El Salvador: Birdwatching Day Trip with Biologist & Pickup

Summary

Birdsong, volcano trails and rare species in El Salvador’s wild

You’ll start your day surrounded by birdsong in El Salvador’s lush forests, guided by a local biologist who knows every call and color. Spot motmots and trogons at Eco Parque El Espino, then climb to the rim of El Boquerón’s volcanic crater for highland species and sweeping views. With hotel pickup and all gear included, it’s an easy way to feel part of this wild place—even if you’re new to birdwatching.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the morning felt at Eco Parque El Espino — cool air, a kind of earthy coffee smell drifting from somewhere behind the trees. Our guide, Mario, handed me binoculars and grinned like he knew what we’d see before we did. He pointed out a Turquoise-browed Motmot almost right away (I probably would’ve missed it — those colors are unreal up close). There were bird calls everywhere, some sharp and quick, others just little flutters in the leaves. I didn’t expect to feel so focused on every sound.

We wandered through shaded coffee groves broken up by patches of forest. Mario told us about the park’s 221 bird species — he rattled off names like Gartered Trogon and Squirrel Cuckoo as if they were old friends. The group got quiet whenever something new appeared; someone whispered “there!” and suddenly everyone was peering through binoculars at a Berylline Hummingbird or a magpie-jay flashing blue and white. At one point I tried to mimic a call Mario made (not even close), which made him laugh. The light kept shifting as clouds moved over, sometimes bright, sometimes soft — you know how that changes everything?

Later we drove up to El Boquerón, winding higher until my ears popped. The crater is massive — standing on the edge you can feel the wind coming up from below and hear it rush through the trees. There was this moment when we spotted a Bushy-crested Jay hopping along a branch while mist rolled in behind it. It was quieter here, colder too; I pulled my jacket tighter and just listened for a while. That silence sticks with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Birdwatching at two key parks

• Pickup from hotel or Airbnb
• Visit Eco Parque El Espino
• Observe diverse bird species
• Explore small geysers in park
• Travel to El Boqueron National Park
• View crater and highland birds
• Return to hotel or Airbnb

Top questions

How many bird species can I see on this tour?

You might spot some of the 221 species at Eco Parque El Espino and around 170 at El Boquerón.

Is hotel pickup included for this birdwatching day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at hotels or Airbnbs in San Salvador or Santa Tecla is included.

Do I need my own binoculars?

No, binoculars are provided as part of your tour.

Who leads the birdwatching tours?

An expert biologist guide will lead your group through both parks.

What are some birds I might see?

You could see Turquoise-browed Motmot, Gartered Trogon, Squirrel Cuckoo, Berylline Hummingbird, Bushy-crested Jay, among others.

Is there much walking involved?

You should have moderate fitness; expect walking through forest trails and some elevation gain at El Boquerón.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are covered in your booking.

Can public transportation get me to the starting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer not to use hotel pickup.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb in San Salvador or Santa Tecla, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, plus use of binoculars and a printed bird guide for spotting those elusive species along the way.