Atitlan Hiking and Birding Tour: 350 Bird Species

Hike a cloud forest reserve, watch for parrots and hummingbirds, then eat lunch overlooking the lake

This full-day tour from Antigua combines hiking and birding in Los Tarrales Natural Reserve, a 1,300-hectare protected area on Lake Atitlan's volcano slope where over 350 bird species live. You'll walk miles of trails through coffee bushes, jungle and water springs with a trained local guide, then travel to San Lucas Toliman for lunch and time to browse the Mayan village and its handicrafts before returning to Antigua at 3:30pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and cultural visit at Lake Atitlan

• Depart Antigua at 6 AM
• Drive 1 hour 50 minutes to Los Tarrales Reserve
• Explore Los Tarrales trails and birdwatch
• Drive to San Lucas Toliman village
• Have lunch with lake views
• Free time to browse village and meet locals
• Return shuttle to Antigua at 3:30 PM

The experience

The day starts early: you leave Antigua at 6am and drive 1 hour 50 minutes to Los Tarrales, arriving as the morning light favors birding. The reserve spans from 700 meters to 3,000 meters elevation, which means the habitat shifts as you climb: coffee plantations give way to jungle, water springs cut through the forest, and the bird activity changes with the altitude. A trained guide walks the trails with you, pointing out species like Yellow-winged Tanagers, Blue-gray Tanagers, Yellow-naped parrots, Cinnamon Hummingbirds and several types of parakeets. Because hunting is prohibited in the reserve, you'll also see white-tailed deer, Agouti, White-bellied Chachalaca and Crested Guan moving through the understory. Puma signs (droppings and claw marks) turn up regularly enough that guides know where to look.

Around midday you head down to San Lucas Toliman, a fishing and farming village where most residents are also skilled handcrafters. Lunch happens at a restaurant with views across Lake Atitlan, and afterward you have free time to walk the village, talk to locals, and look at textiles, pottery and other goods before the shuttle returns to Antigua at 3:30pm. The whole day runs 8 to 10 hours door-to-door.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water and snacks.
• all park fees and taxes.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in Antigua.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 79 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by GT Negocios y Viajes

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with children from age 6 will find the early start and moderate hiking pace manageable. The morning timing catches the best birding light, and the afternoon village visit breaks up the day without requiring a separate excursion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many bird species can I actually see on a morning walk at Los Tarrales?

More than 350 species live in the reserve year-round, and a morning walk typically turns up dozens. Your guide will help you spot Yellow-winged Tanagers, Blue-gray Tanagers, Yellow-naped parrots, Cinnamon Hummingbirds, orioles and parakeets, among others.

What animals besides birds live in Los Tarrales?

White-tailed deer, Agouti, White-bellied Chachalaca and Crested Guan are commonly seen on the trails. Puma signs (droppings and scratches) are frequently observed, though the cats themselves are rarely spotted.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. You'll eat at a restaurant in San Lucas Toliman and pay separately. The tour covers transportation, water, snacks and all entry fees.

How much hiking is involved?

You'll walk miles of trails through the reserve, moving between 700 and 3,000 meters elevation. The terrain includes coffee plantations, jungle and forest paths with water springs. A moderate level of fitness is needed for the day.

What's the schedule for the day?

Departure from Antigua is 6am, with a 1 hour 50 minute drive to Los Tarrales. You hike in the morning, travel to San Lucas Toliman for lunch around midday, then have free time in the village before the shuttle leaves at 3:30pm to return to Antigua.