TIME OF THE YEAR

Although we operate this trip year-round, the very best time fo the year to do this trip is between December and late May due to two main factors:

Weather: In Guatemala (as in The Tropics) we have only two season, the dry and the rainy season. The dry season occurs between November and May. During the months of November trough February the temperature is at its best and the lanscapes are particularly breathtaking, snce there are just a few clouds in the sky. And since the climb to the San Pedro Volcano and the Tarrales Nature Preserve are steep, it is much better to do the hikes while it is not raining.

The Horned Guan's matting patterns: Our best chances of spotting the Horned Guan occur during courtship and matting season, which is precisely from January to May.

LEVEL OF PHYSICAL EFFORT

The steepness of the San Pedro Volcano and the Tarrales Nature Preserve will challenge us. Each climb lasts some 4 hours and will be done only once. We are aware that those are quite strenous hikes, but really worth the effort. To ease the pain from the hike at the San Pedro Volcano, we will have at your disposition the services of a masseuse, once we get down from the volcano. The highest altitude we'll reach will be 3,020 meters above sea level (some 10,000 feet). Of course, we will be taking ample stops for birding. Aside from those two hikes, the rest of the trip will be quite comfortable and mainly over flat terrain.

ACCOMMODATIONS

We´ll be overnighting in three different places:

HOTEL UXLABIL: Located at the shores of the Atitlán Lake, by the town of San Juan La Laguna. Please check their website at http://www.uxlabil.com/atitlan-ing.htm for details about this lovely hotel.

CAMPING AT THE SAN PEDRO VOLCANO: We will be located at an altitude of some 2800 meters above sae level (some 9240 feet). Our campground, although basic will have all the comforts to spend a couple of nights. We'll bring tents, coocking facilities and some other comodities. There are some latrine-style toilets on the camping area.

LOS TARRALES NATURE RESERVE: Nested at the base of the Atitlán Volcano, this private reserve offer some very nice bungalows, as well as great food. Please check their website at http://www.tarrales.com/accomodation.htm for pictures and details of this reserve.

ITINERARY

Remember that the longer you stay, the higher the chances to spot the Horned Guan, the many regional endemics of the zone, as well as your known favorites. We can accommodate our schedule to yours, which means that if you only have one night, we'll be glad to take you to the San Pedro Volcano, make an attempt to spot the Horned Guan and get back. But if you want a piece of advise, the most reccomended would be to dedicate from 7 to 9 days to this expedition; it is worthwhile! Just Let us know how long you would like to stay and we'll quote a private trip for you, your friends and/or relatives. remember that be it one night or more than 8, there will be US$ 20 per visitor that we will donate to the research of the Horned Guan. This money will go directly to The Nature Conservancy Guatemala.

GET A QUOTE!