CAYAYA BIRDING services for independently traveling birders in Guatemala

We at CAYAYA BIRDING have been teaching local bird specialists throughout Guatemala since more than 15 years, in part under the roof of PROEVAL RAXMU Bird Monitoring Program. Based on our detailed knowledge on local logistics, local birds, local guides, reliable transports, and convenient lodging, we are happy to help you organize your birding adventure in Guatemala. Get in touch for recommendations on the best birding sites, and for reservations of basic services:

• Hotels and lodges with birding opportunities in the surroundings.
• Transports (private or collective) from door to door.
• Local birding and archeology guides.

What independent birders say about CAYAYA BIRDING helping to organize their trip

March 2018, semi-independent birding in Guatemala
"My husband and I recently returned from an incredible two-week semi-independent birding tour of Antigua and the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala, organized by Claudia Avendaño of CAYAYA BIRDING. We can't speak highly enough about the entire trip, including, guides, drivers, and lodging. Claudia tailored the tour to our interests and needs, arranged everything in great detail, and the trip went like clockwork. Claudia, herself, was our guide for the first three half-day tours in the Antigua area. Her knowledge of birds and her ability to call, spot, and get them into her scope before they flew away was amazing.

This is the first time a guide has arranged a custom trip for us and her suggestions regarding lodging, not renting a car, what to wear, etc were right on target. She was able to get lodging for us at places that were "sold out" on internet booking sites; all were in excellent locations for walking around town, offered birding on site in their gardens and all had restaurants so that we did not need to go out at night if we were tired at the end of a full day.

The two guides she arranged for us near Lake Atitlan (five more half-days) were also excellent. Their ears were as impressive as their spotting abilities. We saw and photographed motmots, trogons, owls, warblers, woodpeckers, orioles and many other birds that we had never seen before. We even spotted a Resplendent Quetzal. Driving in Guatemala can be challenging and the drivers she arranged to take us between locations also were very skilled. We felt completely at ease in their hands and were grateful that we could just sit back and enjoy the views.

We highly recommend Claudia and CAYAYA BIRDING both as guides and has tour organizers."
Janice Eldred, California, USA.

February 2018, 24-day semi-independent birding and photography trip through Guatemala
"Our travel preparations startet at 25th October 2017 and at 3rd December our trip was fixed and everything was booked. We got a lot of helpfull recommendations from Knut and Claudia in advance and during our journey. We (two persons) traveled alone with private transportations between our 5 stations. Hiking, birding and some culture. More time at one place and less time in a car. That was our plan this year. Were our expectations fulfilled? Oh, yes!!! The country is beautifull, the people are nice. The organization of our trip was planned in detail, but there was always time for relaxing and shifting. There was no waste of time in cars or in the planes. Distances between the places were short. Our drivers had been always in time. Our guides were patient and always professional. What did we like best? We loved all places we visited! Every place was unique and we enjoyed every moment. Los Tarrales was the best start we could have to enter Guatemala. We had good food, a very nice local guide, who always was taking care of us. The hiking up to the Horned Guan was exhausting, but worth every drop of sweat (Fulvous Owl, Horned Guan, Blue-throated Motmot and Quetzal). Monterrico was a good mixture of birds, beach and drinks at the pool. Antigua was our chance to meet Claudia, who was always had an eye on us. We had a nice day with her at El Pilar. We saw so huge eruption of Fuego. Yaxha was great staying at El Sombrero and doing several boat trips with Juan and enjoing the sunset at the pyramide. And finally Tikal we discovered the jungle with the maya sites, monkeys, coatis, birds, snakes and spiders. What were our favorite birds of the trip? Horned Guan, Quetzal, Golden-hooded Tanager, Azure-rumped Tanager, Northern Potoo, Ocellated Turkeys, Great Curassows, Keel-billed Tucan and and and ..."
Matthias Putze, Leipzig, Germany.

November 2016, semi-independent birding loop through Guatemala
"We generally travel independently but had little time to organise a birding trip to Guatemala. Claudia & Knut organised a fantastic birding trip that met all of our expectations. We birded alone in some places and with guides in others and saw all of our target species and more. Great logistical organisation and Claudia & Knut helped ensure that we did not waste valuable birding time when our flight to Tikal was delayed. Guatemala is a fantastic country and we would thoroughly recommend using CAYAYA BIRDING. Thanks very much Claudia & Knut."
Debbie Pain, UK.

September 2010, birding tour with local bird guides:
If birding in Guatemala, CAYAYA BIRDING is your best bet!
Augusto Faustino (Portugal).

June 2011, Booking of services for independent travelers (hotels, transportation, local guides):
My Wife and I used CAYAYA BIRDING to arrange all of our ground transportation, lodging and guides for our trip to Tikal, Guatemala. Claudia was wonderful to work with and everything from the van driver to our birding guide Luis were absolutely top notch. The trip was an outstanding experience. I would give my highest recommendation to CAYAYA BIRDING for anyone traveling to Guatemala.
Russ Roundy, Spokane, Washington.

August 2011, Booking of services for independent travelers (hotels, transportation, local guides):
We have just returned home from Guatemala and I wanted to send you a note to express how thoroughly we enjoyed our travels in your country: our trip was everything and more than we had imagined and wished for!! We feel fulfilled by the beauty of the land and the kind spirit of the people. We are extremely grateful for your help in making our trip come together; every service which you arranged for us was wonderful, without exception.
By far, the absolute best part was your wonderful guides: Josué and Luis!! At our request, our tours with them were conducted in Spanish. They taught us so very much, generously sharing their knowledge and expertise, as well as their love for nature, community and their homeland. They listened to our interests and fine-tuned the touring for our needs. They were patient and professional and fun.
The drivers were all professional, punctual and conscientious about our safety and comfort.
Guatemala is now in our hearts! Thank you, Claudia.
Laura Werner and Joe Rivera, USA.