CAYAYA BIRDING Relaxed Volcano - Mangrove - Birding - Tour in Guatemala
This is a relaxed 9-day birding tour to see endemics of the north Central American highlands around Antigua and Atitlan volcano, and waterbirds in reed swamps and mangroves on the Pacific coast.
9 days / 8 nights itinerary (including arrival and departure days).
Waterbirds: Pinnated Bittern, Least Bittern, Limpkin, American White Pelican, several heron species and shorebirds, Sungrebe, Purple Gallinule, Northern Jacana, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and others.
Tour operation January to December. Waterbirds in Monterrico are most abundant from October to May.
Accommodation: comfortable hotels and lodges.
What birders say about CAYAYA BIRDING tours the Guatemalan highlands and Pacific coast
Pinnated Bittern Botaurus pinnatus in the wetlands on the Guatemalan Pacific coast.Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa in the mangroves on the Guatemalan Pacific coast.Juvenile Blue-throated Motmot Aspatha gularis in the Pacific slope highlands of Guatemala (endemic to northern Central America and southern Mexico).Humid broadleaf forest on the slopes of Atitlán Volcano.Azure-rumped Tanager Poecilostreptus cabanisi in the foothills of Atitlán Volcano.Pink-headed Warbler Cardellina versicolor in the Guatemalan highlands.Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula in the foothills of Atitlán Volcano.Limpkin Aramus guarauna in the wetlands of Monterrico on the Guatemalan Pacific coast.American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea in the wetlands of Monterrico on the Guatemalan Pacific coast.Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla on the Pacific coast of Guatemala.Yellow-naped Parrot Amazona auropalliata in the Pacific slope foothills of Guatemala.Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis in a Guatemalan wetland.Yellow-winged Cacique Cassiculus melanicterus is endemic to the Pacific slope lowlands of southern Mexico and northern Central America.Long-billed Dowitchers Limnodromus scolopaceus, Stilt Sandpipers Calidris himantopus, a Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus, and an American Avocet Recurvirostra americana in the wetlands of Monterrico.An assamblage of Great Egrets Ardea alba, Snowy Egrets Egretta thula, and White Ibises Eudocima albus in the wetlands of Monterrico.Stripe-headed Sparrow Peucaea ruficauda in dry forest of Monterrico.A Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans on the lookout.
What birders say about CAYAYA BIRDING tours
February 2019, CAYAYA BIRDING 6-day birding and photography tour in the highlands of Guatemala
"I was part of a four person bird photography tour of Guatemala. Knut Eisermann was the best guide I have ever toured with. He was quick to find target birds and as we were a photography group was comfortable spending extra time allowing us to get the photographs we desired. He was very quick to get the traget birds in the scope which helped us locate the birds to shoot. The highlight was a tour to find the Horned Guan, which we did. This is one trip that I will remember for a lifetime. Thanks to Claudia for all of the hard work in coordinating our group." Gary Wong, Florida, USA.
August 2018, 5-day target trip in the Guatemalan highlands
"I had the pleasure of birding the highlands with Knut Eisermann for a week in August with two friends. Besides seeing some mega birds - Horned Guan, Pink-headed Warbler, and Belted Flycatcher for example - I was really impressed by the amazing scenery, delicious cuisine and comfortable accomodations. I hope to book another trip with CAYAYA BIRDING again soon!" Michael C. Duffy, New York, USA.
June 2018, 1-week photography tour in the Guatemalan highlands
"Just had my second, brilliant trip with Knut Eisermann and CAYAYA BIRDING. Honestly, can't think of how it could have been improved on. Knut and Claudia Avendaño think of every single detail to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that, as a guest, you have the best possible birding experience. Knut is great company and is deeply knowledgeable. We found all the birds we went looking for, and I was lucky enough to get good chances for photos of each species. Spent part of our time together discussing our next trip together ... can't wait. Really recommend CAYAYA BIRDING, with no hesitation whatsoever ... wonderful way to experience a great birding country." Kevin Bartlett, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
April-May 2016, customized 2-weeks birding loop for 6 birders
"In May 2016 five friends and I were guided by CAYAYA BIRDING in western Guatemala and Tikal National Park. This was my second birdwatching tour with Knut Eisermann and Claudia Avendaño (principals of CAYAYA BIRDING) and both trips were truly excellent. Knut and Claudia work together as a smooth team to ensure that everyone's needs are met -- every day of the tour.
An unexpected highlight of the recent trip was spotting a Baird's Tapir in Tikal -- a thrill for everyone!" Mike Mulligan, Canada.
"I cannot believe the patience you two had for us all!! The different personalities, and abilities in a group can only present some amazing challenges for you...but you both handled them well! This was the most organized group birding trip I have been on! Thank you so much for such a wonderful time visiting and sharing in the life and birds of Guatemala!" Diane Kook, USA.
November 2015, 4-day birding trip in the Pacific slope highlands of Guatemala
"Just finished a 5 day tour of the highlands and lake atitlan with Claudia Avendaño- It was an amazing experience!! She is so knowledgeable in the birding, but also the culture and history of the region. We can't wait to go again!" Ashley Meagher, USA.
November 2004, Volcano-Mangrove-Tour:
"I was looking for a birding tour to take in November 2004. I scanned
the birding tour companies and I came across CAYAYA BIRDING. The website is
maintained by Knut Eisermann, the co-owner and tour guide. Knut has put a
tremendous amount of work into the site. In addition to the normal
information, he has included area descriptions, bird species list for each
area and much more useful information. The tour was a customized one: we
visited pine and oak forests, dry forest, coastal areas, coffee plantations
and some highlands. The birding was outstanding as was the guide. Knut is a
wonderful guide as his knowledge of the birds and their songs is remarkable.
The CAYAYA BIRDING staff had all the logistics worked out well and the entire trip was a great
success. In short, I had a great time birding in Guatemala. Thanks Knut." Jerry Miller, Simi Valley, California.
