Guatemala: Birds and Mayan Ruins
The tiny country of Guatemala, with its ancient Mayan culture and history, volcanic vistas, and incredible birdlife, is a dream come true for the adventure traveler. Guatemala is home to more than 700 species of birds, many of which are unique to northern Central America. Travel to cloud forest and tropical rain forest, from the Pacific Slope to the central highlands, in search of Guatemala’s many regionally endemic species. The Tikal portion of the trip opens views into the Mayan past from atop pyramids nestled within tropical splendor. Its unique history and geography, combined with a modern tourist infrastructure, good roads, comfortable lodges, and inviting food, have made Guatemala a premier destination. Don’t miss out on a trip to remember!
Tikal Featured Image by Mike Vondran CC BY 2.0
Registration Forms & Deposit
A $1,500 deposit, per person, applicable to final payment, is required to reserve space on this trip. Complete and return the registration forms with your deposit payment to begin your next adventure today! Early reservations with deposit are essential to guarantee your booking.
Itinerary
Day 1
Departing home airports, we’ll meet in Guatemala and embark on the approximately 90-minute transfer to our hotel in Antigua. We’ll get to know each other over a Welcome Dinner before getting well-deserved rest before the exciting adventure ahead.
Night: Antigua
Meals: D
Day 2
In the early morning, we’ll head towards San Cristobal El Alto, where we’ll enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant with breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes. After enjoying our meal, we’ll head to Finca El Pilar, one of the top birding destinations in Guatemala.
With three trails to explore, surrounded by organic coffee plantations, visitors can explore nearly 8,000 feet of elevational change. However, the main draw to the property are it’s impressive hummingbird feeders. Some of the species we hope to have buzzing around our heads include Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Green-throated Mountain-gem, White-eared Hummingbird, Rufous Sabrewing, and Azure-crowned Hummingbird. When not enjoying the feeders, we hope to spot northern Central American specialties, including Singing Quail, Blue-throated Motmot, Guatemalan Flicker, and Bushy-crested Jay.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a cultural tour of Antigua, where we’ll visit Central Park, the main cathedral, Calle del Arco, and La Merced Church.
Night: Antigua
Meals: BLD
Day 3
We’ll depart the hotel bright and early, arriving in Tecpán, where we’ll eat a delicious breakfast.
After filling our stomachs, we’ll explore the local nature reserve in search of more regional endemics. If we missed Blue-throated Motmot the previous day, we have another great chance at connecting with the species here. Other targets include the breathtaking Pink-headed Warbler, Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, Guatemalan Tyrannulet, and Rufous-browed Wren. Migrant species, preparing to embark on their journey back north to their breeding grounds, include Townsend’s, Wilson’s, Black-and-white, and Red-faced warblers.
In the afternoon, we’ll travel towards Lake Atitlan, where we’ll spend the afternoon birding.
Night: Santiago Atitlan
Meals: BLD
Day 4
In the morning, we’ll take a boat trip towards San Pedro La Laguna, where waiting pick-up trucks will take us up the rugged roads to the entrance of the Paquisis volcano.
Here, we’ll start a hike for one of Guatemala’s iconic birds: the Horned Guan. This endangered species, with its iconic red horn, is difficult to see, but the slopes of Paquisis offer one of the best chances at connecting with it. Other species we’ll keep our eyes peeled for include White-faced Ground-Sparrow, Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, Mountain Trogon, and Bar-winged Oriole.
In the early afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel and reconnect with those who chose to relax instead of taking part in the morning adventure. We’ll head towards our next hotel, just over an hour away from Lake Atitlan. With a varying topography, the reserve is critically essential for protecting habitats important for endangered and endemic species.
Night: Los Tarrales
Meals: BLD
Day 5
We’ll spend the morning exploring the highlands of the reserve, where we’ll search for Azure-rumped Tanager, a highly sought-after species, along with Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Tody Motmot, Pacific Parakeet, Long-tailed Manakin, and Gray-crowned Ground-Sparrow.
After lunch, we’ll explore the area around the lagoon, where we’ll target White-bellied Chachalaca, Yellow-naped Amazon, Ivory-billed Woodcreeper, Yellow-winged Tanager, and Rufous-breasted Spinetail.
Night: Los Tarrales
Meals: BLD
Day 6
In the morning, we’ll explore yet another section of the reserve, where Highland Guan, Cinnamon Hummingbird, and Rufous-backed Wren are all possible.
After breakfast, we’ll pack our bags and check out of the hotel, heading to the airport to take our short, domestic flight to Peten. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel, located inside the boundaries of Tikal National Park.
Night: Tikal National Park
Meals: BLD
Day 7
Within the grounds of Tikal National Park, among the ancient monuments that stand as remnants of a once-powerful kingdom, a new variety of species awaits us. As we search along the trails, we’ll target interesting species including Ocellated Turkey, Orange-breasted Falcon, Yucatan Jay, Black Catbird, Rose-throated Tanager, Great Curassow, White-fronted Amazon, Crested Eagle, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, White-bellied Wren, Montezuma Oropendola, and many hummingbirds among others.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short afternoon break, we’ll take an archaeological tour through the ruins to learn more about the Mayan culture.
Night: Tikal National Park
Meals: BLD
Day 8
We’ll have a second morning to explore the national park, searching for any species we may have missed. After enjoying a final lunch in the park, we’ll begin our transfer back towards the airport with a stop at the local lake for any new species to add to our trip list.
After our evening flight back to Guatemala City, we’ll enjoy a final dinner together as a group, reminiscing over the incredible sites and sights we’ve experienced throughout our adventure.
Night: Guatemala City
Meals: BLD
Day 9
After breakfast, we’ll head back to the airport and begin our journeys home, with countless images to search through.
Meals: B
Tour Leaders
Matt Bell
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
For exact information of what’s not included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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