Tour Leader: Robert Wilcox
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD2,700 * GBP2,132 * EUR2,580 * AUD4,244
Can be linked with: Guatemala - Specialities of Central America 2026
Our Tikal Extension not only takes time to explore the remarkable Mayan temple complexes and cities that dominate this region (both Tikal and lesser known Yaxha are visited), but also to target such highly sought-after species as the remarkable Ocellated Turkey, Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Orange-breasted Falcon, Mayan Antthrush, Northern Royal Flycatcher and the impressive Great Curassow! This northern Petén region of Guatemala is covered in extensive lowland rainforest, harbouring many special birds of the Yucatan Peninsula and other more widespread forest species, most of which will represent new species for our tour. The birding here is superb and this extension is highly recommended for its birding, mammal viewing and fascinating historical insights.
Orange-breasted Falcon, Ocellated Turkey, Great Curassow, Mayan Antthrush, Ornate Hawk-eagle, Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Grey-throated Chat, Rose-throated Tanager, Yucatan Flycatcher, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Stub-tailed Spadebill, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Northern Royal Flycatcher, Montezuma Oropendola, Keel-billed Toucan, Black-headed Trogon, Lesson's Motmot
Yucatán Black Howler Monkey, Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, Yucatan Squirrel
lowland rainforest
mostly tropical conditions; warm and humid
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
Moderate. The main tour is a target focused trip. Not suitable for dedicated photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. The Tikal extension is slower paced.
Comfortable, some lodges are reasonably simple.
Moderate, with mostly forest birding. A number of skulkers and low-density targets.
+-160
ancient Mayan ruins, fantastic virgin forest
Average to good. Many species are seen within the forest or in the canopy.
"This was a good tour. We had a congenial group, and Lev Frid is an excellent guide, up to the high Rockjumper standard. He was a pleasure to travel with, and I would be happy to go on a tour with him again. Our local guide was also excellent. His knowledge of local sites and conditions really added to the tour, and he also was lots of fun to travel with. Accommodations on this tour were very nice. It was lovely to stay at the extremely charming Posada de Don Rodrigo in the old part of La Antigua Guatemala, where we could enjoy the ambience."
Adam Walleyn was an excellent tour leader; he knew a lot about the birds, handled the group very well and has a wealth of experience in leading tours and in other aspects of ecological/environmental study & travel. We appreciated the fact that Adam did not carry a camera and therefore was able to devote his time/energy to finding the birds and getting people on to them.
All around great fun trip, with logistics and plans for upcoming activities presented clearly and in time for proper preparation. Clayton was very prepared and we enjoyed traveling with him very much.
"Lev and our local guide did a great job with the tour. They were professional while keeping the experience fun and entertaining. They worked very well together, and with the other local guides, and the quality of their guiding was top notch. They worked hard to give everyone on the tour a great experience, and they pulled out a number of tough species with their patience and diligence that gave the group some truly lasting memories. Our driver was excellent, safely working our rather large bus through the city mazes and narrow country roads with skilful expertise. And the accommodations were overall very nice, even with the occasional hot water issue. I was glad that I did bring layers, though, since we spent more time at greater altitude than I had imagined, and it was quite cool at times. I definitely enjoyed the tour, and look forward to more Rockjumper trips."
Very nice tour. We had a good group, and the local guides were excellent. Food, venues, and the birds were all top notch, and we were quite surprised how well-developed the infrastructure is in Guatemala. The birds were great, of course. We were asked what our target bird for the tour was, and I answered the Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge, knowing that it is an extremely difficult bird to find (i.e., I was being a wise guy). What was one of the first birds we saw?: the wood-partridge. A fantastic display, with the birds in the open and within 10 meters of us.
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