Birding Unicornio Azul Lodge
The Sierra Los Cuchumatanes is the Central American mountain range with the most extensive continuous area above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) elevation, with peaks reaching 3,800 m (12,460 ft). The tableland is characterized by an impressive landscape shaped by glaciers during the late Quaternary (115,000-12,000 years ago).
Unicornio Azul Lodge is located in the eastern part of the tableland of the Sierra Los Cuchumatanes. The surroundings of the lodge are open grassy areas, juniper and pine woodlands.
The pine-oak-juniper woodland is home to the Goldman's Wabler, a taxon of the Yellow-rumped Warbler complex. Goldman's Warbler is resident and endemic in the highlands of western Guatemala and some adjacent areas in the south Mexican state of Chiapas. During the northern winter, it occurs together with the smaller migratory Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler.
Several other birds restricted to the highlands of southern Mexico and northern Central America occur, such as Pink-headed Warbler, Black-capped Siskin, and Guatemalan Pygmy-Owl. Guatemalan (Yellow-eyed Junco) is common in the open landscape.
Accommodation: Unicornio Azul lodge, 12 km northeast of Huehuetenango (25 km driving distance), offers fine lodging in the Cuchumatanes mountains. Meals are provided in the lodge.
Photos of Unicornio Azul Lodge (click on photo to enlarge)
When is the best time for a visit to Unicornio Azul Lodge? Any time of the year.
How do you support conservation and development in the Cuchumatanes?: With your stay at the Unicornio Azul lodge you support the conservation of pine-oak-juniper woodland on the property. The area is part of Cuchumatanes Important Bird Area (IBA GT005). The owners of Unicornio Azul are involved actively in the conservation and development of sustainable tourism in the Cuchumatanes.
