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Trip code: Mar 1 Duration: 8 Days
Habitats Covered: Mountain Forest, Pacific Foothills, Highland Humid Subtropical Forest, Tropical Humid Savannah & Mangrove Forests.
The central highlands of the country belong to the biome called Mountain Forest, extensive and elongated sierras that play a very important role in the avian diversity of the area. These zones, with an average altitude of 3000 meters ASL, serve as a corridor for several species arriving from the north.
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Floral specimens like oaks, pines, maples and alders grow here, providing familiar habitat for northern birds. For this reason, the birds that we can find here are very similar to those found further north. |
No fewer than 25 northern species live primarily in this biome, including Red-shafted Flicker, Whip-poor-will, Hairy Woodpecker, Stellers Jay and Eastern Blue Bird.
An additional 40 tropical species make a great contribution to the diversity of this area. Around 20 endemic species belong to this region, which starts in the Tehuantepec Isthmus in Mexico, and finishes in the Darien, Panama.
Emerald Toucanet, Highland Guan, Bushy-crested Jay, Blue-throated Green Motmot, Trogons and several hummingbirds are some of the birds that share this habitat with northern species
This splendid mix of birds makes these mountains a charming place to start your trip to "THE BIRDS OF THE NEOTROPICS." Some of the cultural and natural attractions to be visited include:
Atitlan Lake
"The most beautiful lake in the world." Everyone who visits repeats that phrase. From every roadside vista, Lake Atitlan is a breathless picture of rugged mountains and gentle waters. Three volcanoes - Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, form the lakes western shore. The lake's surface is 1600 meters ASL and the depth is over 300 meters. There are twelve indigenous towns around the lake. We will spend two nights on this magnificent scenery.
Santiago Atitlan
This indigenous town rests on the south shore of Atitlan Lake. We will meet here a very respected indigenous lady, who will show us her weavings, most of them dedicated to birds. Here we will begin to learn the intricate relationship between The Maya and our birds.
Martsam Tour & Travel and Rainforest Alliance have established an alliance
to work with the operator's suppliers in Best Management Practices in
Sustainable Tourism since May 2,006
