Sep/110
Experience the Bay of Fundy
The power of the tides has made unique, invigorating and wild rides. There are different degrees of excitement and the Bay of Fundy gives you a little of each.
Ride the Reversing Falls
For the advanced white water kayaker, the reversing falls at low tide present a fantastic challenge, making a fantastic ride.
For the less venturesome, but equally daring, try walking through the falls in a novel "bubble" or taking part in a jet boat ride.
Surf the Tidal Bore & Mud Sliding
The earth at the very top of the Bay opens up to waters that rush in at high tide. One or two local companies take advantage of this phenomena by offering white water adventure tours. This is a wild experience that is really unique to the Bay of Fundy.
Once the Tidal Bore is emptied of the mighty waters of high tide, steep muddy banks are revealed. For the truly bold and a touch crazy only.
Sea Kayaking
The Bay of Fundy has wonderful possibilities for sea kayakers. The waters can be still at times , as the Bay does offer shelter from the open ocean's wake making wonderful conditions to explore a largely undeveloped shoreline. With six hours between high and low tides, the view of the tide worn shores is continually changing.
Scuba Diving
For the ones that brave the cold waters of the Bay, Fundy offers spectacular underwater life and fantastic challenge. Deer Island, among the Fundy Isles, is a local underwater diving hot spot.
Whale Watching
Home to at least 8 different species of whales, whale watching is a popular activity on the Bay of Fundy. Tours go from 2 to 6 hours and are offered from a spread of coastal locations along the southern parts of the Bay.
Hiking/Backpacking
The Bay of Fundy has trails for all levels of hiking. Whether looking for a short trail to an astounding view or a back country heaven, the shores of the Bay have it all.
Rappelling/Rock Climbing
Cape Enrage is one of the Bay of Fundy's most dramatic rock faces, creating a chance for the most impressive rappelling and rock climbing in the region. A perfect activity for the adrenaline junkies.
Caving
Many caves have been carved out of the coasts of the Bay by the power of the tides. Exploring these caves can be exhilarating and dangerous. Cavers always have to beware of the rising tide. Guided tours are available.
Learn more about the Bay of Fundy Canada by heading off to the bayoffundy.com. This great resource offers more info about the highest tides, but also provides you great within travel advice for an ideal Bay of Fundy vacation!
Jun/110
Melbourne Is The Prime Holiday Destination For So Many Travelers
There are millions of ways to see the incredible capital of Melbourne and tourists all over the world will tell you tales of Melbourne experiences that will make you want to travel half way around the world just to take in half of what you are hearing about which is what the allure of this city truly is. It is one of the true diverse cities in the world in the fact that it's both a glamorous city and an incredible tropical haven.
The experiences that you will find in Melbourne tend to be diverse and fabulous though so many incredible activities to do it is easy for a visitor to become overwhelmed thinking where to go and things to see. There are some things which only appeal to a number of the individuals but the following are attractions in which tend to appeal to a more substantial sect of the population which are visiting Melbourne each year.
To begin with there are many attractions throughout the city of Melbourne but by far the one that has been voted time and time again as one of the most popular in Melbourne has to be the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne. In addition to the incredible gardens of Melbourne tourists also fell in love with the art exhibits at the National Gallery of Victoria and the cuddly little creatures at the Melbourne Zoo.
In addition to the many attractions in Melbourne there are also a variety of tours that the guests of this vast city tend to embark upon. Some of the favorite tours as voted by tourists and locals alike were the Vinetrekker Private Wine Tours, the Melbourne Photo Tour, and the Escape Discovery Adventure. While these three tours seem to not really have a common thread besides the fact that they are the most sought after tours the general commonality seems to be that they are all hands on tours where those who are on the tour are not just watching what it being done but having a full experience and perhaps this is the allure.
Fine dining plntys through the city of Melbourne, however, it is important to note that again some of the places favorite places to dine were additionally those that included some thing unique along with the dining experience such as the extraordinary ambiance of the Colonial Tramcar Cafe or the lovely Vue de Monde. It seems like for Melbourne visitors the atmosphere was as important or even more important than the actual food itself judging by these selections.
Your Melbourne experience ought to be your own but when looking at the many different attractions along with experiences that you have to pick from be sure to consider many of these locations as across the board they seem to be the real people pleasers of Melbourne. Critiques by other vacationers can help you make the absolute best decisions regarding your own holiday experience so it is a good idea to reference this information before you travel.
