Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Mixco, Guatemala, Guatemala
1. Tikal National Park
An ancient Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal boasts diverse wildlife including toucans, monkeys, and jaguars. Explore the vast ruins amidst the vibrant Guatemalan rainforest.
- Rainforest Habitat: Home to over 300 bird species, providing a rich avian experience.
- Ancient Ruins: Uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization hidden deep in the jungle.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by shuttle from Mixco, with guided tours available.
2. Selva El Naranjo
Located in the Peten rainforest, Selva El Naranjo offers unique opportunities for observing wildlife like ocelots, pumas, and spider monkeys. Traverse the canopy on a zip line or explore the ground by foot.
- Canopy Zipline: Get a bird's-eye view of the dense rainforest.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the diverse flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
- Adventure Activities: Take part in adventure activities like zip lining or hiking.
3. Cerro Cahui National Park
This pristine park offers hiking trails through dense forest and a chance to spot jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. The summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Jaguar Spotting: One of the few places in Guatemala with a high chance of seeing jaguars.
- Summit Hike: Reach the summit for stunning views over the Mayan ruins and rainforest.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings.
4. Laguna del Tigre National Park
This park is home to the largest wetlands in Central America and offers opportunities for spotting jaguar, ocelot, and crocodile. Explore by boat or on foot.
- Wetland Ecosystem: A unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife and birdlife.
- Boat Tours: Explore the vast wetlands by boat for optimal wildlife sightings.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by shuttle from Flores, with guided tours available.
5. Nature Reserve El Zotz
A private nature reserve in the Peten rainforest offering opportunities to spot toucans, macaws, and jaguars. Explore ancient Mayan ruins hidden deep within the reserve.
- Private Reserve: A quieter, more intimate wildlife experience.
- Ancient Ruins: Uncover the secrets of hidden Mayan ruins deep in the jungle.
- Custom Tours: Tailor your tour to suit your interests and pace.
6. Siete Altares Nature Reserve
This private nature reserve offers unique opportunities for observing jaguar, ocelot, and puma. Hike through the dense rainforest or relax in a hammock at one of the seven crystal-clear pools.
- Private Reserve: A quieter, more intimate wildlife experience.
- Crystal-Clear Pools: Relax and swim in one of seven crystal-clear pools nestled in the rainforest.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings.
7. Calavera National Park
Located on the Caribbean coast, Calavera offers opportunities for spotting jaguar, ocelot, and crocodile. Traverse the park by boat or on foot.
- Caribbean Coast: Explore a different side of Guatemala along the Caribbean coast.
- Boat Tours: Explore the park by boat for optimal wildlife sightings.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by shuttle from Puerto Barrios, with guided tours available.
8. Cuchumatanes Biosphere Reserve
This highland reserve offers opportunities for spotting quetzals, toucans, and deer. Hike through the dense cloud forest or visit local Mayan villages.
- Cloud Forest: A unique ecosystem with a cooler climate and lush vegetation.
- Mayan Villages: Learn about the local Mayan culture and traditions.
- Accessibility: Reachable by shuttle from Huehuetenango, with guided tours available.
9. Aguateca National Park
This park offers opportunities for spotting toucans, macaws, and jaguars, as well as exploring ancient Mayan ruins. Hike through the dense rainforest or explore by boat.
- Ancient Ruins: Uncover the secrets of hidden Mayan ruins deep in the jungle.
- Boat Tours: Explore the park by boat for optimal wildlife sightings.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings.
10. Lake Peten Itza
This large lake offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and boat tours to explore hidden Mayan ruins. Relax on the peaceful shores or take part in adventure activities.
- Birdwatching: A haven for over 200 bird species.
- Guided Tours: Explore hidden Mayan ruins by boat with a knowledgeable guide.
- Adventure Activities: Take part in adventure activities like fishing or water sports.
11. Nature Reserve El Remate
A private nature reserve on the shores of Lake Peten Itza offering opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and jungle treks. Relax in a hammock or take part in adventure activities.
- Private Reserve: A quieter, more intimate wildlife experience.
- Lake Peten Itza: Explore this large lake and its many attractions.
- Custom Tours: Tailor your tour to suit your interests and pace.
12. Laguna del Hondo National Park
This park offers opportunities for spotting crocodile, caiman, and birdlife. Traverse the park by boat or on foot.
- Wetland Ecosystem: A unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife and birdlife.
- Boat Tours: Explore the park by boat for optimal wildlife sightings.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by shuttle from Flores, with guided tours available.
13. Nature Reserve El Retiro
A private nature reserve offering opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and jungle treks. Relax in a hammock or take part in adventure activities.
- Private Reserve: A quieter, more intimate wildlife experience.
- Lake Peten Itza: Explore this large lake and its many attractions.
- Custom Tours: Tailor your tour to suit your interests and pace.
14. La Aurora National Park
This park offers opportunities for spotting toucans, macaws, and jaguars. Explore by boat or on foot.
- Rainforest Habitat: Home to over 300 bird species, providing a rich avian experience.
- Boat Tours: Explore the park by boat for optimal wildlife sightings.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by shuttle from Flores, with guided tours available.
15. Nature Reserve El Mirador
A private nature reserve offering opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and jungle treks. Relax in a hammock or take part in adventure activities.
- Private Reserve: A quieter, more intimate wildlife experience.
- Lake Peten Itza: Explore this large lake and its many attractions.
- Custom Tours: Tailor your tour to suit your interests and pace.