Highland Specialties of Guatemala

Horned Guan © Brian Gibbons

A new tour to the famed highlands of Guatemala seeks specialty birds in habitats ranging from humid subtropical forests to cloud forest and to inter-mountain valleys of grasslands and pines. When combined with the optional extension to the Maya ruins of Tikal, our bird list will likely exceed 300 species.

With its high mountains, deep valleys, and elevated plateaus, the highlands of Guatemala are a beautiful and globally significant birding destination. This region is a part of the North Central American Highlands Endemic Bird Area, owing to the significant number of range-restricted species that occur here. In this zone of cloud forests, pine-oak woodlands, and volcanic landscapes exist some of the most highly sought birds in Central America, led by the near-mythic Horned Guan and dazzling Pink-headed Warbler.

On this new tour, we will travel to the heart of southern Guatemala to experience the birds and special landscapes of the unique highland region. Our adventure begins in lovely Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich indigenous culture, gateway to a selection of forest reserves and sanctuaries. In the foothill forests of Cerro Cucurucho we’ll seek a range of seldom-seen upper elevation birds such as Rufous Sabrewing, Blue-tailed Hummingbird, Blue-throated Motmot, Bushy-crested Jay, Rufous-collared Robin, and Bar-winged Oriole. Amid the varied forest types of Los Tarrales Nature Reserve, we’ll seek an array of fantastic birds, with Resplendent Quetzal, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Belted Flycatcher, and Azure-rumped Tanager among our targets.

Near the city of Quetzaltenango we’ll seek two spectacular hummingbirds, Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird and Slender Sheartail, while the beautiful and elusive Ocellated Quail beckons from the pine savannas near Sierra de los Cuchumatanes.

An optional extension to the Maya ruins of Tikal will appeal to those interested in experiencing more of Guatemala. Set in a vast rainforest, the pyramids and palaces of Tikal provide a spectacular backdrop for such high-profile birds as Orange-breasted Falcon, Ocellated Turkey, and Gray-throated Chat, among many others. The species we will encounter in these lowland habitats are more tropical than the highland areas of the main tour.

A variety of lodges and hotels used, ranging from very good to excellent; high quality meals; birding on roads and established trails; travel by van and small bus; physical demands vary from light to moderate; elevations range mostly from 4,000–10,000 feet; mild temperatures expected but could be colder at higher elevation; rain possible.

Pink-headed Warbler © Daniel Merida