Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Villa Nueva, Guatemala, Guatemala
1. Tikal National Park
An ancient Mayan city in the rainforest, home to howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguar.
- Mayan Ruins: Explore centuries-old temples and palaces.
- Wildlife Diversity: Spot numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Discover a UNESCO-listed archaeological masterpiece.
2. Cerro Cahui National Park
A lush mountainous region offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a chance to see the resplendent quetzal.
- Resplendent Quetzal: Observe one of Guatemala's national symbols, the resplendent quetzal.
- Hiking Trails: Experience diverse ecosystems on well-marked trails.
- Peak Cerro Cahui: Reach the summit for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
3. Naranjo Park
A unique ecosystem featuring limestone formations and home to jaguars, ocelots, and a diverse range of bird species.
- Karst Landscape: Explore a striking landscape of caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers.
- Jaguars & Ocelots: Spot elusive big cats in their natural habitat.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Enjoy birdwatching for a variety of species, including parrots and toucans.
4. Lacandon National Park and Biosphere Reserve
A large protected area with indigenous communities, Mayan ruins, and a wide array of wildlife.
- Indigenous Communities: Interact with Lacandon Maya people and learn about their culture.
- Mayan Ruins: Discover hidden archaeological sites within the park.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species, such as spider monkeys and jaguars.
5. Cuchumatanes Cloud Forest
A mist-covered forest offering hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to see the endangered ocellated turkey.
- Endangered Ocellated Turkey: Spot the elusive ocellated turkey in its natural habitat.
- Hiking Trails: Explore well-marked trails through the lush cloud forest.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Enjoy birdwatching for a variety of species, including quetzals and trogons.
6. Pacaya National Park
An active volcano with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to observe lava flows.
- Active Volcano: Hike to the summit for views of active lava flows.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot various wildlife species, such as coatis and deer.
- Lava Flows: Observe active lava flows and cooled lava fields.
7. Atitlán National Park
A large protected area surrounding Lake Atitlán with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to see the resplendent quetzal.
- Resplendent Quetzal: Observe one of Guatemala's national symbols, the resplendent quetzal.
- Hiking Trails: Explore well-marked trails through diverse ecosystems.
- Lake Atitlán: Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and explore Mayan villages around it.
8. Petén Itzá National Park
A large protected area on Lake Petén Itzá with Mayan ruins, wildlife viewing opportunities, and chances to spot the jaguar.
- Mayan Ruins: Discover hidden archaeological sites within the park.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species, such as jaguars and spider monkeys.
- Lake Petén Itzá: Explore the largest lake in Guatemala and its Mayan communities.
9. Natural Monument Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo
A large protected area offering wildlife viewing opportunities and chances to explore ancient Mayan ruins.
- Mayan Ruins: Discover hidden archaeological sites within the park.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species, such as jaguars and spider monkeys.
- Limestone Formations: Explore unique limestone formations within the park.
10. Ixbará National Park
A large protected area with diverse ecosystems, wildlife viewing opportunities, and chances to spot jaguars and ocelots.
- Jaguars & Ocelots: Spot elusive big cats in their natural habitat.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore various ecosystems, such as cloud forests and savannas.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe a wide variety of wildlife species within the park.
11. Cerro del Toro National Park
A protected area offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and chances to spot resplendent quetzals.
- Resplendent Quetzal: Observe one of Guatemala's national symbols, the resplendent quetzal.
- Hiking Trails: Explore well-marked trails through diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species within the park.
12. Natural Monument Río Dulce
A protected area along the river of the same name offering boat tours, wildlife viewing opportunities, and chances to spot manatees.
- Manatees: Spot these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat.
- Boat Tours: Explore the river on guided boat tours.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species along the river, such as crocodiles and monkeys.
13. Natural Monument Livingston
A protected area on the Caribbean coast offering wildlife viewing opportunities, snorkeling, and chances to spot whale sharks.
- Whale Sharks: Spot these gentle giants of the sea during seasonal migrations.
- Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life through snorkeling.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species, such as monkeys and toucans, in their natural habitat.
14. Natural Monument Barrio Viejo
A protected area on the coast offering wildlife viewing opportunities, mangrove forests, and chances to spot manatees.
- Manatees: Spot these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat.
- Mangrove Forests: Explore diverse mangrove ecosystems within the park.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species, such as crocodiles and monkeys, in their natural habitat.
15. Natural Monument Port Honduras
A protected area on the Caribbean coast offering wildlife viewing opportunities, snorkeling, and chances to spot whale sharks.
- Whale Sharks: Spot these gentle giants of the sea during seasonal migrations.
- Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life through snorkeling.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe various wildlife species, such as monkeys and toucans, in their natural habitat.