You may be searching for Melbourne information when you vacation. If you search online for Discount Melbourne hotels you will find bunches of great places.
Feb/110
Great Vacations Through All Inclusive Packages
An all inclusive vacation package is one way to enjoy a stress free holiday. The term 'all inclusive package' usually refers to a one stop shop method wherein you can arrange for all the elements of a trip through one agency or establishment. These elements can include airfare, transportation, hotel accommodation, meals and tours. These types of offerings differ per package. Some may offer airfare, accommodations, meals and beverages but will not include transportation and tours. Others can offer lodging and touring only.
These are specifically designed to deliver the best adventure and vacation experience to travelers as everything is already taken cared of and can even be customized depending on a persons travel preferences. These are ideal for resort hotels where you can arrange for a specific activity or pursuit that you want to engage in prior to arriving at your destination. These can even extend to theater and amusement park passes, fishing and boating trips, and many other interests you may have or want to go through for the first time . It is convenient for those who want to have a well planned schedule so that you can maximize your time away from home.
Prior to booking the trip, it is prudent to check out the available options that are within your budget. Vacationing in an area with an amusement park can give you an option to select the number of days you will spend at the park as well as the meals that will be included in the deal. For locations with fine dining restaurants that are always full, you can inquire if the package can include reservations there as well. Those that offer these kinds of deals can be quite flexible and so it is best that you discuss this with your travel or hotel reservation agent.
You can find some great packages on the World Wide Web or through lifestyle and travel magazines. There are also great deals that are offered directly by the resorts. You can gather all the information and make a comparison so that you can get the best and most reasonably priced holiday. If you are traveling with your family or friends, you may avail of additional group discounts that can allow you to even save more on your trip.
A worry free vacation is becoming more and more popular, especially for those who want to take full advantage of their leisure time. It can bring about more fun, excitement and memorable events that will be cherished long after the excursion has ended. Once you have gone on an all inclusive vacation, you will definitely want to go on another one in the future though perhaps at a different location this time.
Abel Satiku publishes mainly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online site on the topic of parking at murcia airport and murcia airport destinations. His comments on murcia airport destinations and murcia airport transfers are found on his website .
Oct/100
Exploring Costa Rica’s Capital – San Jose
For many travelers San Jose City is nothing more than a stop over and move on to their next adventure in a new destination. But this pulsating cultural capital of Costa Rica and so much more than that. There are tons of interesting things to see and do here: museums, theaters, delicious international restaurants, and great shopping places will be waiting for you. My advice for travelers is to make this your home base for day trips to some of the countries most popular attractions that this area hosts.
Can't Miss This
Museums and Gardens
City parks and plazas Theaters
Churches and Downtown Landmarks Volcanoes
Shop at the Central Market (Mercado Central)
Take a cultural tour of a coffee plantation
Hike up to the mouth of Poas and Irazu Volcanoes
A full day at a nature adventure park
A Bit of History
San Jose City (better known as San Jose) is actually the second capital of Costa Rica. The original capital was cartago until it was moved in 1835. Around the year 1737 this city was known as 'Villa Nueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra'. A few years later the name was changed after the city's patron who was Saint Joseph.
There were many historic events that impacted Costa Rica's culture and San Jose's but the ones that made the most impact were the development of the coffee exports industry, the influence of the French revolution and the country's declaration of independence from Spain. Before the independence the country was split into two: the Democrats, who wanted the country to remain a Spanish territory, and the Republicans, who wanted to centralize the power and make Costa Rica an independent country. In 1823 there was a which ended up being won by Republicans as a result the capital was moved to San Jose and Costa Rica became an independent country.
Did You Know?
San Jose is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica and is surrounded by large forested mountain ranges and some volcanoes. There are also green savannas, and working coffee plantations.
Other Nearby Cities
Alajuela
Escazu
Grecia
Santa Ana
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America - Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She's traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Sep/100
When You Are Looking For A Beach Resort In The Gold Coast Head Over To Broadbeach
It's really not an exaggeration to say that some of the most incredible hotels on the Gold Coast Broadbeach is located in the right and if you are looking for place to stay, look no further than your Broadbeach holiday accommodation. And with over 100 restaurants, gorgeous beaches and wonderful shops around the five stars seem really based on the general atmosphere in Broadbeach. It's really a very elegant place, with lots of action all day and late into the evening with many discos that keep the action flowing well in the wee morning.
