Guatemala Birding Trip: Quetzals, Horned Guan & Tikal Sunrise
Overview
This Guatemala birding trip is a quiet, thorough exploration of the country’s finest habitats, from Pacific-slope coffee forest to the dawn temples of Tikal. Over 13 days we keep an easy pace, with a maximum of eight guests, focusing on a set of very special birds: Resplendent Quetzal, Horned Guan, Pink-headed Warbler, Goldman’s Warbler, and Ocellated Turkey.
We begin at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve, birding shade-coffee and broadleaf forest before a guided nocturnal tour. From Lake Atitlan we spend a full day on Volcán Toliman for Horned Guan, and a morning at Mirador Rey Tepepul for quetzal and hummingbirds. A transfer north includes Finca el Espinero for Pink-headed Warbler, then two nights in Todos Santos for Goldman’s Warbler on the high Cuchumatanes plateau.
After Antigua highland birding at El Pilar, we fly to Tikal and spend two mornings in the national park, including a dawn session at Temple IV among Ocellated Turkey, toucans, and parrots. Accommodation is simple and well placed, meals often come from local markets, and optional night outings add an extra dimension without altering the calm, unhurried character of the journey.
Inspiration
Expedition highlights
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 7 distinct overnight bases.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Price details
Price per person
2 people
Per person
3 to 4 people
Per person
5 to 6 people
Per person
7 to 8 people
Per person
9 to 10 people
Per person
11+ people
Per person
Prices are per person and based on twin share, unless stated otherwise.
Additional costs
Deposit
30% deposit (1,799 USD approx.)
Single supplement
430 USD
Available upon request and subject to availability.
What is included
Included
- Accommodation throughout the journey
- Meals indicated in the programme
- Transportation during the itinerary
- Pre-trip planning assistance
Not included
- Lunch on arrival day and departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the programme
- Camera equipment
From past travellers
A few kind words
Voyage extra-ordinaire
Tristan brilliantly rose to the challenge of organizing our immersive trip among the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. For four weeks, we were able to count on him and on his flexible and flawless organization. His detailed knowledge and understanding of the places we visited and the people we met enriched our daily discoveries. He was always attentive, considerate, cheerful, and generous. More than a guide, it felt like traveling with a friend.
A genuine encounter, off the beaten track
Tristan is an exceptional guide who combines unquestionable expertise in organizing tailor-made expeditions, a great talent for photographing wildlife and sharing his passion, rare human qualities... and contagious joy! He opened up unexplored paths for us to meet the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada, as part of our diplomatic reconnaissance trip to initiate a cultural exchange between these peoples and Reunion Island. Our expedition had specific goals and constraints, which Tristan managed perfectly. He is therefore a must for anyone who wants a genuine encounter with South American nature and peoples, off the beaten track.
Voyage Patagonie Mars 2025
We spent three wonderful weeks in Patagonia with Tristan. An unforgettable trip for the three of us, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere that Tristan carefully crafted down to the finest details. He organized an itinerary perfectly tailored to our requests. Always smiling, incredibly kind, and very patient. He made us experience this exceptional journey with unique moments that went beyond our expectations. Tristan is an excellent guide. He plans his trips with great professionalism on all levels, yet manages to make you forget it by sharing the experience with you, marveling at the landscapes like a friend showing you around the country… A big thank you to you. Lots of love!
Why travel with us?
Expert, trusted guides
We work with carefully selected local guides chosen for their experience, knowledge of wildlife, and ability to find unique encounters ethically and safely.
Carefully selected accommodations
We choose each accommodation to find the perfect balance between comfort, location, and access to wildlife, so you can make the most of every moment of your journey.
Schedules designed for the best light
We organize activities and outings at key times of day to take advantage of the best light conditions and increase opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
You’ll come home with incredible photographs
We design each expedition to maximize opportunities for observation and help you enjoy unique encounters and capture the best photographs possible in the wild.
About your guide
Tristan Quevilly
At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
To confirm your spot we request a first payment of 50% of the total trip price. The remaining 50% can be paid up to 3 months before the departure date.
We accept payments in euros and US dollars via bank transfer. Once your booking is made, we will send you all the information and details needed to make the payment.
No, anyone who loves nature is welcome. We always recommend bringing binoculars to enjoy a closer view, and if you have a camera you'll surely capture excellent images too.
You can find all the details about cancellations, refunds and booking conditions on our page: Terms and Conditions.
No. Our trips are designed both for people with experience in photography and wildlife watching and for travelers who simply enjoy nature and want to live a different experience.
The most important thing is to have interest, curiosity and a desire to enjoy the environment and the animals.
Yes. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, we can arrange additional nights of accommodation, activities and transfers. Just let us know your plans and we'll adjust the itinerary to your preferences.
Yes, of course. Many of our travelers join the expeditions on their own. Our groups usually bring together people with similar interests in wildlife, photography and nature, so the atmosphere tends to be very friendly and it's easy to connect with other travelers.
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Tell me what you would like to photograph, your preferred dates, and any questions about the journey.
- Flexible dates and custom itineraries available
- Response within 24 hours guaranteed
- No payment required to customize an itinerary
