High subtropical forests, volcanoes, Mayan culture, art crafts, archeology and the most beautiful colors!

Guatemala is an incredibly variegated country that surprises visitors with its stunning natural beauties and cultural richness.

Its territory varies continuously on a relatively small area. Guatemala represents nine different biomes that occur from sea level up to more than 4,000 meters above sea level. It covers an area of about 1,900 sq km, about the size of the Netherlands and Belgium together, counts 33 active volcanoes, 30 lakes, and a good amount of rivers. On the same day we can be at the highest country altitudes surrounded by oak and pine forest, from there descend through transitional subtropical forest, passing a lake framed by volcanoes and arrive to coffee plantations and fertile valley. Crossing jungles that protect Mayan archeological sites to the west, we might reach the mangroves and volcanic beaches on the Pacific Ocean!

It’s amazing how quickly landscapes change and with them the plants, wildlife and bird population.

Guatemala hosts over 710 bird species. Many endemic bird species are found in the Mountain forest, although the Tropical Humid Forest, Mountain Conifer Forest, Subtropical Rainforest and Tropical Humid Savanna occupy the majority of land in Guatemala.

Some of the endemic species for these regions are: Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus), Highland Guan (Penelopina nigra), Blue-throated Motmot (Aspatha gularis), Green-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis viridipallens), Rufous Sabrewing (Campylopterus rufus), and Fulvous Owl (Strix fulvescens).

About 200 migrant birds flying south from North America can be seen from October to March.

The great variety of ecosystem implies the presence of aquatic species by lakes and mangroves, but also raptors at high altitudes, and humming birds are easy to see in hotel’s gardens where we stay. The Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a spectacular bird from the trogon family, is the national bird of Guatemala and can be found at higher altitudes.

The main predator among birds and severely endangered Harpy eagle can be seen in the northern subtropical forest.

In recent years many bird watching destinations attracted fellows from all over the world to look for the many endemics of Guatemala, for the colorful tropical birds and for the migrants that cross the country from October to March.

Humming birds can be easily seen in the wonderful garden of our hotel by Lake Atitlan, while the endemic Yellow capped parrot nests on the trees around the 30 m high bird watching tower at the natural reserve where we stay in the Quetzaltenango region.

This abundance in water allows the country to be almost independent in energy production.

The most powerful predator among birds, the Harpy Eagle, shares territory in subtropical forests with the main mammal predator, the jaguar. And other smaller felines, like ocelots and jaguarondis, populate the area.

Spider Monkeys and Howler Monkeys can be even seen in the forests nearby archeological areas and nearby the many zip lines locations used for adventure sports.

Poverty struggles in the whole country and people in the forests hunt wildlife, whether it is for trading or feeding their families. Only 350 macaws remain in the northern subtropical forest.

While being in nature we can enjoy the opportunity for outdoor activities as well as touching cultural experiences. Trails have been created in the high pine and oak forests as well as well as in the tropical forests, or jungles, for hiking trips.

Guatemala hosts the biggest known Mayan archeological site inside the Tikal National Park, a 2 Mio ha subtropical forest by the border with Mexico and Belize and one of the few places recognized as World heritage by UNESCO for nature and historic value.

It is connected in Mexico with Calakmul, which was one of the two most powerful kingdoms during the Classic Maya period. Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, a sanctuary of the area’s wildlife, is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tikal and Calakmul together form the second larger tropical forest reserve in the world, after the Amazon Rainforest.

Mayan civilization archeological sites of great value are found all over Guatemala.

But the present country’s borders do not correspond to define the area of the Mayan territory that covered southern Mexican regions (Chiapas, Yucatan and Campeche), Honduras and El Salvador.

We have designed a tour itinerary to explore the Mayan civilization sites spread in Mesoamerica, the territory of the Maya people. Take the Essential Mayan tour with us and you will experience the emotions of ancient history, wonderful nature and the unique learning experience.

Join us for an unforgettable tour of Guatemala and its wonders!