Chasing the Enchanted Quetzal: A Birdwatching Journey in Guatemala

@All Photo Credits: Noam Bedein

As the first light of dawn touched the calm waters of Lake Atitlán, our family embarked on a quest to see one of the world’s most hard-to-find and beautiful birds—the dazzling quetzal. According to many birdwatchers, naturalists, and travel experts, the quetzal’s rarity and striking beauty have long captured imaginations worldwide. A symbol of Guatemala’s soul, this magnificent bird has captured hearts since ancient Mayan times and remains so important that its name is used for the country’s official currency, the quetzal.

Our adventure began at 5:30 AM when a boat arrived at the dock near our home base in Santa Cruz, Casa Valdres. Hosted by Voltan Adventures, an expert in ecotourism, and led by Isaias J. Solíz, a local guide with a background in ornithology, we set off on a personalized bird-watching ecotour, excited to explore the cloud forests on the slopes of the Santiago volcano. With camera gear in hand—a 100-400mm telephoto lens, a telescope, and a set of binoculars—we prepared ourselves for a journey full of discovery and challenge.

Arriving at the colorful docks of Santiago Atitlán, the town was just starting to wake up. Women carried their laundry to the lake, vendors set up their stalls, and children headed to school. From there, we hopped into the back of a pickup truck, holding onto the iron bars as we climbed higher into the misty mountains. The cool morning air carried the smell of wet earth and plants, a refreshing change from the tropical sun that would soon appear.

At our starting point for the trek, we put on extra layers and entered the deep green cloud forest. Every step felt like we were part of nature’s own concert—unique bird songs filled the thick canopy while dew-covered leaves shone softly in the morning light. Our young explorers, Lavie—aged nine—and Eitam—six—were thrilled by the huge jungle plants. Some leaves were so large they looked like they belonged in a prehistoric world, reminding us of scenes from Jurassic Park.

Along the way, Isaias introduced us to the mashan plant, an ancient Mayan material with fibers so strong that it was once used as natural packaging, instead of the plastic used today that harms our planet. Locals still use mashan to wrap tamales and grains, a living example of sustainable traditions passed down through generations. Seeing agroforestry practices in a national park reminded us of the careful balance between conservation and everyday life.

After a challenging yet rewarding hike, we reached a perfect lookout—a lone tree standing firm against the misty background. Our patience was soon rewarded. Sitting on one of the branches, a male quetzal appeared, his bright green feathers shining in the golden morning light. His red chest stood out against the lush greenery, and his long, flowing tail feathers—among the longest found in birds—moved gracefully in the breeze. The scene was unforgettable.

Carefully positioning ourselves on the steep ground, we captured the moment with our cameras. Just as we enjoyed our discovery, we were lucky to see a rare green toucanet on the same branch—a brief but amazing sight.

As we admired the quetzal, Isaias explained the bird’s ancient importance. The Mayans saw it as a sacred messenger of the gods, its flight symbolizing the connection between the heavens and the earth. Known as “Kukulkan’s messenger,” the quetzal was linked to the feathered snake god, Quetzalcoatl. It was believed that quetzals could not live in captivity, truly representing the spirit of freedom—a belief that still holds deep meaning in Guatemala today.

Our adventure ended back in Santiago, where we enjoyed freshly brewed coffee and mocha at a charming lakeside café before boarding our boat home. With hearts full of wonder and memory cards packed with unforgettable shots, we returned knowing we had seen not just a bird, but a living legend of Guatemala’s wild spirit—thanks to Voltan Adventures, whose expertise in ecotourism made this incredible journey possible.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Casa Valdres, our home base in Santa Cruz, for their warm hospitality and for introducing us to Isaias and his tour company, enriching our overall Lake Atitlán experience.