Go on a guided nature walk to learn about the geologic forces at work inside Guatemala’s volcanoes, or the ecology of the surrounding rainforests. The cloud forest here has rare species of flora and fauna, and thrives in the same high-altitude humidity as coffee plants. But Guatemala’s landscape is more than just interesting plants – the jungle here hides the ruins of Maya cities, and the very beginnings of Guatemalan civilization.
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Finca El Pilar and its Hummingbirds
Fincal El Pilar’s gardens hum with the tiny, whirring wings of its resident hummingbirds. This farm does not produce agriculture, but rather exists to help conserve some of the rare and endangered species of plants and animals in Antigua.
On the first day of your journey, you’ll start your exploration of the area’s wildlife on a trail through the jungle of the Tikal National Park. Eventually you will come to a clearing, scattered with the stony ruins of Mayan temples and palaces. You have arrived at Tikal, home to one of the most prominent dynasties during the Mayan classic period. OPTIONAL only Professional Bird guide, lunch ,entrance fee to site.
This hike through the tree canopy of the Atitlan Reserve will give you a bird’s eye view of an exciting environment. Atitlan Reserve is shaped by the three volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan. Pristine Lake Atitlan and the surrounding grounds of the reserve offer more natural beauty than you can capture with a few snapshots. To get the most out of this scenery, get a view from the top.
Guatemala produces some of the best coffee in the world. On this tour, you’ll visit a coffee farm outside La Antigua to learn about the history and production of coffee in Guatemala.
Río Cahabón offers the best opportunity for whitewater rafting in Guatemala. The river rapids cover a variety of difficulty levels, ranging from class I to IV – all but the most difficult rapids. Much of this 7.5-mile (12 km) route has class III and IV rapids.
Finca Filadelfia has had the same purpose for several generations – growing and selling high-quality coffee. Here you’ll get to see over a hundred different species of birds that live throughout the 535.5 acres (216.5 ha) of the reserve.
Cayala ecological park is part of Guatemala City’s metropolitan green belt. Green belts are sometimes referred to as the “lungs” of a city – a sizeable population of trees in an urban area has a demonstrably beneficial effect on air quality.
Just outside of Guatemala City, a 19th-century farm has transformed itself into an ecological safe haven. Finca Santiago functions as an ecotourism site, creating a safe zone for 17 acres (7 ha) of wildlife. Proceeds from tourism go towards the preservation of the surrounding mountain forests.
Cerro Alux covers 13,270 acres (5,3270 ha) just outside of Guatemala City. This ecological reserve is known for its unspoiled tract of pine oak forest, and a clean water supply that helps quench the local population. Cerro Alux is also a federally-maintained Important Bird Area (IBA).
Over three days and two nights, you'll get to explore two of the most influential cities in the Maya kingdom. Both Tikal and Yaxhá offer ancient, intriguing settings for you to observe and document the surrounding birds and wildlife.
Located between the Santa María and Santiaguito volcanoes, Finca Patrocinio is between 2,297 and 2,789 feet (700 m to 850 m) above sea level. Its lofty height offers a great view of the surrounding forests.
This tour takes you to Uaxactún, one of the oldest Maya cities in Guatemala. Uaxactún is notable for its astronomical observatory, and is thought to be the place where Mayans began developing their calendar.
Come explore the fantastic Mayan site of Yaxhá on this tour. Yaxhá is the third-largest Mayan site in Guatemala, and hosts an impressive collection of plazas and structures.
Spend a day exploring the Mayan ruins at the Aguateca Archeological Site in Guatemala. Aguateca is found on a limestone bluff above the Petexbatún Lagoon in the department of Petén.
The Candelaria Caves are a network of 7 caves, formed by the waters of the Río Candelaria. Some of the caves have ceilings that are nearly 200 feet (60 m) high. According to Mayan legend, these caves formed the entrance to Xibalba, or the underworld.
Make a trip to the Bíotopo del Quetzál to look for quetzals with jewel-toned green plumage. Their feathers were used as currency by the pre-Hispanic Mayans. They dwell in the branches of the aguacatillo trees, which are identifiable by their avocado-shaped fruits.
Fincal El Pilar’s gardens hum with the tiny, whirring wings of its resident hummingbirds. This farm does not produce agriculture, but rather exists to help conserve some of the rare and endangered species of plants and animals in Antigua.
Finca El Pilar and its Hummingbirds
Fincal El Pilar’s gardens hum with the tiny, whirring wings of its resident hummingbirds. This farm does not produce agriculture, but rather exists to help conserve some of the rare and endangered species of plants and animals in Antigua.