Guatemala

Our Guatemala – Central American Specialities takes in spectacular volcanoes and fabulous highland lakes. While this region is probably best known for its shade coffee production, local people have, over time, developed a strong environmental bond and an understanding of ecotourism that has resulted in much of the highland forests being protected. Even the coffee fincas offer superb birding, and the host of special birds we will search for include one of the world’s most prized birds – Horned Guan as well as the gorgeous Pink-headed Warbler, fabulous Resplendent Quetzal, Blue-throated Motmot, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Rufous-collared Thrush, Slender Sheartail, Goldman’s Warbler, Bushy-crested and Black-throated Jay, Black-capped Swallow, Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge, Green-throated Mountaingem, Long-tailed Manakin and Cabanis’s (Azure-rumped) Tanager. This Guatemala birding tour offers the very best of Guatemalan birding, along with comfortable lodgings, delicious fare and fabulous scenery throughout!

Our post-tour Tikal Extension not only takes time to explore the remarkable Mayan temple complexes and cities that dominate this region (both Tikal and lesser known Yaxha are visited), but also to target such highly sought-after species as the remarkable Ocellated Turkey, Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Orange-breasted Falcon, Mayan Antthrush, Northern Royal Flycatcher and the impressive Great Curassow! This northern Petén region of Guatemala is covered in extensive lowland rainforest, harbouring many special birds of the Yucatan Peninsula and other more widespread forest species, most of which will represent new species for our tour. The birding here is superb and this extension is highly recommended for its birding, mammal viewing and fascinating historical insights.

Our extensive Ultimate Belize, Guatemala and Honduras tour takes us to the essential biding locations of these Central American countries. Tiny Belize, the only English-speaking Central American nation, supports the highest density of Jaguar known to man and claims the world’s second largest barrier reef. We start in the famed Crooked Tree Sanctuary, where opportunities for many Yucatan endemics abound. We then traverse to higher elevation for time in the cloudforest, pine forest, and a unique opportunity for several highland specials including Slate-colored Solitaire, Black-headed Siskin, Rusty Sparrow, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, and a wonderful opportunity to see both Stygian Owl and the regal Orange-breasted Falcon.

Crossing into Guatemala, we take in the remarkable Mayan temple complexes and cities that dominate the region of Petén. Here we target such highly sought-after species as the remarkable Ocellated Turkey, Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Mayan Antthrush, Northern Royal Flycatcher and the impressive Great Curassow!

Leaving Guatemala behind, we move into Honduras, one of Central America’s best kept birding and wildlife secrets. A biodiversity hotspot that supports more than 700 bird species. We will first take some time to explore the remarkable Mayan ruins at Copán, once a major Mayan dynastic kingdom and of prime archaeological importance for its numerous, well-preserved hieroglyphic texts that adorn its remaining monuments. Our tour draws to a close at one of the most spectacular eco-lodges on the planet: Pico Bonito Lodge! The bird list will be as impressive as the grounds and cuisine, including such gems as Keel-billed and Tody Motmot, Keel-billed Toucan, Lovely Cotinga, Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker, Red-capped Mannikin, White Hawk, King Vulture, Black-and-white Owl, and too many other fantastic species to list here! We shall also visit the Honduran Emerald Reserve in the Aguan Valley for the only true endemic to the region, the glittering little hummer after which the reserve is named.