The Sofitel Gold Coast is a fabulous five star hotel that offers you the best accommodations right on the beach with plenty of things to do, panoramic views, pools and tennis courts and even a heated Jacuzzi. You will find this resort property well exceeds even the highest expectations and is a wonderful place to spend time in the heart of Broadbeach. The Sofitel is also an excellent place to stay if you are planning on taking in an event at the Exhibition Center as well.
Jupiters a lovely property located on Broadbeach Island and makes you feel like you have entered paradise. This lovely property is comprised of landscaped gardens and parkland but is just a short monorail ride away from all the excitement of Broadbeach and the rest of the Gold Coast. This resort offers first rate entertainment and many different restaurants and bars right on the property. If you want an all inclusive five star resort then check out Jupiters Hotel.
Properties like Oceana on Broadbeach and Air on Broadbeach are properties that are five star but offer apartment accommodations. They have all the amenities that you will be looking for and of course a five star staff to attend to your needs but they offer full apartment accommodations allowing you to see the region for less while preparing a few of your meals right at these lovely properties. This can be a big benefit especially if you are traveling with a family.
Of course, the Gold Coast is crawling with hotels and other stations that can make the choice to stay where a difficult, but these homes Broadbeach are surely among the best around. Great price, great entertainment, and centrally located to everything you will find that these units are certainly considered. After all, once you've seen the best, who really cares about the rest?
When you are looking for hotels on gold coast you should go to www.goldcoastinformation.com.au. This site has all the information on gold coast accommodation as well as local entertainment and more.
Sep/100
Everything Egypt
Predynastic Egypt (5,500 - 3,100 BC)
Beginning just before the Predynastic period, Egyptian culture was already beginning to resemble greatly the Paranoiac ages that would soon come after, and rapidly at that. In a transition period of a thousand years (about which little is still known), nearly all the archetypal characteristics appeared, and beginning in 5500 BC we find evidence of organized, permanent settlements focused around agriculture. Hunting was no longer a major support for existence now that the Egyptian diet was made up of domesticated cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, as well as cereal grains such as wheat and barley. Artifacts of stone were supplemented by those of metal, and the crafts of basketry, pottery, weaving, and the tanning of animal hides became part of the daily life. The transition from primitive nomadic tribes to traditional civilization was nearly complete.
Bastet The Cat Goddess
Today: Bastet - Proctectress of Cats, cat or head of a cat Bastet was sometimes called Bast. She was the goddess of cats. She is a cat, or has the head of a cat, but originally she had the head of a lion.
Every day the sun god Ra would travel in his ship across the sky. Every night the snake Apep tried to stop the sun god's ship on his journey through the underworld. Ra was usually won these battles. However, on stormy days, or during an eclipse, the Egyptians believed that Apep had been victorious and swallowed the sun. Bastet defended her father Ra against the snake.
The Pyramids
I know, I know. You're probably saying to yourself, "Where's my silver platter!" Please make it easier on yourself-CONCENTRATE on ways to get around the obstacles. One piece of advice I can give you is never stop looking for the answers you need. Ask. Look. Research and ye shall find!
It's also a good time to listen to your inner voice. In order to do this, take some time out for yourself and spend it in a quiet place. Once you're calm, listen to that voice. The advice it can give you is surprisingly right on target.
Take some time to look after your health. Retreats and vacations can be a big boost to your physical and emotional outlook, especially if you're near water. Travel with care. If you can't take a full-blown vacation, even a quiet afternoon would be great.
Physically, a vacation allows you to rest. Emotionally, a rest will allow you to hear the advice that your inner voice can offer.
Feather Of Ma'at
The Ancient Egyptians believed that when you died, you travelled to the Hall of the Dead. There Anubis weighed your heart against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of justice sits on top of the scales to make sure that the weighing is carried out properly. You can see Anubis steadying the scales to make the weighing fair. If your heart was lighter than the feather, you lived forever. We still talk of "a heart as light as a feather" to mean carefree, and "heavy-hearted" to mean sad. If your heart was heavier than the feather then it was eaten by the demon Ammit, the Destroyer. Ammit had the head of a crocodile, the shoulders of a lion and the rump of a hippopotamus. These were all frightening animals for the Egyptians. Thoth, god of wisdom and writing, stands by to record what happens.
