tours
• Fly Fishing for Trouts
• Wildlife Encounters
• Gourmet Dining
• Hot Springs

Carlos, I would like to thank you and your staff for a great stay at your lodge. Everything exceeded our expectations. Your staff are very friendly and accommodating. Please thank them for us. A special thank you to Jonathon for spending so much time with us and showing us all the birds. Your facilities are great. We enjoyed the room alot, the view of the grounds was nice, and if you would pass along a special thanks to the kitchen staff for great box lunches. - Dave & Anne H.

Los Quetzales strives to preserve the quality of the environment.
Learn more about our sustainable ecotourism efforts.