Birdwatching Antigua

Guatemala is becoming increasingly well known for its awesome birding—over 700 species live here, including spectacular birds like the resplendent quetzal and Atitlán grebe. The El Pilar Nature Reserve protects important habitat, including dry forest and cloud forest, for birds and other species. The reserve ranges from 5,250 to 7,870 feet (1,600 to 2,400 m) in elevation.

This tour begins at 6:00 AM. The tour starts with a picnic or box breakfast in a lovely outdoor area at the El Pilar Nature Reserve—while eating your breakfast, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Antigua and the surrounding mountains. After finishing breakfast, you’ll go for for an easy hike and enjoy some birding. Naturalist guides lead the way and will help you spot birds and other animals that you come across.

After your initial outing, you’ll head back to Antigua for lunch. You can choose where to eat lunch and will then meet back up with the group and head to El Pilar. In the early afternoon you’ll visit the hummingbird feeders and see a fantastic array of fast-flying birds. After this you’ll return to your hotel. The tour ends around 4 PM.

Guatemala’s Acatenango Volcano is set just outside the city of La Antigua. Rising to about 13,000 feet (3,976 m), this volcano is a popular climb with travelers staying in Antigua.

The Fuego Volcano is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. Set some 10 miles (16 km) outside La Antigua and adjoining the Acatenango Volcano, Fuego is a large stratovolcano that at times produces intense lava fountains, huge ash plumes, and pyroclastic flows.