Equal Opportunity
Kings were not only males, and unlike in modern monarchies, the ruler of ancient Egypt, whether male or female, was always called a king. In fact, Egypt had some very noteworthy female rulers such as Hatshepsut and others.
In ancient (Paranoiac) Egypt, the pinnacle of Egyptian society, and indeed of religion, was the king. Below him were the layers of the educated bureaucracy, which consisted of nobles, priests and civil servants, and under them were the great mass of common people, usually living very poor, agricultural based lives.
Origin Of The Word Pharaoh
Today: "Pharaoh." The term "per-aa" means "great house" and developed via the Greek, into the word we now use today. "Per-aa" was originally used to describe the royal court or the state itself, in the sense that the "great house" was the entity responsible for the taxation of the lesser houses ("perw"), which were the temple lands and private estates. From the late 18th Dynasty and onwards, "per-aa" had begun to be used to refer to the actual king himself.
Horus who Succors
Djer, whose name may have meant "Horus who Succors," is said to have reigned for 57 years. Nine years from his reign are recorded on the main Cairo fragment of the royal annals, describing the royal progress, or the "following of Horus," the fashioning and dedication of cult statues, and an expedition to Western Asia. These were the first records of military expeditions outside of the Two Lands. Forces were sent east into Sinai and perhaps beyond. The annals refer to one regal year being called "The Year of Smiting the Land of the Stjt, a word later referring perhaps to Syria-Palestine.
The sciences may have flourished at this time, because Djer was remembered later on as a great physician. Manetho claims that Djer wrote on anatomy and treatment of diseases in circulation 3,000 years after his death. One of his prescriptions was for hair strengthening.
Pharaoh Amenhotep IV - The Misunderstood Akhenaton
In the 14th century BC the Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep IV undertook a religious reform by displacing all the traditional deities with the sun god Aton. In the god's honor, the pharaoh changed his name to Akhenaton, which means "It is well with Aton." Akhenaton (also Ikhnaton) ruled from 1379 to 1362 BC. His queen, Nefertiti (also Nofretete), was one of the most famous women in Egyptian history. On his death, he was succeeded by the boy-king Tutankhamen, the discovery of whose tomb in 1922 was an archaeological sensation. Akhenaton's reform was one of the earliest attempts to enforce monotheism, the belief in one god. Images and inscriptions of other gods were all removed. To further enforce his views, Akhenaton moved the country's capital from Thebes to a site 200 miles (300 kilometers) north, which he called Akhenaton (now called Tell el Amarna). Akhenaton's reforms, and the artistic and literary revival that accompanied them, did not survive for long. So much of his time was devoted to religion that the powerful Egyptian Empire began to disintegrate. This, combined with the opposition of the priests of the displaced gods, worked to undermine the new religion. After Akhenaton's death the capital was moved back to Thebes and the former gods restored
Tutankhamen
The most famous Egyptian pharaoh today is, without doubt, Tutankhamen. The boy king died in his late teens and remained at rest in Egypt's Valley of the Kings for over 3,300 years.
He was only about 18 years old when he died, and as a pharaoh of Egypt he had no great claim to fame. Tutankhamen (originally Tutankhamen) owes his place in history mostly to the discovery of his tomb completely intact and not violated by grave robbers in 1922. The remarkable artifacts from the tomb, including the beautiful golden mask, are on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Tutankhamen was possibly the son of Amenhotep III, an earlier 18th-dynasty king, and his wife Tiy. Tutankhamen became king after the death of Akhenaton the religious reformer who died in 1362 BC. He married Akhenaton's third daughter to solidify his claim to the throne. During most of his rule he resided at ancient Memphis, near present-day Cairo.
The Kings Scepter
A scepter or staff is one of the most ancient symbols of authority. The hieroglyph for "nobleman" or "official" shows a man carrying a long staff of office in front of him. A grave found at the Predynastic site of el-Omari in Lower Egypt contained the skeleton of a man buried with a wooden staff, and a fragmentary wooden staff, carved to resemble a bundle of reeds, was found in an early First Dynasty mastaba at Saqqara.
An actual example of a royal scepter, purely ceremonial in purpose, was discovered by Flinders Petrie in one of the chambers of Khasekhemwy's tomb at Abydos. The scepter was fashioned from polished sard and thick gold bands, all held together by a copper rod.
Find out all about Mark A Cella Egyptian archeology, then visit http://markacellasegypt.blog.com to learn more about Mark A Cella and his work.
