Tailormade Holidays in Guatemala

Tour Code: TGTM

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Guatemala with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Northern Guatemala - Temples and Toucans

11 Days

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Southern Guatemala - Culture and Cloudforest

11 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

January to July, November to December

Best Time to Go

January to April, December

Speak to a travel expert

Georgie Dodds

Tailormade Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Tikal National Park
Laguna del Tigre
Yaxhá-Nakúm-Naranjo National Park
Antigua
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Summary

Natural beauty, ecological diversity, archaeological splendour and historical interest all combine to make Guatemala a true Central American gem. A distinctive blend of Mayan and colonial influence is deeply woven into the nation’s fabric, from the Spanish-Baroque architecture of Antigua to the world-famous ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. The country’s natural heritage is simply exceptional, with stunning volcanoes, misty cloudforests, expansive wetlands and swathes of Mesoamerican tropical rainforest all playing host to thousands of fascinating species. The geographical complexity of Guatemala lends itself to some astonishingly high levels of biodiversity. Sandwiched between the Caribbean and the Pacific, the country is defined by two major mountain chains that run from Mexico in the northwest, to Honduras and El Salvador in the southeast. This varied topography gives rise to fourteen distinct ecoregions which can be broadly categorised into: the tropical coastal lowlands, the central western highlands, the southern volcanic belt, and the low northern plateau. From dense lowland jungle to mountainous dry forest, this small nation is bursting with over 700 species of bird, as well as boasting some of the best mammal watching opportunities in Central America. Much of Guatemala’s wildlife-rich habitat is well protected. As a result, species that remain elusive elsewhere, are often readily seen, including two spectacular, endangered and regionally endemic primates – the Yucatán Spider Monkey and Yucatán Black Howler. The lush rainforest encasing the vast Maya Biosphere Reserve offers some of the best birdwatching on the continent, with plentiful sort-after species frequently encountered. Birding in Guatemalan cloudforest is similarly productive, with good locations for revered targets such as Horned Guan and Azure-rumped Tanager. The two coasts offer a chance to see frigatebirds, tropicbirds and boobies soaring above magnificent black sand, white sand and golden sand beaches, whilst turtles nest below.

Our Locations

Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua, Guatemala.jpg

One of Guatemala’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Antigua is an attractive city dressed in Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture, filled with old colonial churches and set against an impressive volcanic backdrop. Antigua was once one of the richest cities in the New World and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, but seismic activity resulted in its partial abandonment in 1776. As a result of this, and in addition to new protective legislation, Antigua has retained much of its 16^th century Renaissance grid pattern and many of its original buildings. Today, the city is a relic frozen in time, with manicured cobbled streets and bustling plazas lined with colourfully dressed vendors selling intricate textiles and ceramics. The jaw dropping landscape and unique culture combine to make this one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Antigua is also an ideal base from which to explore nearby wildlife habitat, such as Finca El Pilar – an excellent place to begin birding. Quiet trails meander through humid broadleaf forest and species such as Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo and Bar-winged Oriole are often seen. The hummingbird feeders here also attract regional endemics, including Rufous Sabrewing and Green-throated Mountain-Gem.

Accommodation in Antigua

Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo

Details

Los Tarrales Reserve was the brainchild of a North American farmer who bought the land in the 1950s to preserve it as a place in which conservation is managed in conjunction with the local indigenous community. His grandson, Andy Burge, now runs the reserve, which is situated on the mineral-rich slopes of the Atitlan Volcano, in Guatemala’s southern volcanic belt. The reserve protects pristine cloudforest and humid broadleaf forest on the volcano’s slopes, at elevations of between 700 and 3,000 metres. This unique topography creates a range of forest habitat which supports some marvellous birdlife. Boasting upwards of 350 species, including the regionally endemic Horned Guan, Azure-rumped Tanager, Long-tailed Manakin and Pink-headed Warbler, Los Tarrales Reserve is one of the top birding hotspots in the country. Furthermore, because there has been no hunting for three generations in Los Tarrales, species such as White-tailed Deer, Central American Agouti, White-bellied Chachalaca and Crested Guan are less timid here than in some areas. For the extremely fortunate, Pumas have also been sighted along the trails here. This reserve is private and independently sustainable, as funds towards its conservation are protected by the income generated from the sale of coffee and ornamental flowers, and through ecotourism. Los Tarrales Reserve also provides an income for the 60 Maya Kaqchikel families which live within the reserve’s protected areas.

