Central and South America

Belize and Guatemala | Neotropical Birds and Mayan Ruins

Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
9 Days
Price:
From $3,995
Interests:
Birding
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Jaguar at the Belize Zoo
Red-lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis)
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Yaxhá National Park
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Tikal archaeological site
Ocellated Turkey
Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
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Organize This Trip

About this trip

In what are now the countries of Belize and Guatemala, the ancient Maya civilization once flourished, leaving behind cities, temples, pyramids, and observatories still standing, enshrouded in tree cover. Amid rainforests and valleys, archaeological sites tell the story of this culturally rich region while also providing habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird species. As you seek out resident and migratory avifauna across a variety of ecosystems, you’ll also learn about bird-based tourism initiatives and conservation efforts from local community-based organizations.

Highlights

  • Discover both concentrated flocks and rare sightings of avifauna, such as the Jabiru, Yellow-headed Parrot, Yucatan Jay, and Yucatan Woodpecker, in the wetlands and pine savannas of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Examine Maya history at the Tikal and Yaxhá archaeological sites, and go birding amid the ancient structures and surrounding forests.
  • Meet with members of the Petén Birding Association, a local group dedicated to birding, environmental education, and conservation through ecotourism.
  • Hike the trails at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Refuge, a tropical moist forest sheltering some 300 avian species, including trogons, tanagers, flycatchers, and the Yellow-billed Cacique.
  • Learn about a community-based conservation project in the village of Red Bank aimed at saving and creating habitat for the Scarlet Macaw.
  • Enjoy up-close encounters with some of the country’s native fauna, including a pair of Harpy Eagles, at the Belize Zoo.

Activity Level 3: Moderate

This program combines neotropical birdwatching with archaeological exploration at a moderate pace and is suitable for birders at all levels. Daily birdwatching excursions are led by experienced local birdwatching guides, and last from 2 to 5 hours. You’ll explore rainforests, wetlands, mountains, and tropical savannas along paved and unpaved paths that have some hills and rocky, sandy, or uneven sections. A highlight will be birdwatching at Yaxhá National Park and Tikal National Park. These ruin sites feature many steps and cobbled walkways that can be slippery. While Belize and Guatemala are always warm and humid, during the “dry” season (November–early May) there is less rain and average daily highs are usually below 85°F. There are two border crossings and several overland transfers of 1–5 hours in private, air-conditioned motorcoaches.

9 Travelers

$3,995

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Unique Itineraries

Our unique birding itineraries are designed to help strengthen and support tourism in bird hot-spots and support conservation and local economic development.

Carbon offsetting

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we partner with ClimateSafe to offset the carbon emissions from each journey

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

Bird-based tourism

Support conservation projects that protect the habitats of resident and migratory bird species

