A unique two-day adventure that combines a captivating bird watching excursion with Mayan culture, perfect for the whole family.
Day One: Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Mam Maya people via a walking tour of the local village; visit with a family. Relax during Happy Hour, then dinner and overnight at our top-rated Eco-Guest House
Day Two: Get an early morning start (4:00am) for the best chance of sighting Guatemala’s national treasure, the Resplendent Quetzal, in the renowned El Refugio del Quetzal. Explore misty trails, discover vibrant birds, amphibians, and lush rainforest plants. While spotting the Quetzal is a highlight, even if it remains elusive, you’ll still experience incredible bird sightings, wildlife and natural beauty.
Return to the Eco-Guest House for a traditional Guatemalan meal, followed by a demonstration of backstrap weaving -- an ancestral art passed down from generation to generation. A $10 gift card is included toward purchase from the weavers’ shop.
If you choose to add the pick-up and drop-off option from Quetzaltenango to Eco-Guest House (in San Martín Sacatepéquez), we will give you the exact meeting point info in Central Park after you sign up.
Meet at the Eco-Guest House, next door to the Xela AID Clinic in San Martín Chiquito - about one hour from Quetzaltenango in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. An option we offer is to pick you up/drop-off at Central Park in Quetzaltenango.
• 2:00pm – Arrival at the Eco-Guest House in San Martín Chiquito, check-in and welcome. • 3:00pm – Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Mam Mayan people via a walking tour of the local village and a visit with a family in their home. • 5:00pm – Happy Hour, followed by a three-course Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Guatemalan food • Overnight at the top-rated Eco-Guest House, with all the comforts of home, including ensuite bathroom, hot showers, Wi-Fi and comfy beds. • The facility includes an elevator and is fully accessible.
For the best bird sightings, your day will begin early morning. • 4:00am – Begin 2-1/2 hour scenic ride to the QUETZAL REFUGE thru the Guatemalan Highlands. En route, you’ll view the Tacana Volcano and the Tajumulco Volcano, (the highest in Central America), lush coffee plantations and colorful local markets, amidst beautiful nature and cloud forests. • 6:30am -- Arrive at the QUETZAL REFUGE for a 2-hour guided tour, full of information about the prized Quetzals, as well as some of the 350+ other bird species and resident wildlife. Itinerary includes time for exploration. • 9:00am – Begin return to the Eco-Guest House, stopping at a colorful local market along the way. • 1:00pm – Arrive back at the Eco-Guest House for a traditional Guatemalan meal • 2:00pm -- Demonstration of traditional backstrap weaving, an ancestral art that tells our story, passed down from generation to generation. $10 gift card included toward purchases from the weavers’ shop. • 3:00pm -- End of the experience
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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