Aug/100
A Mix Of Entertainment, Theater And Excellent Food All On The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a wonderful region to visit. The weather is incredible and there are many things to see and do scatterd throughout the region. It is the type of vacation destination that lends itself to visiting families and to couples for a romantic getaway. There are many reasons to fall in love with the Gold Coast.
Most people rave about the foods from around the world. You can find many varied cuisines but even more than that are some of the incredible restaurant theaters that exist throughout the coast. You will find that this is a great way to spend an evening with friends or family dining and enjoying some live performances and generally just having a wonderful night out while on holiday. The following are just a few of the many dinner theaters located on the Gold Coast.
Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant is perhaps one of the most unique dining experiences you will ever have. An evening filled with delicious meals that will be animated background for this mix of comedy, music and, of course, vampires. A fun show for the whole family each of the various acts is its own unique spectacle. It is not just a show but an experience that combines the bizarre with comedy and laughter in a way that makes it appropriate for children of all ages.
There are actually three other dinner theaters as well on the Gold Coast that include the fabulous Base Cabaret Restaurant, the Castle Theater Restaurant, and the ever famous Australian Outback Spectacular. Each of these locations offers guests a live show, fine dining experience, and is unique in its own way. These restaurant theaters are extremely popular and it is recommended that you make your reservations in advance of your holiday but last minute reservations are sometimes available so contact the dinner theater directly for more information.
Nightlife is abundant in the Gold Coast and there are opportunities to make dinner cruise and visit a variety of nightlife, as well as participate in an exhibition in the restaurant areas of outstanding theater. Not much to see and experience on the coast and the fun does not stop when the sun goes down, but usually when the sun rises. This is an incredible tourist destination where fun goes all night.
When traveling to Australia, you'll want to be sure to search for the perfect gold coast accommodation available through www.goldcoastinformation.com.au. Your gold coast hotels reservations can also be done though them. It is a great site to look at while you are planning your trip.
Aug/100
Enjoy Yucatan Days And The Yucatan Nightlife
The second edition, out of four total editions.
In our last commentary we talked about the coastal yucatan area south of Playa del Carmen and in the area of Tulum. In this column we can focus on Playa plus the recreational activities around this flourishing beachfront Caribbean town. What began as a quiet and small Mexican fishing community, has promptly evolved into one of the best travel destinations in the yucatan. Back in the early 90's we visited that sleepy little village and I can say first hand it is a far cry from what it is today. Popularity brings growth and change, but if you are desiring for a wonderful get-away and tons of fun, Playa is the spot.
Playa nowadays represents a Caribbean destination that has it all. From world class shopping on the renowned 5th Avenue to a number of adventure parks, first class Playa del Carmen hotels and all-inclusive resorts to night clubs and dining options to fulfil even the most critical palettes. Whether by daylight or nighttime, you should notice no lack of stuff to do in this beautiful city!
Playa is a lot more than just kilometers away from the modest Tulum hotels and eco-chic cabana resorts you will find further down the coast, but it still remains a beautiful, active and culturally rich location to visit. By daytime, the area gives you some of the best people viewing that exists in Mexico, whether or not on the broad caribbean beaches or on the 5th Avenue walking mall you can see a extensive range of company from all over the world. There is so much to do and see in this conveniently placed modest city, being a quick boat ride to Cozumel for a terrific day trip for snorkeling or scuba or heading up the coastline 30 minutes to the city of cancun for even more options.
Playa during the day means beach runs, snorkel and SCUBA tours, daylight jungle safaris, adventure theme parks, golf and great shopping. In the night time it brings out the untamed side in most who embark out beneath the illumination of the moon. Along with the first class restaurant choices there are at least 12 dance-clubs that are attractive to the late night dancing and party crowds. Still accepted as a fun family vacation choice, Playa del Carmen is quickly establishing itself as a rival for Cancun with the dance party amusement options. A couple of locations you may get the urge to visit for the dance-life include; CoCo Bongo for outstanding stage shows with gifted music cover bands, The Blue Parrot for the fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights, OM Playa for a beer in comfort and La Santanera for a hip music club.
Whether by daylight or nightlife, with family, a duo or single traveler, Playa del Carmen really offers something for everybody that is looking for a little or a lot of the caribbean in their vacation. In our next article we will go inland and discover the wonders of the mexican world and culture of Merida and the adjacent areas. There is zero shortage of fun and positive energy when it comes to vacations on the Yucatan!
