Activity Level 2: Easy-Moderate
This birding journey spotlights one of the hemisphere’s prime migratory corridors. As part of Holbrook's Flyway Expeditions program in support of National Audubon, it helps to preserve Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and supports local communities. Your itinerary features 1- to 3-night stays in six locations over 11 days. Daily birdwatching excursions (including nighttime walks) are led by Audubon-trained local guides, and last from 1–4 hours. Your trails are mainly unpaved but well maintained, with both gradual and steep inclines and some slippery, rocky, or uneven sections. One very strenuous hike to the San Pedro volcano is included, but optional. In the highlands you’ll reach elevations of up to 5,500 feet. Look forward to cultural interaction when you visit local villages, farms, a school, and a women’s weaving and textile cooperative. Highland climate is consistently pleasant, with average daily temperatures in the mid- to upper 60s during the dry season (November–April.) There is one boat ride. Overland transfers last 1–5 hours in private, air-conditioned motorcoaches.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Guatemala. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.
A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Guatemalan Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
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 Guatemala, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Guatemala.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
CHIKUNGUNYA
In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.
ZIKA VIRUS
Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Guatemala and Belize. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Guatemala and Belize protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
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.
Resplendent QuetzalPhoto by Ann and Rob Simpson
Rufous-naped WrenPhoto by Karen Straus
Tody MotmotPhoto by Dominic Sherony
Guatemalan HandicraftsPhoto by Deb Savarese
Yellowish FlycatcherPhoto by Karen Straus
Antigua's Santa Catalina ArchPhoto by Anna Brown
Northern Emerald-ToucanetPhoto by Sham Edmond
View of Volcán de Agua from AntiguaPhoto by Steffi Lopez
Lake AtitlanPhoto by Lisa Palmese-Graubard
