Quetzal Quest Birdwatching Adventure at Rey Tepepul Lookout

Embark on an extraordinary birdwatching adventure at Rey Tepepul Lookout and witness the majestic Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. Immerse yourself in the lush cloud forest and be amazed by the beauty of the natural world.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Santiago Atitlan - We will kick off this marvelous adventure by picking you up from the lobby of your hotel in Santiago Atitlán. Our vehicle, a comfortable pick-up truck, will take us to the heart of today’s journey: the Mirador del Rey Tepepul. Here, we will indulge in birdwatching and so much more.
  • Mirador Rey Tepepul Reserva Natural de Atitlan - At the Mirador del Rey Tepepul, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The most enchanting moment of our journey will be when we have the opportunity to admire the Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. (Please note that spotting the Quetzal depends entirely on nature and is not guaranteed). However, there are high chances of success, especially during their breeding season or when they are raising their young, the odds are in our favor.

As we explore the lush surroundings of the Mirador del Rey Tepepul, we will also encounter a diverse array of bird species. From vibrant hummingbirds to graceful migratory birds, the air will be filled with the melodies and colors of these fascinating creatures. The local fauna will captivate your attention and create a harmonious symphony of nature’s wonders.

Keep your camera ready, as these magical moments deserve to be captured and cherished forever.

  • Santiago Atitlan - After immersing ourselves in the enchanting cloud forest of Atitlán, soaking in the breathtaking views of the lake and volcanoes, and experiencing the thrill of encountering the Quetzal and other magnificent birds up close, it will be time to make our way back to the town of Santiago, concluding our birdwatching experience.

As we bid farewell to the captivating natural wonders, we want to express our gratitude for your support of local tourism and the conservation efforts dedicated to preserving these precious areas and the diverse wildlife that inhabits them. Your presence here contributes to the sustainable development of the region and helps protect the fragile ecosystems that make this place so extraordinary.

We hope that this journey has left an indelible mark on your heart, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the importance of its preservation.

What's Included
  • Binoculars
  • Certified bilingual tour guide
  • Certified local birdwatching tour guide
  • Entrance fee to Rey Tepepul Lookout
  • Private pick-up truck transportation in Santiago
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on an extraordinary birdwatching tour to El Mirador del Rey Tepepul and immerse yourself in the wonders of Guatemala’s natural paradise. We invite you to join us on a journey filled with breathtaking vistas, rare sightings, and unforgettable moments.

The highlight of our excursion is the opportunity to witness the majestic Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. With luck on our side, we may catch a glimpse of this extraordinary creature, whose presence is a testament to the pristine beauty of the natural world. Keep your eyes wide open as we explore the forest, for there’s a good chance of encountering other marvelous birds, including hummingbirds, migratory species, and the rich local fauna that call this place home.

Immerse yourself in the lush cloud forest, where panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes provide a stunning backdrop to our birdwatching adventure.

Join us at El Mirador del Rey Tepepul, where every moment is an invitation to be amazed by the beauty around us.

  • Wear neutral-colored clothing to make birding easier. Avoid brightly colored clothing.
  • Do not use perfumes or fragrances.
  • The Quetzal sighting season is from January to April. During this season we have great opportunities to see them. From April to December we will walk in the forest and see different birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, among others, but there is not a great opportunity to see the Quetzal.
  • This tour involves hiking surrounded by nature
  • Bring extra water and energy snacks
  • You have to stand in the back of a pickup truck with handholds during the trip to the preserve.
  • Pack a layer for the cold early hours of the day. We advise wearing long pants because a plant along the trail is poison ivy.
Location
Saint James the Apostle Church
We meet our guests in front of the Santiago Apostol Church Santiago Atitlan, the most popular church in town. You can get to Santiago Village on your own or we can arrange a boat transfer for you for an additional cost. Please message us so we can quote the transfer cost depending on your location.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(1 Rating)
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1 star
Don_w
Mar 16, 2024
The trip was challenging and rewarding. Woodiwiss Photography - My guide Isreal Ramos Guia was knowledgable and accomodating. I'm twice his age and half as fit, consequently he kept a a careful eye on me and stopped for frequent breaks. The tour involves navigating up the mountain trail for three kilometres to the end point where a siting of a Quetszal is possible. Important to note. Tour departs at 6am and returns around 10am. Bring along water to drink and energy snacks. Little is available on the 20 minute trip out of town. The ride out to the preserve involves standing in the back of a pickup truck with hand holds. Bring a layer for warmth for early morning. I recommend long pants as a poison ivy type plant was pointed out along the trail. We were successful in finding a Quetszal as evidenced by the picture. The only disappointment, no english speaking guide as indicated. The person who connected me with Isreal spoke English. This may be a blessing in disguise. Staying quiet minimally disturbs the birdlife.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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Adult
September 2024
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