For months now I’ve been eagerly planning my 20th anniversary celebration trip to see the birds (and their habitats) of Trinidad and Tobago, a small island country (2 islands actually) off the coast of Venezuala.
So, imagine my surprise to find out that I’ve been invited to participate in a birding FAM trip to Guatemala! (A FAM trip is a “familiarization” tour sponsored by the tourist bureau to show writers, birders, and naturalists the beauty and wonder of this country so that we’ll inspire others to visit).
Guatemala is home to a diverse array of birds and wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Whether you’re exploring the lush jungles, soaring over the treetops on a canopy tour, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through one of the country’s many national parks, you’re bound to encounter some amazing creatures along the way.
One of the most impressive bird species you’ll find in Guatemala is the Resplendent Quetzal, known for its vibrant green feathers and striking red breast. This bird is the national symbol of Guatemala and is considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Another bird species to look out for is the Keel-billed Toucan, with its bright yellow and black feathers and huge bill. These birds are often seen in pairs and are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like a series of honks.
In addition to birds, you’ll also find plenty of other wildlife in Guatemala, including monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, and many species of reptiles and amphibians. The country is also home to several species of butterfly, including the giant morpho butterfly, which is known for its iridescent blue wings.
This trip is sponsored by INGUAT and will showcase the beautiful birds and their habitats of the many ecosystems in Guatemala, and will be led by some of the best birders in this small Central American country.
INGUAT stands for the Guatemalan Tourism Institute, a government agency tasked with promoting and developing tourism in the country. It aims to showcase Guatemala as a desirable tourist destination, while also preserving its cultural and natural heritage. INGUAT is responsible for marketing and promoting the country, both domestically and internationally, as well as providing information to tourists about the country. They work with the government and private sector to identify areas for tourism development and attract investment to the industry. Additionally, INGUAT establishes and enforces regulations and standards for the tourism sector, and works to protect and preserve the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
The trip also includes a visit to Tikal, a world heritage site because of its archaeological and bio/ecological interest.
Ironically, I’ll leave for this trip one week after I return from Trinidad and Tobago. Not much time to learn about these additional habitats and their amazing resident birds, but I’ll do my best to do as much research as I can before I get there…..find out more about my trip to see the Birds and Wildlife Gardens of Guatemala at Beautiful Wildlife Garden.
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