With its long tail and plump, jewel-toned body, Guatemala’s resplendent quetzal tends to steal the show. But you’ll have plenty of other specimens to look for in the rich greenery of the rainforest, which contains over 700 species of resident birds.
PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING VACATION IN GUATEMALA
Our birdwatching tours will put you in touch with some of the area’s best bird watching and naturalist guides. They’ll bring along telescopes and imitate bird calls to attract some of the area’s most interesting species. Guides are experts at spotting nearby birds, and they will help you point your binoculars in the right direction. Keep in mind that bird watching tours tend to leave early in the morning to catch the birds at their most active, so come ready to set an alarm.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours from around the world. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Heart of The Mayan World
I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.
Guatemala
Birding tours
Birding around Antigua and river trips to the Ceibal and Aguateca Maya sites near Sayaxché. See all Guatemala bird watching tours.
Birdwatching Antigua
From $244Immerse yourself in nature and history with this birdwatching and cultural tour in the heart of Antigua. Whether you're an avid birder or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and local heritage. Start your day surrounded by nature in the El Pilar Nature Reserve, just 2 miles (3.5 km) from Antigua's central park. With binoculars in hand, spot a variety of colorful tropical birds in their natural habitat. If you bring a breakfast box, enjoy a relaxing meal while observing the diverse birdlife. No breakfast? No problem! You can request a breakfast box with us in advance. Optional: You can also add a half-Day Cultural Tour to have a full day tour. Enhance your experience by adding a half-day tour exploring Antigua’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visit iconic landmarks such as: Central Park, San Francisco Church, the Cathedral, and La Merced. urrounding towns: Ciudad Vieja, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, and San Felipe and Visit local weavers in San Antonio to learn about traditional textile-making
Ceibal Tour
From $478This full-day tour explores the Mayan site of Ceibal, which is near Sayaxché in Guatemala’s Petén department. Ceibal was once one of the largest cities in Guatemala's southern lowlands.
Aguateca One-Day Tour
From $486Spend 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.
ONLY IN GUATEMALA
There are also a number of endemic species to see, including the ocellated turkey that you’ll find in Petén . Guatemala has a huge variety of hummingbirds, which you can see in various places around Antigua . Around Lake Atitlán you can find a great diversity of endemic birds such as Horned Guan, Belted Flycatcher, Sparkling Tailed Hummingbirds and many more. Ask our travel experts about where to find motmots, tanagers, guans, and any other tropical birds you have on your must-see list.
BIRDWATCHING HOTSPOTS
On a birdwatching vacation you'll visit the best birding sites in the country. The forests of Petén have spectacular birding , as do some of the areas around Lake Atitlán , Quetzaltenango , and Antigua . Hikes to Tikal will also introduce you to some magnificent species like the Red Capped Manakin, Keel-Billed Toucan and Orange Breasted Falcon. Venturing in the highlands from San Marcos, Sololá and Alta Verapaz are some of the places in Guatemala where you can look for the national bird, Resplendent Quetzal.
WHERE TO STAY
You'll stay at comfortable hotels that offer up a nice place to relax when you're not birding. Some accommodations — like the ones around Lake Petén Itzá and inside the Tikal National Park — may be set in rural areas, allowing you to search for birds from the comfort of your own private balcony.
TALK IT OUT
Our travel team will craft a memorable birdwatching vacation for you to Guatemala. Provide us with your group size, interests, budget, and timeline, and we'll help you experience some of the best birding in Central America.
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