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Birding Photography Adventure / Highlands

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Birding Photography Adventure is an immersive nature experience created by Guatemala Nature, designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and bird lovers. The journey is divided into two enriching parts:

Highlands Experience (Days 1–14)

Explore the vibrant ecosystems of Guatemala’s western highlands:

  • Huehuetenango and Puerta del Cielo, are known for their dramatic landscapes.
  • Birdwatching in Union Reforma, Sibinal, and San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta, areas that provide rare sightings of highland species, including the famed Resplendent Quetzal.
  • Relax in natural hot springs at Fuentes Georginas and continue through lush reserves like Patrocinio and Takalik Abaj.
  • Learn about sustainable agriculture and local ecosystems at Los Tarrales Coffee Farm before transitioning to Antigua, the colonial gem of Guatemala.

Tropical Forest Experience (Optional Extension: Days 14–23)

Delve into the biodiversity of Guatemala’s northern jungles:

  • Fly to Flores, the gateway to the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
  • Stay at Las Guacamayas Biological Station—a hotspot for tropical bird species.
  • Visit ancient Mayan cities like Yaxhá, Nakum, and Tikal, while enjoying exceptional wildlife observation.
  • Conclude with a visit to Uaxactún, a remote archaeological site with both cultural and ecological value.

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Birding Photography Adventure / Highlands Highlights

  • Top birding locations

    Sibinal, Los Tarrales, El Refugio del Quetzal, Las Guacamayas, and Tikal.

Birding Photography Adventure / Highlands Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Guatemala City
• Welcome at the airport. Private transfer to hotel. Overnight in the city.

Day 2: Domestic Flight to Huehuetenango
• Morning flight to western Guatemala. Transfer to your eco-lodge.
• Short birding walk and briefing for the days ahead.

Day 3: Huehuetenango – Puerta del Cielo
• Explore cloud forests and mountain viewpoints.
• Birdwatching and photography in the pristine highlands.

Day 4: Transfer to Unión Reforma and Sibinal
• Scenic drive with birding stops.
• Overnight in Sibinal near Tacaná Volcano.

Day 5: Birding Day at Sibinal
• All-day bird photography in pine-oak forests.
• Target species: Pink-headed Warbler, Horned Guan (if lucky).

Day 6: Sibinal – San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta
• Morning departure with en-route birding.
• Evening walk around the tropical transition zone.

Day 7: San Rafael – El Refugio del Quetzal
• Guided hike in protected reserve to spot the Resplendent Quetzal.
• Return to lodge for dinner and checklist review.

Day 8: Transfer to Fuentes Georginas – Patrocinio Farm
• Relax in volcanic hot springs before continuing to coffee farm stay.
• Evening night walk to spot nocturnal birds and frogs.

Day 9: Patrocinio Nature Reserve
• Morning and afternoon birding sessions in this private reserve.
• Photography of hummingbirds, tanagers, and more.

Day 10: Transfer to Takalik Abaj – Los Tarrales
• Visit Takalik Abaj Mayan ruins en route.
• Check-in at Los Tarrales Reserve, home to hundreds of bird species.

Day 11: Los Tarrales Full Day
• Coffee farm tour + full birding day around trails.
• Target species: Long-tailed Manakin, Tody Motmot.

Day 12: Los Tarrales – Rincón Suizo – Antigua
• Stop at Rincón Suizo for birding in pine forest.
• Continue to colonial city of Antigua.

Day 13: Antigua – El Pilar
• Birding morning at El Pilar Reserve.
• Afternoon at leisure in Antigua.

🌴 Tropical Forest Experience (Optional Days 14–23)

Day 14: Antigua – Guatemala City – Flight to Flores
• Domestic flight.
• Transfer to Las Guacamayas Biological Station in Paso Caballos.

Day 15: Las Guacamayas Station
• Guided birding in wetlands and tropical rainforest.
• Night boat tour optional.

Day 16: Las Guacamayas Station
• Full-day photography of tropical bird species.
• Species include: Scarlet Macaw, toucans, herons.

Day 17: Transfer to Yaxhá Ruins
• Early departure to explore Yaxhá ruins.
• Sunset from the temple overlooking the lake.

Day 18: Yaxhá – El Sombrero Lodge
• Boat or car transfer to lodge near the ruins.
• Rest or optional village visit.

Day 19: Nakum – Yaxhá
• Day excursion to Nakum ruins with packed lunch.
• Return to lodge for the night.

Day 20: Transfer to Tikal National Park
• Morning birding on the road to Tikal.
• Check-in at lodge near the park entrance.

Day 21: Birding Tour in Tikal Archaeological Site
• Morning bird photography inside the park.
• Species: Ocellated Turkey, Trogons, Motmots.

Day 22: Uaxactún Tour
• Explore the remote Mayan site of Uaxactún.
• Evening back at the Tikal lodge.

Day 23: Return to Guatemala City
• Flight from Flores to Guatemala City.
• End of services.