Ron Williams is a long time travel author living year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in travel info about yucatan peninsula hotels along with staying in the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to write to Ron directly if you would like local suggestions or information for experiencing an incredible adventure in Yucatan.
Jun/100
Top Chefs Equal Excellent Dining
Gold Coast is a magnet for professionals of any sort and chefs are no exception. The burgeoning culture has drawn some of the best chefs to the area. There is an abundance of fine dining options in the popular beach strip including Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Coolangatta but in recent times, the Gold Coast has seen an emergence of great restaurants in more regional areas such as Robina, Mermaid, Southport and Bundall. The Gold Coast features some of the best restaurants in varying cuisine types in Australia and boasts some of the best Chinese, Thai Japanese and Italian cuisine alongside some of the best seafood restaurants Australia has to offer.
Seafood Restaurants: If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of boats from a terrace and a simple international menu the Aqua is the restaurant for you. In Sanctuary Cove is possibly Gold Coasts best seafood restaurant, Georges Paragon. If you enjoy people watching and dinner by candlelight then the choice for you is Tedder Avenue.
Italian Restaurants: At Surfers Paradise, Al Fresco Restaurant has an extensive menu with daily specials. Brunello's, at Tamborine Mountain uses mostly local produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, It is a family business catering to the traditional cuisine since the 1950's. On Broadbeach, you can try Volare, they have an authentic classic Italian restaurant.
Japanese Restaurants: Mikado Japanese Restaurant, Surfers Paradise , is where to dine and experience the art of Japanese Barbecue where seafood, prime beef, and chicken is cooked right in front of you. O-Sushis, in Coolangatta, has its own sushi train, professional Japanese chefs and welcoming service. Marasaki Teppanyaki Restaurant in Southport is the best for a teppanyaki experience.
Chinese Restaurants: Mandarin court is the oldest Chinese restaurant on the Gold Coast. Broad beach is home to Oriental Temptations, which places emphasis on freshness and authenticity. Then in the heart of Broadbeach's Dining Precinct and China Pier is Brisbane's Chinatown which provides excellent quality and authentic Chinese food.
There are numerous broadbeach hotels for you to choose from it can take you days just to research and compare prices. However, there is one way that will only take a manner of minutes. Check out www.goldcoastinformation.com.au, to find all you need on broadbeach accommodation.
Jun/100
Some Facts About El Quetzal
Who are they? Quetzals are considered one of the world's most beautiful birds and the Guatemalan currency is named after them. They are also beautiful and exotic birds known for their bright colors and long tails.
Color: The male is unmistakable. Its feathers are from a vibrant green with its distinctive long tail feathers. There is also their scarlet belly and the white lower tail surface. Female on the other hand has darker green fathers and a red belly,
Food: Quetzals are specialized fruit-eaters, but can also be called omnivorous becuase they also like to mix their diet with insects and small frogs.
Growth: Males can be a meter long and can weigh up to half pound because of their tales. The body itself measures only 38 to 40.5 cm, the tail on the other hand can be 61 cm.
Age: Quetzal can't live in captivity, they get depressed and die. That's why no one has been able to study how long they can live.
Habits: Quetzals spend their days sitting on the forest canopy eating. Generally they live groups of 4 or 6 individuals or in couples.
Kids: Females can only have two eggs at once, these eggs are blue and measure around 3 centimeters. The male and female quetzals take turns incubating the eggs. The time it takes the young to come out of the shell is 17 to 18 days. Young quetzals can fly at about three weeks of age, but males do not begin to grow their long tail plumes for three years.
Mating: During mating season, male quetzals grow the twin tail feathers that characterize them and can grow up to one meter long. Females do not have long tails, but they do share the brilliant green and red coloring of their mates. The reproductive time is between March and June.
Importance: There are six different kinds of Quetzals and they are all endangered. These beautiful exotic birds because of all the illegal hunting and the destruction of their habitat are in the list of to be extinct animals unless things change.
Quick Fact: A Guatemalan legend says that when the Spaniards came there was a horrible fight between them and the Quiches (ancient town of Mayan natives), once it was over many quetzals landed on dead Mayan's bodies, where they got stained in their blood and that's where they got their red chests from.
Where can they be found? They need to live in a tropical forest. They can be found from Chiapas, Mexico to Panama.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America - Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She's traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!