Birdwatching Tours Guatemala
Explore Guatemala's top birding hotspots with Rodolfo Walsh, a biologist and professional photographer.
About Me
Greetings! I'm Rodolfo Walsh. Fueled by a lifelong fascination with nature, I embarked on a journey of discovery that led me to a full scholarship in biology at the University of San Francisco, California. Alongside, I honed my visual storytelling skills with a degree in photography from the Academy of Art University. Now, my heart beats with the rhythm of birdwatching, inviting you to join me for an unparalleled avian adventure. Should you require any photography tips or advice during your excursion, feel free to ask. I´m here to enhance your birdwatching journey and capture those unforgettable moments in stunning photographs.
Birding in Guatemala
Guatemala is a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and biodiversity. With over 21 national parks and 352 protected areas, this megadiverse country provides a sanctuary for an incredible array of wildlife, including 781 recorded species of birds. From cloud forests to volcanic highlands, Guatemala's landscapes are as diverse as its avian life. The nation's 37 volcanoes—three of which are active—add dramatic scenery and unique habitats that support both resident and migratory bird populations. Whether you're seeking rare endemics or simply enjoying the vibrant calls of tropical species, Guatemala promises an unforgettable birdwatching experience.
Birdwatching / Nature Tours
Explore our diverse selection of birdwatching and nature tours, each offering a unique and immersive experience in Guatemala’s natural beauty. Please note: a minimum booking of two tours on consecutive days is required to ensure a more in-depth and rewarding birding adventure.
Led by expert guides, our tours are tailored to your interests and accommodate up to four participants. Hotel pickup within Guatemala City is included for your convenience, with transportation from other locations available for an additional fee. Park entrance fees are covered, and to enhance your experience, we provide drinking water, a printed bird guide, and three pairs of binoculars. Please note that meals are not included.
6-hour birding tour (including travel time)
URBAN PARK ADVENTURE, GUATEMALA CITY
$250 for 1 birder/ $25 each additional birder
Spanning just 35 acres, this urban park with mixed forest offers an unexpectedly rich birdwatching experience, especially given its modest size and location within a city. Despite the urban surroundings, the park supports a remarkably diverse avian community, with an impressive 220 bird species documented to date.
Among the park’s most remarkable bird sightings are species such as the Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Plain Chachalaca, Elegant Euphonia, Black-headed Saltator, and both the Squirrel and Striped Cuckoos. Other highlights include the White-naped Brushfinch, Slate-throated Redstart, White-eared Ground-Sparrow, Brown-backed Solitaire, Yellow-backed Oriole, Turquoise-browed Motmot, and the striking Red-legged Honeycreeper.
Additionally, the area is home to several regional endemics, including the Pacific Parakeet, Bushy-crested Jay, Guatemalan Flicker, Rufous Sabrewing, Rufous-collared Robin, and the Blue-throated Motmot.
ADD-ONS
#1. Municipal Park.
This urban park, featuring a pine-oak forest, is home to 141 bird species and is an excellent spot for boosting your bird count during a two-hour afternoon visit.
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
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#2. Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are located in the heart of Guatemala City’s commercial district. A total of 124 bird species have been recorded here, making it an excellent spot for bird photography, as the birds are accustomed to people and relatively tame. The site also features a small natural history museum. 2-hour visit
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
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#3. Lunch Stop
Any of the restaurants of the area
$15.00 stopover fee.
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This 100-acre private nature reserve protects one of the last remaining patches of natural cloud forest near Guatemala City and also features pine and oak woodlands, along with wetlands rich in reeds. The on-site restaurant adds to the experience with organic, vegan, and vegetarian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
This private reserve is a true paradise for birdwatchers, offering the opportunity to observe a rich variety of highland regional endemics such as the Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Gray Silky-flycatcher, Guatemalan Tyrannulet, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Bar-winged Oriole, Guatemalan Flicker, Black-capped Swallow, and Bushy-crested Jay.
It’s also an excellent location for spotting striking species like Rivoli’s Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Lesson’s Motmot, Mountain, Collared, and Elegant Trogons, Black-vented Oriole, the elusive Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge, and, with a bit of luck, the Highland Guan.
