Wildlife of Guatemala
This 9-day private Guatemala wildlife tour is built around the country’s strongest wildlife contrasts: volcanic highlands for birdlife, the Pacific coast for turtle conservation and mangrove ecosystems, cloud forest for early-morning quetzal-focused birding, and the Maya Biosphere for jungle wildlife around Tikal.
Seasonal note: Turtle activity on the Pacific coast is strongest June–December, while cloud-forest birding (including quetzal-focused outings) is typically best May–December, depending on local conditions.
What's Included
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All private ground transportation
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8 breakfasts
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8 activities as shown in itinerary
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8 nights in 3-4 star hotels
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Roundtrip domestic flights to/from Peten
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Tepepul Reserve entry fees
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Tikal National Park entry fees
Day 1
Arrival in Antigua
- You’ll be met on arrival and transferred by private taxi from Guatemala City airport to Antigua, then check into your hotel.
- A guided walking tour of Antigua introduces the city’s layout, architecture, and daily rhythms, setting context for the days ahead.
Day 2
Highland Birding at Finca San Cayetano
- After a relaxed morning in Antigua, you’ll depart around 10:00 am for Finca San Cayetano for a guided birding walk on the property with close-up views toward Volcán de Fuego.
- This is a highland setting where sightings tend to be strongest among forest birds and edge-habitat species, with opportunities varying by weather and season; your guide will shape the route based on current activity.
- You’ll have lunch at San Cayetano, with an optional coffee tour to add a second lens on the landscape and production systems.
- Return to Antigua, with a recommended dinner at Itzam or Maxán for modern Mayan cuisine in a cozy, contemporary setting.
Day 3
To the Pacific Coast & Turtle Conservation
- Depart Antigua for the coastal town of Monterrico, then check into your hotel.
- Visit a turtle sanctuary/hatchery to learn how eggs are protected and incubated, and how releases are managed during the season. Turtle nesting on this coast is commonly described as running June–December with peaks in late summer.
- End the day with a volcanic black-sand beach walk at sunset, an easy way to settle into the coast’s rhythm.
Day 4
Sunrise Mangroves
- Take an early sunrise mangrove boat tour through estuaries and channels, scanning for wildlife in a habitat known for wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, and other mangrove-edge sightings depending on tides and season.
- Return late morning and keep lunch simple and local—mariscos, ceviche, or a seafood stew—then spend the afternoon resting poolside under the palm trees.
Day 5
Coast → Santiago Atitlán
- Travel with a private driver to Santiago Atitlán, with a planned stop for lunch and a leg stretch.
- The drive climbs back into the highlands and descends toward the lake with broad views as you approach Atitlán.
- Arrive in Santiago, check in, and keep the evening early in preparation for the next morning’s start.
Day 6
Quetzal & Cloud Forest Morning
- Early start (around 4:30 am) with pickup around 5:30 am for a guided outing into the Rey Tepepul cloud-forest area for a several-hour quetzal birding walk.
- The terrain is typically narrow and steep in sections, and the experience is led the experienced guide’s spotting and call recognition.
- Return to your hotel in Santiago and recover. Optional: a temescal at Bambú and time overlooking the lake for a relaxing close to the day.
Day 7
To Flores & the Jungle Lodge
- Morning private transfer to Guatemala City airport for your flight to Flores.
- On arrival, transfer onward to your jungle lodge near Tikal, set within the broader Maya Biosphere region.
- Settle in with an easy dinner and downtime by the pool—tomorrow starts early.
Day 8
Tikal at Sunrise + Wildlife Focus
- Pre-dawn guided tour for the Tikal sunrise experience and the chance to see morning light across the temples and canopy.
- You’ll do two guided excursions: one focused on the archaeology and layout of the ancient city, and one oriented toward jungle wildlife scanning along trails and clearings where sightings are most likely.
Day 9
Departure
- Breakfast, then private transfer to the airport for your onward flight out of Guatemala.
At a glance
- 9 days
- Private · Fully managed
- Start: Antigua · End: Tikal
- $3,600
Local team · Fixed pricing · Travel on your dates
Good to know
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Arrival & transfers: Fly into GUA. Private transfers included in itinerary.
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Pace: Moderate — walking tours and light hikes, balanced with downtime.
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What you organize: International flights and travel insurance. Everything else is handled.
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On-the-ground support: Local teams run the route and are available throughout your trip.
Love a route, but want to mix and match?
Our trips are designed in advance to ensure flow and fixed pricing.
If you’d like to combine elements from different journeys, book a call and come ready with your favorites — we’ll puzzle-piece it together before you commit.
About Due South
You’ll fly into Guatemala City International Airport (GUA). All routes include a private transfer from the airport to Antigua on arrival, and onward transfers as outlined in your itinerary. If your route ends in Antigua or Lake Atitlán, we’ll coordinate your return transfer to Guatemala City for departure.
We recommend arriving in Guatemala City by early afternoon to allow time for airport formalities and the transfer to Antigua. Your welcome activity is scheduled for the evening. If you arrive later, our team will adjust logistics to ensure a smooth arrival.
Departures should be scheduled for late morning or later on your final day. If your route ends at Lake Atitlán, we’ll provide guidance on transfer timing back to Guatemala City to ensure a comfortable departure window.
Yes. All airport transfers included in the itinerary are handled by our local team. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred privately between destinations throughout your trip.
Tips are not included unless otherwise stated. We provide clear guidance before your trip so you can tip appropriately, without guesswork or awkwardness.
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for short stays. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking with your local authority prior to travel.
No special vaccinations are required for Guatemala beyond standard travel recommendations. We advise consulting your healthcare provider for personalized advice, particularly if you plan to spend time at Lake Atitlán or in rural areas.
These routes are designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Activities include walking tours, light hikes, and day-to-day movement through towns and markets. There is no technical trekking, and downtime is built into the itinerary.
The structure and highlights of the route remain consistent. Occasionally, timings or activities may shift due to weather or local conditions. Any adjustments are handled by our team to maintain the overall flow and experience.
Why travelers choose Due South
Book with confidence
Travel on your dates
No fixed departures or group schedules. Travel privately, entirely on your timeline.
One provider, start to finish
Design, bookings, and operations handled by one team. No third-party hand-offs.
On-the-ground support
Local teams run each route and remain available throughout your trip.