Accommodation in Los Tarrales Reserve

Los Tarrales

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A magical place that blends natural and cultural history in a unique and dazzling display. Tikal, which was continuously inhabited for over 1,500 years between 600 B.C. and 900 A.D., served as a significant economic, political, and military centre for the ancient Maya civilization. Today, it stands as one of the most important archaeological sites globally and is among the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed for both its cultural and natural significance. The site constitutes more than 576 km² of protected wildlife habitat, situated deep within the tropical forests of northern Guatemala. The savannah-forest-wetland mosaic that envelops these ancient ruins harbours staggering biodiversity. More than 100 species of mammal have been recorded here, including five cat species, the endangered Geoffroy's Spider Monkey and Baird's Tapir, making it one of the finest areas for observing mammals in Central America. The avifauna is equally as spectacular; indeed, it is also one of Central America’s premier birding locations, with up to 400 species present, including such targets as Ocellated Turkey, Crested Eagle and Orange-breasted Falcon. Botanists and herpetologists will be in their element, with more than 2,000 plants and over 100 species of herpetofauna documented. Using 1300-year-old Mayan temples as vantage points to scan the canopy is certainly a unique experience!

Accommodation in Tikal National Park

Jungle Lodge Tikal

Details

Situated in the highlands of the Sierra Madre range, Lake Atitlán is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America and with a maximum depth of almost 350 metres, it is also the deepest! Located just one hour’s drive from Los Tarrales Reserve, the surroundings of the lake offer a variety of avifaunal species such as Montane Trogon, Rock Wren, Blue-throated Motmot, Speckled-breasted Oriole, Chestnut-sided Shrike-vireo, Lesser Roadrunner and Belted Flycatcher. There are many hotspots around the lake, including Atitlan Nature Reserve itself, with loop trails that traverse the reserve from 1,500 to 1,800 metres above sea level. The lower parts of the slopes are more humid and gardened with flowering plants, which attract Rufous Sabrewing, White-eared, Garnet-throated and Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird. Scrub and adjacent open spaces are home to Yellow-throated Brush-Finch and Prevost's Ground-Sparrow. In the oak forest, foraging mixed warbler flocks can be seen during the northern winter, including migratory Black-throated Green, Townsend's, Golden-cheeked, Nashville, and Wilson's Warblers, and resident Slate-throated Redstart. Flocks are often joined by Rufous-browed Pepper-Shrike and Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, alongside flocks of Bushy-crested Jays that roam through the open forest canopy. On flowering canopy trees, such as Grevillea Robusta (introduced from Australia) in a small coffee plantation in the lower part, different orioles can be seen, including the resident Yellow-backed, Black-vented, and Bar-winged Orioles.

Accommodation in Lake Atitlán

Bambu Hotel

Details

Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera nature reserve, colloquially known as Biotopo del Quetzal, is situated amongst 10.5 km² of lush cloud forest just south of Cobán. As the name suggests, this private reserve was established to help conserve the Resplendent Quetzal (the national bird of Guatemala), which was fast heading towards extinction in the late 1970s. The colourful, jewel-like feathers of the Queztal were once used as currency by the pre-Colombian Mayans and the birds have since been targets of the lucrative illegal pet trade. Unfortunately, due to old hunting pressure and trapping, the bird remains shy and elusive in the forest, and seeing one is never guaranteed. Nonetheless, the park is full of flora, including Cyprus, Walnut, Aguacatillo and Pepper Trees, which provide a home for the quetzal alongside a wealth of other birds and animals. Spot-breasted Oriole, Garnet-throated Hummingbird and Collared Trogon are amongst some of the attractive avian residents. In addition, this is one of the few areas where the curious Cacomistle (a nocturnal arboreal mammal and a close relative of the North American Ringtail) is regularly seen.

