Guatemala IAS
Guatemala's Birding Highlights: Highlands, Lowlands and the Mayan City of Tikal
On this fundraising tour for The Indiana Audubon Society, Natural Selections Tours takes you to Guatemala, a hidden gem for birders with exceptional birding opportunities amidst dramatic landscapes. With over 750 bird species, including a wealth of Mesoamerican endemics, Guatemala’s diverse ecosystems make it a must-visit destination. From cloud forests to volcanic highlands, join us on this immersive 12-day Guatemala Birding Tour to explore one of Central America’s most diverse birding regions.
This relaxed-paced tour is perfect for birders looking to experience the country’s exceptional birdlife and stunning habitats. Our journey begins in Guatemala City and takes us through various regions, including Los Tarrales Reserve, Lake Atitlán, and the Verapaz Highlands—each boasting incredible biodiversity.
For those looking to further immerse themselves in Guatemala’s rich cultural and natural heritage, join us on our unforgettable extension to Tikal. Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of this ancient Maya city, nestled within the verdant jungle of Tikal National Park. As you walk among towering temples and pyramids, you’ll also enjoy fantastic birding opportunities, with the chance to see species like Ocellated Turkey and Orange-breasted Falcon along with great opportunities to see mammals and more wildlife.
Highlight and Target Birds
- The stunning Resplendent Quetzal, a symbol of Guatemala
- Endemic species such as the Pink-headed Warbler and the Highland Guan
- Rare finds like the Horned Guan (without having to climb a volcano!) and Azure-rumped Tanager
- A plethora of stunning hummingbirds, motmots, toucans, and more cloud forest specialties, including Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird, Tody Motmot and Long-tailed Manakin.
KEY LOCATIONS
Los Tarrales Reserve, Atitlán Volcano, Antigua Valley, Verapaz Highlands, and Biotopo del Quetzal
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy birding at the biodiverse Los Tarrales Reserve, famous for its highland species and stunning landscapes.
- We’ll take a leisurely hike in the Verapaz Highlands, home to rare birds like the Horned Guan.
- Explore the slopes of Atitlán Volcano for Resplendent Quetzals and other endemic birds.
- We’ll enjoy the ancient charm of Antigua, where birding meets history.
More Details
Accommodations
Hotel Biltmore (2 nights), Estrella Dorada (2 nights), Highland Natural Park (1 night), Los Tarrales Natural Reserve (3 nights), Hotel Bambu (1 night)
Weather and climate
In November, Guatemala’s climate varies by region. The highlands, including areas like Verapaz, are cooler with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C), and nights dipping to around 45°F (7°C). The lowland and tropical regions, such as Los Tarrales, experience warmer, drier conditions with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C). November typically marks the end of the rainy season, so while rain is still possible, drier weather is expected.
Tour Details
Price: $4,885 per-person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $250
Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transportation, guide, park entrance fees.
Not Included: Passport Fees, Visa Fees, International Airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips, travel insurance.
From: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Minimum Participants: 8
Participant Limit: 10
Activity Level: Moderate
Deposit: $1,000 per person is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form)
Tour Leaders: Wesley Homoya and Ana Paula Oxom
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!