In the land of the Maya, Guatemala is known for its tradition of Mayan crafts and textiles. It is also known for its birds—even naming its currency for the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal, a bird now difficult to find within the country.
Tikal, one of the largest cities in all the Mayan world, is probably the best known of the cities from this ancient culture. Since 1953, the University of Pennsylvania has been excavating, exploring and restoring the splendor of this once great city. The temples, now cleared of their vegetation, rise majestically above the forest canopy. So inspiring is the scene that George Lucas photographed it for use in two of the original Star Wars movies!
Amidst these great buildings the forest thrives with song and chatter. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded here, including several Yucatan endemics. Spider Monkeys are commonly seen as are the more often heard Howler Monkeys. Coatis, agoutis and gray foxes are often cross the trails and crocodiles adorn the banks of the ponds. The magic of Tikal awaits and entices!
Itinerary
This is a single site tour and our hotel is within the nation park. No driving is necessary except to and from the airport!
Day 1 - Arrival in Flores, Guatemala
Bus transfer to Tikal Inn.
Day 2
Introduction to Tikal and the Mayan world. After breakfast we will explore the closer sections of the site. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon exploration. Dinner back at the Hotel.
Day 3
Morning walk to the ponds along the abandoned airstrip. This area is the best place to look for Rose-throated Tanager, Gray-throated Chat and several species of Tinamou. After lunch we will explore more of the site, birding in more remote areas. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4
Pre-dawn owl and wildlife walk followed by sitting at the pond where birds and other wildlife come to drink in the morning. Late breakfast at the hotel before going into the site to explore the more outlying areas. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5
After breakfast we will explore more outlying, less visited areas of the site. These areas may yield many wonderful finds such as: Pheasant Cuckoo, Great Tinamou or maybe even a Jaguar! After lunch, more exploration. Dinner at the hotel. After dinner we will go spotlighting for owl, nightjars and other wildlife.
Day 6
On our final day we will narrow our search to concentration on any of the species we have missed!
Day 7
Transfer to Flores for flight to USA
Accommodations
Hotel Tikal Inn is a good quality hotel based within Tikal National Park. Only 100 meters from the entrance to the site, there are many birding opportunities all around.
The hotel offers excellent quality rooms, however, electricity is from a generator which only runs a few hours at a time throughout the day. Though running water is available all the time, hot showers are only available from 6pm-10pm.
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