HIGHLIGHTS

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Guatemala is a land of dramatic beauty and diverse habitats.  Our tour will not only take us to a variety of sought-after birding sites but will include visits to cultural and historic destinations as well.  We will visit the lush tropical lowland forests of the north, where we will bird the world-renowned Tikal National Park, home of the colorful Ocellated Turkey, brilliant Lesson’s Motmot, and the rare Orange-breasted Falcon. Exploring the foothills of the volcanos surrounding dramatic Lake Atitlan, we will seek out Azure-rumped Tanagers, Guatemala Pygmy Owls, and the elusive Horned Guan. Our tour includes an overnight stop in the UNESCO World Heritage designated city of Antigua with its well-preserved 17th and 18th century homes and churches.  On route, we will search out the distinctive Pink-headed Warbler in highland pine forests. Our stay overlooking Volcán de Fuego on Pacific Slope provides excellent birding, yielding multiple species of Orioles, Thrushes, Warblers, Tanagers, Flycatchers and hummingbirds, as well as the spectacular White-throated Magpie-Jay.  Throughout the tour, all accommodations are first-rate and the cuisine is fresh, healthy and delicious!

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Day One:  Arrival in Guatemala City and Antigua.     A driver will meet the group to take us to the charming Spanish colonial city of Antigua (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is about 45 minutes away.  Check into Porto Hotel Antigua. Relax, hang out by the pool in the hotel’s lush courtyard, have lunch at the hotel.  Afternoon nap for those who took a redeye flight.  There is also a spa at the hotel. Tour historic sites in Antigua and have dinner with birding guide for an overview of the trip.  Overnight at Hotel Porta Antigua.

 

Day Two:  Finca San Cayetano.  Meet birding guide and visit the hummingbird feeders at Finca el Pilar.  Early lunch in Antigua.  Transfer to Finca San Cayetano (40-minute drive). Bird on the property.  Dinner at the Finca Cayetano.

 

Day Three:  Finca San Cayetano to Panajachel.  Early birding at Finca San Cayetano.  Breakfast at the property.  Depart for Panajachel on Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands. Lunch on the way. Check into Porto Hotel Atilan.  Located right on the lake and at the end of the main street, it is an easy walk into town.  Explore Pana.  Dinner in town. https://www.portahoteldellago.com/

 

Day Four:  Panajachel.  Bird at Finca Victoria and around Lake Atitlan.  Afternoon visit a weaving collective in San Juan del Laguna.  Overnight at Porto Hotel Atilan.

 

Day Five:  Panajachel.  Bird in morning around Lake Atitlan. Transfer to Tarrales Natural Reserve for birding and a two-night stay. Meals on the property.  https://www.tarralesreserve.com/

 

Day Six:  Tarrales Natural Reserve.  Bird at Tarrales.  Overnight at the property.

 

Day Seven:  Tarrales Natural Reserve to Peten. Early 6 am transfer to Guatemala City with a stop at Finca El Espinero for the “Pink Warbler”. 

Fly from Guatemala City to Mundo Maya Airport in Flores.  Check in to Hotel Maya Internacional.  Have dinner on the property or in Las Flores depending on arrival time.  https://mayainter.com/

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Day Eight:  Tikal National Park.  Arrive at Tikal National Park at 6 am for early birding and to tour the ancient archaeological ruins of this stunning Maya site.  Overnight at Hotel Maya Internacional.

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Day Nine: Bird around Lake Petén Itzá in morning.  Fly back to La Aurora International in Guatemala City in the afternoon.  Visit museums, explore Guatemala City or bird locally. Overnight at the Hyatt Centric.

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/guact-hyatt-centric-guatemala-city/rooms

 

Day Ten:  Departure to L.A. or other destinations

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