ADD-ONS
#1. Municipal Park.
This urban park, featuring a pine-oak forest, is home to 141 bird species and is an excellent spot for boosting your bird count during a two-hour afternoon visit.
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
.......
#2. Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are located in the heart of Guatemala City’s commercial district. A total of 124 bird species have been recorded here, making it an excellent spot for bird photography, as the birds are accustomed to people and relatively tame. The site also features a small natural history museum. 2-hour visit
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
.......
#3. Lunch Stop
Any of the restaurants of the area
$15.00 stopover fee.
....................
Las Verapaces is a region of striking natural beauty, featuring dense rainforests, limestone karsts, steep hills, and powerful rivers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, it’s a popular ecotourism destination offering activities like hiking, rappelling, canoeing, and rafting. Highlights include natural wonders such as the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey and the impressive cave systems of Lanquín, Candelaria, and Rey Marcos.
Alta Verapaz offers outstanding opportunities to observe bird species characteristic of mid-elevation cloud forests, with over 240 species recorded in the area. Notable sightings include the Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Spotted Nightingale-Thrush, Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, and Tawny-throated Leaftosser. Visitors can also expect to encounter classic cloud forest species such as the Highland Guan, Slate-colored Solitaire, Common Chlorospingus, Blue-crowned Chlorophonia, Unicolored Jay, and Azure-hooded Jay. Additional noteworthy species recorded in the area include the Nightingale Wren, Shining Honeycreeper, and the Golden-cheeked Warbler. Ranchitos del Quetzal is especially renowned for its reliable sightings of the Resplendent Quetzal.
ADD-ONS
#1. Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a natural limestone bridge, under which the Cahabón River flows, creating a series of turquoise swimming pools. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, this destination offers the perfect setting for swimming and jungle exploration, with 202 bird species recorded in the surrounding forest. Full-day excursion.
$250 for 1 person/ $25 for each additional person
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#2. Cave Exploring and Tubing
Experience the adventure of a lifetime as you wade and swim through candlelit caves and float down the scenic Cahabón River on an exhilarating tubing journey.
$50 for 1 person/ $30 for each additional person
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#3. Lunch Stop
Any of the restaurants of the area
$15.00 stopover fee.
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6 to 8-hour birding tour (including travel time)
ECO-PARK ADVENTURE IN SAN LUCAS
$275.00 for 1 birder/ $25 each additional birder
Multi-day birding tour packages available
NATURE RESERVE ADVENTURE ON VOLCANO
Request a personalized quote
Multi-day birding tour packages available
CLOUD FOREST ADVENTURE, ALTA VERAPAZ
Request a personalized quote
This 12,000-acre eco-park plays a crucial role in protecting watershed areas and Pine-Oak forests, located just 17 miles from Guatemala City. Visitors can explore a network of well-maintained trails, cross scenic hanging bridges, and enjoy panoramic views of nearby volcanoes.
It offers bird enthusiasts an exceptional opportunity to observe 209 different avian species. Notable sightings include the Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Golden-Olive Woodpecker, Rose-throated Becard, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Black Thrush, Crescent-chested Warbler, Collared Trogon, Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, Elegant Euphonia, Black-headed Siskin, Berylline Hummingbird, Brown-capped Vireo, Black-headed Saltator, and Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo.
The park is also home to several regional endemics, including the Blue-throated Motmot, Pacific Parakeet, Singing Quail, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, White-faced Quail-Dove, and Black-throated Jay.
ADD-ONS
#1. Municipal Park.
This urban park, featuring a Pine-Oak forest, is home to 141 bird species and is an excellent spot for boosting your bird count during a two-hour afternoon visit.
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
.......
#2. Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are located in the heart of Guatemala City’s commercial district. A total of 124 bird species have been recorded here, making it an excellent spot for bird photography, as the birds are accustomed to people and relatively tame. The site also features a small natural history museum. 2-hour visit
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
.......
#3. Lunch Stop
Any of the restaurants of the area
$15.00 stopover fee.
....................
Ranked as the number four birding hotspot in Guatemala, this nature reserve is a premier destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting an impressive list of 345 bird species. Stretching from 2,000 to 8,500 feet in elevation, this reserve encompasses a stunning range of habitats—from lush lowland rainforests to misty highland cloud forests—offering remarkable biodiversity.
