Private Tour
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Birdwatching is an outdoor activity that brings you to the heart of nature. Having close contact with the forest, birds, and mammals that live in the highlands of Guatemala is an experience that will make you have full-body goosebumps. Guatemala is a megadiverse country, blessed with an incredible amount of flora, fauna, and microclimates that make it unique in the world. Come join us on this breathtaking tour where you´ll have the opportunity to watch our national bird, El Quetzal. The rain forest is the habitat of this beyond-beautiful bird, but not only that, it is the home of dozens of other different flowers and animals. If we´re lucky enough, we´ll have the chance to see El Quetzal, a sacred bird since the prehispanic era.
Immerse yourself in this never-to-forget tour full of nature, birdwatching, and a refreshing dip in the natural pools formed by the waterfalls of the area if you wish. You´re just a few clicks away from a real-life fantasy!
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private transportation
Bottled water
Entrance Fee to El Quetzal Sanctuary
Local tour guide specialized in birdwatching and wildlife sightings
Certified tour guide
Gratuities
Meals
Select a pickup point
Getting to Ranchitos del Quetzal (a nature sanctuary, specially dedicated to El Quetzal) will take us around 4 hours. El Quetzal has been an emblematic bird for Mayans since immemorial times. It was believed that it is the representation of the "Quetzalcoatl" the feathered serpent, a Mayan god. Only kings and royal people used Quetzal feathers on headdresses to represent their relationship with Quetzalcoatl. In 1871, El Quetzal was declared Guatemala's national bird, and we find symbols of it in the national flag, national emblem, and the currency of the country. Actually, Guatemala's currency was named after our national bird. The rain forest is the natural habitat for this beautiful bird. It is hard to see it, but from March to July, it becomes a little bit easier since those are the months when they reproduce. Come with us and learn from experts everything about this mesmerizing bird and have the chance to see it while birdwatching in its natural habitat. *It is important to clarify that we will visit its natural environment where the bird is wild and free. We can't guarantee that you will see it since it depends on nature and not on humans.
Pickup included
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
seversonjudym,
Apr 29, 2023
- Review from Viator
The Quetzal Sanctuary located in a cloud forest is a relaxing experience. I did not see any Quetzals since April is the nesting time and they are hard to spot. The tour was still worth it to see waterfalls, a beautiful forest, lizards, chejej unicolored Jay, and coati which is like a racoon.





Operated by Guat2do Travel Experiences