Tag: birdwatching

6 reasons why you have to visit El Petén

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El Petén is without a doubt the wildest part of Guatemala. Deep in the jungle lies the heart of what was once a thriving Maya civilization. Stumbling upon one of their old temples or stone structures, covered with vines and vegetation or neatly excavated, is the highlight of any trip through this land.

Anete walks on Cerro Witz, during a self-guided hike around Finca Ixobel, Poptún.

But Petén is more than just temples. Its rainforests teem with birds and wildlife. They are the perfect playgrounds for adventurers, water lovers and ornithologists. Even a couple of months are not enough to discover this vast region, to explore the ancient Maya world and to have endless meetings with some of Guatemala’s most pristine nature. Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side?

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8 birds to spot in Poptún, Guatemala

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Resplendent quetzals, ocellated turkeys, scarlet macaws – Guatemala has no shortage of iconic birds that will feature highly on the wish lists of many birdwatchers and ornithologists. According to Bird Checklists of the World, Guatemala hosts no less than 762 species of birds.

You can spot plenty of those in El Petén, the northernmost department of the country. The tranquil environment of Finca Ixobel, just outside of Poptún, is home to more than a hundred birds, both migratory and permanent residents. Why not try to find one of these?

[Read more about our experience volunteering for Finca Ixobel.]

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Birds in Copán Ruinas: a must-visit for lovers of our feathered friends

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A pelican flying over your head when you’re floating in the salty Caribbean Sea. A walk through a toucan forest on the way to impressive temples in Guatemala. Bright red scarlet macaws gliding by in Honduras. A colony of pastel pink flamingos fluttering their wings in the low water of the Mexican coast. Central America is a true paradise for bird lovers.

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6 Things to do around Lago de Yojoa, Honduras

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Travelling long term, we need to take a break from the classic backpacking sometimes and stay somewhere for a little while longer. If only to get some words on the paper. We hadn’t had such a break since we became carpenters in Finca Ixobel in Poptún. When I read about Lago de Yojoa – a tranquil lake which not only has lots of nature on its shore, but also a craft brewery – I was instantly convinced I had found the perfect spot for exactly that.

Life, however, is more than writing (and drinking beer), so we still made a couple of side trips. Here’s our list of things to do around Lago de Yojoa. Continue Reading →