Central and South America

Guatemala | Birding Guatemala’s Highlands and Lake Atitlán

with Maryland Ornithological Society
Date:
Mar 17 - Mar 27, 2026
Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
11 Days
Price:
From $3,695
Interests:
Birding
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Long-tailed Manakin
Yellowish Flycatcher
Resplendent Quetzal
Antigua Guatemala
Views of Lake Atitlán
Panajachel
Altamira Oriole
Pink-headed Warbler
Yellow-throated Euphonia
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About this trip

Guatemala is a richly diverse cultural center and a lush and vibrant paradise for birders. Set in the heart of Central America, it sits within one of the Western Hemisphere’s prime migratory corridors. Join Maryland Ornithological Society to enjoy excellent birding opportunities and learn about the Asociación Vivamos Mejor, a non-profit in Panajachel whose programs include training nearby residents to become birding and nature guides. Together with an expert guide and part-time apprentice guides, explore a variety of habitats at varying elevations and see firsthand many of the area's rare and endemic species.

Highlights

  • Bird the lower and upper trails at Los Tarrales, with the goal of seeing the Long-tailed Manakin’s impressive courtship display.
  • Visit Corazón del Bosque Reserve for the chance to see Mountain Trogon, White-naped Brushfinch, and with luck, the uncommon Pink-headed Warbler.
  • Explore the relatively new birding site of Parque Mirador del Rey Tepepul, an 8,600-acre forest park with a wide altitudinal range where you may be able to see Yellow-naped Parrot, Blue-crowned Chlorophonia, and Azure-rumped Tanager.
  • Ascend to the higher-elevation forests of Los Andes Private Nature Reserve, where you may spot the Resplendent Quetzal as well as the rare Cabanis’s Tanager.
  • Meet representatives of Asociación Vivamos Mejor, a private nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life in communities surrounding Lake Atitlán.
  • Take a boat ride across Lake Atitlán and visit the archaeological site of Semetabaj for a look at Maya history and the chance to see Guatemalan Flicker, Melodious Blackbird, and Yellow-winged Tanager.

Activity Level 3: Moderate*

Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, and uneven, potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time.

*While most of the trip is at a moderate activity level, please note there are optional, strenuous hikes on days 3 and 8. For those in good shape who wish to attempt them, these hikes increase the trip's activity level rating to a 4: moderate-strenuous.

Land Cost

$3,695

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $400

Limited singles available

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Carbon offsetting

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

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

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

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

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.