What truly sets Los Tarrales apart is its outstanding birding opportunities and rich wildlife encounters. In addition to its avian diversity, the reserve is home to more than 270 butterfly species, as well as a wide variety of mammals and reptiles that thrive in this protected environment. Conveniently located just a 3–4 hour drive from Guatemala City, it offers easy access to an unforgettable nature experience.
To enhance your stay, Los Tarrales also provides on-site accommodations and meal services, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort.
Bird highlights include the Great Curassow, Crested Guan, White-bellied Chachalaca, King Vulture, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Tody Motmot, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Barred Forest-Falcon, Bat Falcon, White-necked Jacobin, White Hawk, Sungrebe, Barred Parakeet, White-fronted Parrot, Long-tailed Manakin, Green Shrike-Vireo, Spotted Wood-Quail, and Blue-crowned Chlorophonia.
Of particular interest to birders are regional endemics such as the rare Horned Guan and the stunning Azure-rumped Tanager.
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#2. Lake Atitlan Forest Reserve
This lush humid montane forest is home to 259 bird species and offers excellent chances to spot wildlife such as Spider Monkeys, Gray Foxes, and Coatis. Visitors can also enjoy a butterfly farm, scenic hanging bridges, and a beautiful waterfall. Lodging is available, and the site is perfect for a rewarding 4-hour nature visit.
$250 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
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#3. Lunch Stop
Any of the restaurants of the area
$15.00 stopover fee.
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This private reserve close to Antigua Guatemala protects habitat ranging from 1600 to 2400 m (5250 to 7870 ft) elevation, including dry forest in the lower section, and pine-oak and cloud forest at higher elevations. The park boasts a rich biodiversity, with a reported 267 species of birds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
Hummingbird feeders visited by 8 species of hummingbirds, including the regional endemics Green-throated Mountain Gem and Rufous Sabrewing. Other hummingbirds include Rivoli's, White-eared, Azure-crowned, and Berylline Hummingbird, as well as Violet Sabrewing and Mexican
Among the notable sightings are the regional endemics: Bushy-crested Jay, Guatemalan Flicker, , Rufous-collared Robin, Gray-silky Flycatcher, Blue-throated Motmot, Rufous-browed Wren and Black-capped Swallow. It`s also a great place to spot Slate-throated Redstart, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Tufted Flycatcher, Flame-colored Tanager, Hooded Grosbeak, Chestnut-capped and White-naped Brushfinch, Black and Mountain Thrush and Elegant Euphonia.
ADD-ONS
#1. Eco-Park.
This 12,000-acre eco-park plays a crucial role in protecting watershed areas and Pine-oak forests, located just 17 miles from Guatemala City. It is home to 209 bird species. 2-hour visit, only available when lodging in Guatemala City.
$45 for 1 person/ $20 for each additional person
.......
#2. Lunch Stop
Any of the restaurants in the area
$15.00 stopover fee.
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6-hour birding tour (including travel time)
CLOUD FOREST ADVENTURE, SAN JOSE PINULA
$275 for 1 birder/ $25 each additional birder
6 to 8-hour birding tour (including travel time)
PRIVATE RESERVE ADVENTURE, ANTIGUA
$300 for 1 birder/ $25 each additional birder
An incredible person, an expert bird guide and incredible nature photographer. Spent a fantastic week with Rodolfo visiting unique sites, seeing a multitude of resident and migratory bird species, all of which Rodolfo identified by their bird song even before we saw them. For the amateur, for the professional spending time with Rodolfo in the field and taking in the joys of Central America's amazing biodiversity is a continuous learning experience in which his passion for nature translates into an adventure of a lifetime.
Fred Prins/ BirdLife International-Americas Forest Programme Manager/ Quito, Ecuador.
Reviews
Rodolfo is a great birder and an excellent guide. He knows the birds and where to find them. Most importantly, he is easy going and a pleasure to be around. I highly recommend him as a guide!
Juan Oteyza, International Conservation Project Officer. Miami, U.S.A. Avian Bird Conservancy