Yaxhá National Park, is located in the north of the country, adjacent to Tikal. Yaxhá, together with Nakum and Naranjo, form the wider Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo Cultural Triangle, a reserve that stretches out over 380 km² and set up to conserve these three lesser-known ancient Mayan cities, and their connecting corridors. 2,000 years ago, this was one of the busiest commercial, political and military centres in the Americas. Today, it belongs to an important tropical wetland ecosystem. Hundreds of temples, palaces and other ancient stone-structures lie surrounded by one of the largest tracts of ‘untouched’ rainforest in Central America. Common mammals include White-nosed Coati and Central American Agouti, which can be seen scurrying between the ruins, whilst flashes of colour signify the presence of the many toucans, trogons and parrots that call the area home. Various species of Nearctic shorebirds, as well as the rare Jabiru, can also be found near Yaxhá Lagoon. However, a swim here, which may appear inviting from afar, is not recommended, as Morelet's Crocodiles are abundant!

Accommodation in Yaxhá-Nakúm-Naranjo National Park

Hotel Villa Maya Peten

Details

Laguna del Tigre National Park is an ecological reserve situated within the rich tropical rainforests of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), in northern Guatemala. Spanning 3370 km² and constituting 13 different ecological zones, it is the largest National Park in Guatemala and a core area of the MBR. The park’s large neotropical wetland ecosystem is fundamental both for the regulation of the hydrological cycle and for the preservation of the nation’s freshwater reserves, earning it prestigious UNESCO Ramsar status in 1993. This pristine Mesoamerican rainforest-wetland mosaic supports a staggering array of avifauna, neotropical mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Laguna del Tigre, which translates to ‘Tiger Lagoon’, is a nominative tribute to the Jaguars that stalk the forest. The reserve is also a particularly important refuge for the Scarlet Macaw, which remain a nationally endangered species, and, like many national parks in Guatemala, it holds cultural significance and continues to be an important archaeological site.

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Sample Itineraries

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Laguna del Tigre

Days

5 - 7

Tikal National Park

Days

8 - 9

Yaxhá Lake

Day

Depart

Day

Arrive UK

11 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Antigua

Days

4 - 5

Lake Atitlán

Days

6 - 7

Los Tarrales

Days

8 - 9

Biotopo del Quetzal

Day

Depart

Day

Arrive UK

11 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Day

Depart UK

Day

Antigua

Days

3 - 4

Los Tarrales

Days

5 - 6

Lake Atitlán

Day

Fly to Flores; transfer to Tikal National Park

Days

8 - 10

Tikal National Park

Days

11 - 12

Yaxhá Lake

Day

Depart

Day

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good quality bilingual guides are available at many of the inland lodges and reserves. However, should you wish to have a dedicated expert naturalist guide travel with you throughout the holiday, this can easily be arranged.

When to Visit

Guatemala has a typically tropical climate, with warm, humid conditions experienced year-round and rain possible in any season. Whilst it is possible to visit throughout most of the year, the months of August, September and October are usually best avoided due to high temperatures, strong winds and prolonged periods of rain. The best season for wildlife watching is between November and April, and this period also coincides with the comparatively drier, cooler time of year. The annual ‘Holy Week’ – a colourful religious festival and a local national holiday – occasionally coincides with the high season and key destinations can get congested over this period.

Getting Around

Much of Guatemala is accessible by car and short domestic flight. The arterial road network in Guatemala is generally good and most journeys are no longer than a few hours on paved roads. However, some of the more remote wildlife areas will require 4x4 transport.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!