Our Tikal & Las Guacamayas (Macaws) Extension puts us deep into the unspoilt lowland forests of Laguna del Tigre National Park before taking in the remarkable Mayan temple complexes and cities that dominate the Tikal region. One of the most biodiverse biological stations in Central America, we’ll have our hands and eye full of attractive and desirable species. Top of our list is the highly sought-after Ocellated Turkey – which can often be found mooching about the historical ruins, various species of trogon, toucan, hawk-eagle, warbler and parrot are in order, whilst we shall also target Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Scarlet Macaw, Spot-tailed and Yucatan Nightjars, Orange-breasted Falcon, Mayan Antthrush, Agami Heron, Pinnated Bittern, and the impressive Great Curassow!
This northern Petén region of Guatemala is covered in extensive lowland rainforest, harbouring many endemic 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.
Ocellated Turkey; Scarlet Macaw; Grey-throated Chat; Agami & Boat-billed Herons; Keel-billed Toucan; Tody Motmot; Lovely Cotinga; Pheasant Cuckoo; Great Curassow; Crested Guan; Montezuma Oropendola; Northern Bentbill; Stub-tailed Spadebill; Red-capped & White-collared Manakins; Pinnated Bittern; Black-headed, Gartered & Slaty-tailed Trogons; White-necked Puffbird; Yucatan Woodpecker; Yucatan Flycatcher; Yucatan Jay; Black, Black-and-white & Ornate Hawk-Eagles; Yucatan Poorwill; Spot-tailed Nightjar; Short-tailed Nighthawk; Northern Potoo; Middle American Screech, Black-and-white & Mottled Owls.
Yucatan Black Howler; Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey; White-nosed Coati; Central American Agouti; Red Brocket Deer; Grey Fox; Jaguar (very rare); Ocelot (rare); Margay (rare); Puma (rare), White-lipped Peccary (rare)
lowland rainforest
mostly tropical conditions; warm and humid
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
relaxed pace
comfortable to basic lodges & hotels
moderate with some tricky species
ancient Mayan ruins, fantastic virgin forest
good to very good
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.
"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."
Dušan is an exceptional guide in all respects. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, is courteous and diplomatic with the clients, and excellent with the local people. I could not ask for anything more. Thank you very much for providing this tour. For me, it was a success in every way. I will definitely recommend Rockjumper to anyone interested in birding in the future. You guys do a great job.
"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."
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.
17 Oct 2023 - 24 Oct 2023 (8 days)
USD3,295 - No Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado
Tour price (Per person): USD3,295 * GBP2,713 * EUR3,120 * AUD5,162
Single Supplement: USD190 * GBP156 * EUR180 * AUD298
Flight costs: USD270 * GBP222 * EUR256 * AUD423
Can be linked with: Guatemala - Central American Highlights 2023
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