Two hummingbirds perched on red flower stalks amidst a blurred background of green and pinkish hues.

Guatemala

September 18-27, 2027

Join hummingbird photographer Anthony Lujan, along with country hosts Gabriel and Ana Paula, on a journey through Guatemala’s volcanic highlands, misty cloud forests, and the breathtaking shores of iconic Lake Atitlán. With dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and expert local guidance, this trip aims to inspire photographers.

Group of six people outdoors on a grassy field with tall red flowers, some holding cameras and binoculars, in a hilly area with houses in the background.

Anthony’s photographs from Guatemala

Tour Dates: September 18-27, 2027

💰 Trip Cost:
$TBD per person in shared accommodations
and $TBD for a single supplement.

🔒 Deposit:
$1,000 due at time of booking to secure your spot

This 10-day, 9-night expedition is crafted for photographers eager to capture some of Central America’s most dazzling hummingbird species in breathtaking landscapes

  • Activities: Welcome to Guatemala! After arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and get settled in. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to spot your first hummingbirds in the garden or nearby green spaces.

    Meals: Dinner at the hotel or nearby, depending on arrival time.

    Hummingbirds to start the list: Green-throated Mountain-gem, Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird.

  • Laguna del Bosque

    Activities: Travel to Laguna del Bosque, a peaceful natural area rich in birdlife. Today we focus on forest-edge birding and finding regional hummingbird specialties.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Target hummers: Mexican Violetear, Rufous Sabrewing.

    Other birds in the area: Highland guans, woodcreepers, and other forest-dwelling favorites

  • Activities: Explore the cool, pine-oak woodlands of Tecpán — a charming town with sweeping landscapes and great birding.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Star hummers: Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, White-eared Hummingbird.

    Also possible: Pink-headed Warbler — a true Guatemalan gem and favorite among birders.

  • Activities: Today we head west to Quetzaltenango, known locally as “Xela.” Surrounded by volcanoes and rugged terrain, it’s a scenic and bird-rich region.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Featured hummingbird: Wine-throated Hummingbird — small but spectacular.

    In the landscape: Volcanic peaks like Santa María and Santiaguito dominate the skyline.

  • Activities: Full day exploring the forests and gardens around Xela. Cooler temps and high elevation bring unique birding opportunities.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: Green-throated Mountain-gem, Mexican Violetear, Blue-tailed Hummingbird.

    Other sightings: Jays, thrushes, and mountain tanagers.

  • Activities: Journey deeper into the western highlands as you head toward San Marcos. Enjoy roadside birding and highland scenery along the way.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird potential: Violet Sabrewing, Rufous Sabrewing, White-eared Hummingbird.

    Landscape: Volcanic ridges, lush slopes, and prime bird habitat

  • Activities: Explore varied microhabitats from coffee plantations to cloud forests in San Marcos — a hummingbird-rich area.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird highlights: Blue-tailed Hummingbird, Mexican Violetear, Violet Sabrewing.

    Bonus birds: Possibility of regional endemics and specialty tanagers.

  • Activities: Descend toward beautiful Lake Atitlán, stopping to bird along the way. Expect a change in climate — and species.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbird target: Slender Sheartail — a highlight of the region.

    Also nearby: Orioles, motmots, and mixed flocks in lakeside forest patches.

  • Activities: Enjoy a final full day birding around Lake Atitlán. Hike forest trails, scan garden feeders, or simply enjoy the incredible views.

    Meals: All meals included.

    Hummingbirds to look for: Slender Sheartail, Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Rufous Sabrewing.

    Optional: Final checklist review and farewell dinner.

  • Activities: Transfer to Guatemala City for your international flight. If time allows, enjoy some last-minute birding at the hotel or en route.

    Meals: Breakfast included.

    Optional: Final sightings and goodbyes — ¡hasta luego!

📷 What You’ll Experience:

  • 🕊️ Photograph stunning hummingbird species, including the Green-throated Mountain-gem, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Wine-throated Hummingbird, and the elegant Slender Sheartail.

  • 🌋 Explore dramatic landscapes — from volcanic peaks and pine-oak forests to lush cloud forests and lakeshore gardens.

  • 🌄 Experience Guatemala’s vibrant culture and highland towns, blending nature photography with authentic local life.

  • 📸 Learn field techniques with Anthony and enjoy small-group flexibility for maximum photo time.

Detailed Itinerary

We will attempt to stay true to this itinerary. However, certain unforeseeable conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may require changes to the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will do our absolute best to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible.

    • Expert local guides and drivers throughout the trip

    • All entrance fees to parks and natural areas listed in the itinerary

    • Comfortable accommodations (double occupancy; single rooms available for a supplement)

    • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day, with restaurant staff tips included

    • Land transportation during the tour

    • Airport transfers at designated arrival and depature times

    • International flights to and from the tour start location

    • Extra hotel nights before or after the scheduled tour dates

    • Additional gratuities for guides, drivers, or lodge staff (optional but appreciated)

    • Personal expenses such as bar tabs, laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs

    • Passport, visa, vaccination, and travel insurance costs (travel insurance is strongly recommended)

    • Medical expenses, including hospitalization or evacuation if necessary

Cancellation & Refund Policy

To confirm your spot, we require a USD $1,000 deposit. This deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred once to another tour within 12 months.

The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. Flexible installment plans are available—just ask.

Refunds for cancellations are as follows:

  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund of payments made (minus deposit).

  • 31–60 days before departure: 50% refund of payments made (minus deposit).

  • 30 days or fewer before departure: No refund.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations or emergencies (see: www.insuremytrip.com).

If a tour is cancelled by us, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to transfer your payment to another tour within one year.

If you are interested in Guatemala, please take a moment to complete the form provided below.