Birding Around Guatemala's Mayan Ruins
A 7-day Birdwatching in Guatemala Mayan Lowlands Tour that is moderately paced and available on request. The trip combines an opportunity to see some of Guatemala's rarest bird life with a chance to explore the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan Biosphere in the Petén region. Some of the historic sites you'll visit include Tikal, Uaxactún, Yaxha and Waka Perú at Laguna del Tigre.
The Mayan city of Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its pyramid temples. It is also home to indigenous species such as the Ocellated Turkey and Orange-breasted Falcon and White Hawk. One of the best vantage points is to climb to the peak of the pyramid – sunrise from the top is an unforgettable experience – but be warned that it's a tough ascent.
This birdwatching Guatemala tour of the Mayan Lowlands also visits Laguna del Tigre, the largest national park in Guatemala and one of the core zones of the Mayan Biosphere. It's the habitat for the rare Scarlet Macaw and Agami Heron as well as numerous raptors, including the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Black-collared Hawks, Swallow-tailed Kites, King Vulture, Broad-winged Hawk and Crane Hawk.
This birding tour also visits Uaxactún, one of the smallest archaeological cities in Guatemala, but with the distinction that the temples have been perfectly positioned to observe the summer and winter solstices on June 20 and December 21/22 , as well as the equinoxes around March 21 and September 23. It's also the ideal place for observing Aracari Toucans, Oropendolas, Yucatan Jays, Mexican Antthrushes, Barred Forest Falcons, Blue-black Grosbeaks and White-collared Manakins.
This birdwatching Guatemala tour also lets you explore the trails at the Yaxha archaeological site, where you may find the Pheasant Cuckoo, Tody Motmots, trogons, toucans and the four species of Tinamou: Great, Little, Slaty-breasted and Thicket. Parrots can be seen flying in flocks, including the Red-lored, White-fronted, White-crowned and Blue-crowned Mealy varieties.
This expedition to the Mayan Lowlands of Guatemala not only gives you the opportunity to observe some of the country's most vibrant and distinctive bird life, but also steep yourself in the fascinating history and culture of the region.
Birdwatching in Guatemala Mayan Lowlands highlights include:
- A chance to enjoy both the region's unique birdlife and rich Mayan cultural history
- Explore the historic archaeological sites of Tikal, Uaxactún and Yaxha
- Visit Laguna del Tigre, the largest national park in Guatemala and one of the core zones of the Mayan Biosphere
- Enjoy a wide variety of bird species in many different habitats with the Mayan Lowlands of Petén
- The opportunity to see some of Guatemala's rarest breeds of bird, including Ocellated Turkeys, Orange-breasted hawks and Scarlet Macaws
If you'd like to find an alternative tour, please take a look at the Caribbean Coast Guatemala Bird Watching Tour for another special experience on offer.
Alternative tour name: Birdwatching and Mayan Culture in the Guatemala Lowlands
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