Guatemala Cloud Forests

Guatemala Cloud Forests

How can we help?

Click and read long-form guides

Learn about Guatemala's cloud forests off the page or screen when your Guatemalan getaway puts you in the midst of the real thing! First, do you know what a cloud forest is? Cloud forests are so named because they have almost constant cloud coverage. High in humidity, the moisture from foggy clouds precipitates onto leaves and slowly drips to the forest floor. For this reason, cloud forests are some of the most biologically productive places on Earth; organisms are found in every crack and crevice. It's not uncommon for these ecosystems to be the habitat of some of the world's most spectacular and important creatures, and Guatemala's cloud forests are no exception.

Explore Biotopo del Quetzal when you find yourself in Purulhaá, Verapaces. Head to Raxruhaá Candelaria, where you can explore cloud forests, caves, and ruins. Perhaps the alpine community of Cobán, Alta Verapaz is more your pace — before you head into Guatemala's cloud forests, you can start your day with an incredible cup of coffee. Whichever destination you choose, please be sure to bring warm clothes, a rain jacket, and good hiking boots, because the higher elevation of Guatemala's cloud forests can make them chilly — especially if you're going on a night tour or camping excursion.

Destinations

Find your joy

Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Guatemala
Coban

Coban

Cobán has high humidity, high-altitude forests called cloud forests. These offer beautiful environments where exotic plants thrive. Come here for nature tours and the chance to absorb the beauty of the forests. This type of misty environment offers the ideal conditions for coffee. While you're here, you'll want to stop by plantations and try some of the local brew — Chicoj Plantation offers visitors a chance to see traditional K’ekchi farming techniques. Orchids sprout in delicate profusions on the decomposing forest floor, and you can see some of the country’s most exotic species on a tour of Orquigonia, an orchid sanctuary. See more cloud forest wildlife in the Biotopo del Quetzal reserve. It’s named for the resplendent quetzal, a bird that perches in the aguacatillo trees where it nibbles on the green flesh of the round aguacatillo fruits. These are colorful birds with long, bright green tail feathers. They're just one of the many stunning species you can spot on a cloud forest tour.
Explore Destination
Baja Verapaz

Baja Verapaz

Cloud forests blanket much of Baja Verapaz, one of the Central Highlands’ most scenic departments. There are a number of reserves in the area where you can see the extreme biodiversity of Guatemala’s cloud forests. Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve has a jade reserve. Besides the famous resplendent quetzal, you can also keep an eye out for harpy eagles, shining honeycreepers, and golden-cheeked warblers. Quetzal Biotope offers similarly stunning birdwatching opportunities. Birds aren't the only wonders you can expect to see in the area — you'll also pass through cloud forests on your way to the stunning waterfalls of El Salto de Chilascó.
Explore Destination
Destinations

Find your joy

Take a look at other fascinating destinations to explore while you visit Guatemala.

Lanquin
Lanquin Image
Destination
View Details
Copan Ruinas (Honduras)
Copan Ruinas (Honduras) Image
Destination
View Details
Chelemha, Alta Verapaz
Chelemha, Alta Verapaz Image
Destination
View Details
Mazatenango, Suchitepequez
Mazatenango, Suchitepequez Image
Destination
View Details
Purhula, Baja Verapaz
Purhula, Baja Verapaz Image
Destination
View Details
Raxruhá Candelaria
Raxruhá Candelaria Image
Destination
View Details
Make the adventure yours

My dream trip in

Guatemala

That I’ll spend with Group type

Is filled with Trip type

Start my Adventureor
5 Starts
Loading...
View all reviews
Let’s dream together

Sign up to receive the latest news and offers from Anywhere

We care about the protection of your data.
Read our Privacy Policy.
© 2024 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.