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Antigua
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. *Please schedule your flight to arrive no later than 2:00 pm. After you clear immigration and customs, exit the airport from the right hand doors and our local representative will meet you outside to take you to the colonial town of Antigua, about an hour away depending on traffic. This evening, enjoy a welcome talk on your upcoming journey.
Dinner included
Porta Hotel Antigua
Antigua
After breakfast, visit Cerro Alux, located between Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala. This mountain chain is part of the Central American pine-oak forest ecoregion and is home to several highland endemics. It is the wintering habitat for at least 25 species of American wood warblers along with other migratory species. After lunch, travel to Finca El Pilar, a private reserve with pine-oak forest and excellent trails for birding. Walk the trails looking for species such as Blue-throated Motmot, Bushy-crested Jay and Blue-and-white Mockingbird and visit the hummingbird feeders. Return to Antigua in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Porta Hotel Antigua
Los Andes Private Nature Reserve
This morning, enjoy birding at Finca San Cayetano, a coffee farm and estate located in the hills surrounding Antigua Guatemala. The estate is known for its high-quality coffee beans and offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. After lunch, transfer approximately 3.5 hours to Finca Los Andes at the southern slopes of Atitlán Volcano. Los Andes is home to the elusive Resplendent Quetzal as well as the rare and exquisite Cabanis’s Tanager, also known as the Azure-rumped Tanager. This small bird’s highly localized habitat is shared by hundreds of local and migrating species, including a host of hummingbirds, orioles, flycatchers, trogons and motmots. In 2001, Los Andes was declared a private nature reserve, and it is a founding member of Guatemala’s Association of Private Nature Reserves. The reserve works closely with local residents to promote self-sufficiency, health and education. Some residents are also enrolled in a guide training program to provide them with an alternate source of income. Hunting is prohibited in the reserve, and present programs for conservation include building artificial nests for the Quetzals. The reserve also has a reforestation program approved by INAB (The National Forestry Institute), as well as eucalyptus forests planted for firewood. Financial and technical assistance are provided to buy and install efficient wood burning stoves in the workers’ houses. Los Andes has its own hydroelectric plant, which generates all power used on the estate.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Finca Los Andes
Los Andes Private Nature Reserve
Today, continue birding at the reserve. Hummingbird feeders at the lodge may attract the Blue-tailed Hummingbird as well as Violet and Rufous Sabrewings. The rarer Wine-throated Hummingbird may also appear. Head up to the higher forest above the tea plantations via pick-up truck, then embark on a set of trails that may lead to a Resplendent Quetzal. Also present are Tody Motmots, Northern Emerald-Toucanets, and other deep-forest species such as Singing Quail, Yellow-throated Nightingale-Thrush and Scaled Antpitta. Tonight after dinner, there will be an optional walk for owling.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Finca Los Andes
Los Tarrales Reserve
Enjoy early morning birding around the lodge. After breakfast, transfer to Finca Los Tarrales, located on the flanks of the same mountain as Finca Los Andes. However, the elevation and humidity profile differ, and so does the bird life. Los Tarrales ranges in altitude from 2,300 to 11,500 feet, with good access to various types of forest, and 340+ species of birds from lowland to highland habitats. The reserve is part of the Atitlán Important Bird Area, and harbors 21 regional endemic bird species, including Horned Guan, Highland Guan, Azure-rumped Tanager, and Blue-tailed Hummingbird. There is also an impressive abundance of migratory birds here, including Swainson's Thrush, Tennessee, Magnolia, and Black-and-white Warblers, Western Tanager, and Orchard Oriole. It is a good place for raptors as well, including the Black Hawk-Eagle, and sometimes the gorgeous Black-and-white Owl. Morning and evening are great for commuting parrots, with four species of parakeets and parrots typically seen. During lunch, take some time to enjoy the feeders, where Orchard, Altamira, Spot-breasted and Baltimore Orioles come to feed along with Rufous-naped Wrens and Yellow-throated Euphonias.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Finca Los Tarrales
Los Tarrales Reserve
Continue birding the reserve's lower and upper trails in search of a diversity of birds, including displaying Long-tailed Manakins. Los Tarrales is private and self-sustaining; costs are covered from income selling coffee, ornamental plants, and honey, and through tourism services. Sixty Maya Kaqchikel families live within the protected area, working in agricultural production, as forest rangers, and in tourism. Los Tarrales also has a private primary school for children living on the reserve, offering classes in nature, science, and conservation in addition to the standard disciplines. (Note: School visits must be arranged for a weekday, when school is in session.)
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Finca Los Tarrales
Santiago de Atitlan
After birding in the morning, transfer to Santiago de Atitlán in time for lunch. In the afternoon, there are a few chances to see some new species. If lucky, you may find the uncommon Slender Sheartail hummingbird or White-faced Ground-Sparrow. Santiago de Atitlán is a hub of Maya culture. Asociación Vivamos Mejor (AVM), is a private nonprofit development organization committed to improving the quality of life of rural communities surrounding Lake Atitlán. AVM focuses on sustainable watersheds and resiliency to climate change as a strategy for promoting sustainable development. Along with your primary group leader, each location will have a local guide involved in the project.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Bambu
Santiago de Atitlan
This morning, enjoy birding at Parque Mirador del Rey Tepepul, a 3,500-hectare forest park with a wide altitudinal range. Although new to the bird tourism scene, this park has great birds, including the Yellow-naped Parrot, Blue-crowned Chlorophonia, and the Azure-rumped Tanager. In the afternoon, head to San Juan La Laguna area on the western shore of Lake Atitlan, another new site to bird tourism. Seek out the rare and gorgeous Belted Flycatcher along the lower slopes of Volcán San Pedro. You may also come across the Lesser Roadrunner and other dry forest species such as White-faced Ground-Sparrow. Participants in excellent shape can try the hike to the volcano to find the Horned Guan. This hike is very difficult, strenuous, and not for everyone - it is also not a guarantee to see the rare guan.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Bambu
Panajachel
In the morning, take a boat ride across Lake Atitlán to Panajachel on the northeast shore. From here, visit the Semetabaj Archaeological site for a chance to find the Inca Dove, House Wren, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Yellow-winged Tanager, Melodious Blackbird, and Vaux's Swift. Spend the morning birding at the reserve, then have lunch in town. After lunch, visit the Atitlán Reserve for additional opportunities to spot target species. To follow is free time to enjoy some shopping or relax and take in views of Lake Atitlán from the hotel. Before dinner, meet with a representative of Asociación Vivamos Mejor and learn more about their work with communities surrounding Lake Atitlán.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Porta Hotel Panajachel
Guatemala City
This morning, visit Corazon del Bosque, a reserve located higher up in the oak-pine forest zone. The star bird here is the gorgeous and uncommon Pink-headed Warbler. While looking for the warbler, you may catch a glimpse of Mountain Trogon, Spotted Woodcreeper, Yellowish Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Wren, Olive Warbler, Crescent-chested Warbler, White-naped Brush-Finch and the local form of the Yellow-eyed Junco, the "Guatemalan Junco," which many consider a separate species. After the visit, head back to Guatemala City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Arrive in Guatemala City in the late afternoon with time to freshen up before the farewell dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Wyndham Garden Hotel
Transfer to Guatemala City Airport to take your flight home. Breakfast will be available depending on your flight time.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$3,695

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $400

Limited singles available

What's Included
  • Full time expert birding naturalist guide for duration of program
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 8 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $350 is required for participants to register and reserve space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll. 120 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 119 - 96 before departure: full deposits of $350 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $400


Final payment due date: December 12, 2025

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Guatemala. Passports must be valid for at least six months past the date of entry and must have at least one blank page. 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 (or transiting through) a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk.

Though not required, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to 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 some regions of Guatemala, especially at elevations below 5,000 feet, may be at risk for exposure to malaria. According to the CDC, the risk of malaria is low in Guatemala City, Antigua, and at Lake Atitlán. Nevertheless, travelers should be prepared to 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. If visiting areas with active malaria transmission, consult your physician to determine whether antimalarial medication is recommended.

DENGUE FEVER & OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

Other insect-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and leishmaniasis are known to occur in Guatemala. Travelers should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described 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 full-body 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.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

At high elevations (above 5,000 feet), altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.

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

Print Resources

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 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 some 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 rainy season around Lake Atitlán is May through October, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection; heavier-weight pants or trousers tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Light- to medium-weight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt – Temperatures can get cool in the evenings and early mornings, especially at higher elevations
  • Bathing suit – Some hotels have pools.
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • 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 for around the hotel.
  • 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 you 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Plug adapter – some electrical outlets use type A or B, as in the United States, while others use outlet type G or I, requiring an adapter; a voltage converter is not necessary
Holbrook is experienced with international travel and shares my values for conservation and sustainability.
- Jody Enck
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