Birdwatching Three Biomes in Guatemala

We recently spent a few days being whisked around Guatemala with a great group of intrepid adventure operators, including Alessandra from Essential Tours, a company known for niche tours like birdwatching, wine tasting and culinary tours. Alessandra has put together a 14-day itinerary, starting in Guatemala City and criss-crossing the entire country, as part of the government’s new initiative to focus on sustainable tourism.

An experienced birder, Alessandra meticulously collected bird lists in every location and has recruited the best local guides. The route allows guests to whip out their binoculars in three different biomes, and a chance to see the increasingly elusive Quetzal.  In "Guate," some of the best birding areas are also impressive Mayan archaeological sites, including Tikal.

Communities along this route are working hard to develop tourism products. The trip visits San Juan La Laguna, where the community supports its traditional way of life by welcoming tourists. Here, it is mesmerizing to watch women weave at a steady but brisk pace as they create an organized pattern from a tangle of colorful threads. The second project is at Los Tamales, where young local guides help you navigate the cloud forests and spot rare birds and wildlife.  The community is active in monitoring and protecting their wildlife.

Other highlights of the trip include Lake Atitlan, which Aldous Huxley once referred to as “Too much of a good thing,” as well as climbing the active Pacaya volcano, where lava river flows and red rocks glow just below the surface.  

To learn more about this trip and sustainable travel in Guatemala, contact Alessandra at  info@essentialtours.info

-Natasha Martin