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Arrival, Belize City
Day 1
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom, about a 30-minute drive from the airport. Gather this evening with your guide for an orientation to the program, followed by a presentation on birding and conservation in Belize by a local expert. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Arrival to Belize City should be no later than 2:30 pm.
Dinner included
Black Orchid Resort
Tikal
Day 2
Start the day with birding around the hotel grounds to look for Ringed and Green Kingfishers. After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin the transfer to Tikal, Guatemala. The drive to the border is approximately 2 hours. Please note that the journey will include a stop at the Belize/Guatemala border for an examination of documents, so please make sure to have your passport readily available. Once in Guatemala, continue for 1 hour and stop to go birding at Yaxhá National Park and meet the local Guatemalan guide who will join you during your time in Guatemala. Not as well-known as Tikal, Yaxhá is an important archaeological site that is gaining prominence as researchers delve deeper into its history. The area is part of the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, which protects archaeological sites as well as a large expanse of forest. Here, large flocks of several parrot species move through the area, including Red-lored, White-fronted, White-crowned, and (less often) Mealy Parrots. The nearby lake provides habitat for water birds and shorebirds during migration; in open savanna along the shores of the lake, Yellow-tailed Orioles can be found. In the forests of Yaxhá, seek out a diversity of woodcreepers, hummingbirds, tanagers, and Slaty-tailed, Gartered, and Black-headed Trogons. Considered the third largest ancient Maya city in the region, Yaxhá comprised more than 500 structures, including nine temple pyramids. There are fewer crowds here than at Tikal, making it advantageous for birding. On the quiet trails, you may run across one of the four species of Tinamou - Great, Little, Slaty-breasted, and Thicket - or perhaps the hard-to-find Pheasant Cuckoo. After lunch, continue the journey to Tikal National Park for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, arriving late in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy dinner and attend a talk with members of the Petén Birders Association.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jungle Lodge
Tikal
Day 3
Enjoy a full day of birding in Tikal National Park, with lunch at a local restaurant in the park. The 54,610 acres of rainforest in and around Tikal protect a wide range of insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, and plant life. Some iconic wildlife found within the park includes spider monkeys, margays, ocelots, jaguarundis, tapirs, howler monkeys, Ocellated Turkeys, coatis, and giant anteaters. Tikal, the ancient city around which the park was formed, is one of the most famous sites in Guatemala, with a long and enigmatic history. The ruins are dominated by five enormous pyramidal temples, as well as an impressive network of causeways, aqueducts, and canals. Nearly 400 bird species have been recorded at Tikal, including many migrants that frequent the area during the North American winter, making the site an extraordinary backdrop for birding. Species here include the Collared Aracari, Northern Emerald-Toucanet, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Royal Flycatcher, Roadside Hawk, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Lesson's Motmot, Stripe-throated Hermit, Crested Guan, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Montezuma Oropendola, Brown-hooded Parrot, White-crowned Parrot, and Red-lored Parrot, among others. Tonight, you can participate in an optional owling activity near the lodge.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jungle Lodge
Belmopan
Day 4
Wake up early for birding in Tikal National Park. After breakfast, check out and say goodbye to your Guatemalan expert guide. Start the journey back to Belize, and please make sure to have your passport readily available once again. Have lunch at a local restaurant en route. Afterward, continue to Jaguar Creek to check in and have dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jaguar Creek
Mayflower National Park
Day 5
This morning, have breakfast before traveling to Red Bank Village to see the Scarlet Macaws that are rebounding in this region. Visit with a local community member for lunch and a discussion about this important community-based project focused on Scarlet Macaw conservation. Depending on the season of your visit, Red Bank Village may be substituted for visit to Chiquibul National Park - Belize's most extensive national park, which spans 414 square miles. For visits between November and February, Red Bank Village is included; for visits between March and October, Chiquibul National Park is included. After the visit, continue to Bocawina Rainforest Resort, situated in Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bocawina Resort
Mayflower National Park
Day 6
Depart early for a day of birding at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve, a tropical moist forest sheltering an abundance of biodiversity that includes more than 300 bird species. Walk along its extensive trail system on the lookout for trogons, tanagers, flycatchers, and maybe a glimpse of a Yellow-billed Cacique. The sanctuary is also recognized as the world's first designated jaguar reserve, so keen observers might even spot a paw print in the forest. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge and bird along the trails for various hummingbirds, woodcreepers, flycatchers, and tanagers, plus Pheasant Cuckoo, Green Honeycreeper, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Nightingale Wren, Green Shrike-Vireo, and White-winged Becard, among others.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bocawina Resort
Crooked Tree
Day 7
Start the morning early with some birding around Bocawina Rainforest Resort. Then, have breakfast and check out before departing for The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Situated upon 29 acres of tropical savanna, the zoo is home to more than 150 animals representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. Residents include orphaned, rescued, and rehabilitated animals, as well as those born at the zoo or sent as donations from other zoological institutions. Here, have the opportunity to see the critically endangered Yellow-headed Parrot, Aplomado Falcon, White-tailed Hawk, and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and settle in. Before dinner, enjoy a talk on Yellow-headed Parrot research and conservation efforts in Belize. Please note that this talk might take place at The Belize Zoo, depending on the expert's schedule. This evening, search for potoos, owls, and nighthawks during an evening birding exploration around the lodge
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bird's Eye View Lodge
Crooked Tree
Day 8
Today, enjoy a full day of birding activities in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1984 to protect resident and migratory birds, the sanctuary is managed by the Belize Audubon Society and encompasses a network of inland lagoons, swamps, and waterways. During the dry season (November-May), tens of thousands of birds congregate here, taking advantage of abundant food resources in the wetlands. Go birding along the lagoon and its tributaries in search of Wood Stork, Jabiru, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Limpkin, and American Pygmy Kingfisher. After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon birding in the sanctuary. The pine savannas provide an opportunity to see the near-endemic Yucatan Jay, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Yellow-headed and Yellow-lored Parrots, Aplomado Falcon, Canivet's Emerald, and Yucatan Woodpecker. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner at the lodge.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bird's Eye View Lodge
Farewell!
Day 9
Travel to the airport for your flight(s) back to the U.S.
Breakfast- included
9 Travelers

$3,995

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Carbon Offset
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Full time expert birding naturalist guide for duration of program
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 15, 2026. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Belize and Guatemala. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. A visa is not required for visits up to 30 days in Belize and up to 90 days in Guatemala.

If you are traveling with minors, you may be asked to show U.S. birth certificates for each child. You may also be required to present documentation that the minor is traveling with the permission of any non-traveling parents/guardians, such as with a notarized letter of consent, custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Belizean and Guatemalan Embassies for the requirements based on your nationality.

When leaving Belize by air, there is a departure tax of USD $55.50, which is usually included in the cost of your airfare. Consult with your airline to determine whether the departure tax is included in your ticket cost. If the departure tax is not included in your ticket cost, it should be paid at the airport prior to check-in, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). When crossing the land border into Guatemala, please be prepared to pay the exit fee of USD $20 for U.S. citizens, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). Please note exit taxes are subject to change without prior notice.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Belize or Guatemala, unless you are traveling from (or transiting through) a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

The CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers visiting Belize and Guatemala.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC advises that travelers to the Petén department of Guatemala (where Tikal is located) may be at risk for malaria. Travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites: Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Consult your physician to determine whether antimalarial medication is recommended.

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Belize and Guatemala. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Belize and Guatemala. As there are no vaccinations to protect against these illnesses, the CDC recommends travelers protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a fullbody check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Belize and Guatemala. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. The region’s rainy season is June to November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re caving or visiting the beach or cayes, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we strongly recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Converter/adapter
  • Chargers for electronics
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