Los Quetzales Ecolodge & Spa

The main lodge has a warm Alpine feel, with honey-colored local wood, a fireplace, long bar, living room, big dining hall, and plenty of windows and a balcony. Outside, there are flowers, dense greenery, a rushing river, mountain mist, and cool air. It feels like a quiet refuge. Los Quetzales sits about two thousand meters up on an extinct volcano in the cloud forest of Chiriqui province, near Costa Rica and within the national forest preserve. It’s a distinctive high-elevation lodge in Panama, and the area is home to many beautiful birds, including the hard-to-spot Quetzal and lots of hummingbirds. Some of the most unusual lodging is in four octagonal cabins set apart from one another in the national park. Staff take guests there, drop them off, and can bring food. They’re surrounded by thick jungle and fast streams, with wildlife mostly heard rather than seen. Hummingbirds are plentiful around the cabins during the day. Staying in one feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trails range from a three-waterfall walk and guided quetzal searches to a route all the way to Boquete. Another goes to the summit of El Volcan del Baru, a full-day hike where both oceans may be visible. You can also stroll into Cerro Punta for strawberries and cream, local honey, or colorful native crafts. There’s more to find here, including massages and spa services, rock-climbing cliffs, yoga and wellness, a nearby horse farm, and orchids. A little farther away is El Cotito, with a lodge and hot spring still used by indigenous shamans for its healing waters. Meals include organic salads, fresh vegetables, homemade soups, and proteins. Breakfast is a generous buffet, and the proprietor grows the coffee. The staff are very friendly and ready to help. Enjoy!

The food was so good, and the staff were friendly. We had a wonderful stay, with big, beautiful rooms. Muchas gracias!

It can get chilly up in the mountains, so bring a jacket. The location is great, close to restaurants and outdoor activities, and there are plenty of amenities, including massages, a sauna, and a volleyball court. Prices were good, service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly.

I ate at Los Quetzales several times while staying in the Cerro Punta region and was never disappointed. The food was consistently amazing, and the warm, attentive staff made it feel welcoming. I’d highly recommend stopping by if you’re visiting the area.