Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Guatemala City, Guatemala
1. Tikal National Park
An ancient Mayan city buried in the Guatemalan jungle, rich with wildlife such as toucans, spider monkeys, and jaguars.
- Mayan Ruins: Explore ancient temples and palaces while spotting wildlife
- Guided Tours: Join knowledgeable guides for a deeper understanding of the site's history and biodiversity
- Sunrise Viewing: Witness breathtaking sunrises from the top of the temple pyramids
2. Cerro Cahui National Park
Home to the endangered quetzal bird, this park offers stunning views of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.
- Quetzal Birdwatching: Spot the beautiful and elusive national bird in its natural habitat
- Mountain Hiking: Enjoy challenging hikes through lush, cloud forests
- Biosphere Reserve: Explore the largest protected area in Central America with diverse flora and fauna
3. El Mirador Basin
An off-the-beaten-path Mayan archaeological site, offering a unique wildlife experience amidst the jungle.
- Remote Location: Experience an unspoiled wilderness with few tourists
- Largest Pyramid: Visit the largest pre-Columbian pyramid in the world
- Temple Mounds: Climb temple mounds for panoramic views of the jungle canopy
4. Siete Altares National Park
A series of seven crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.
- Seven Pools: Relax in the natural swimming pools, each with a unique view
- Waterfalls: Hike to various waterfalls for refreshing swims
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, toucans, and other exotic creatures
5. Laguna del Tigre National Park
A remote rainforest reserve where jaguar sightings are common.
- Jaguar Sightings: Increase your chances of spotting this elusive big cat
- Rainforest Hike: Traverse the dense rainforest on guided trails
- Birdwatching: Discover a diverse array of tropical birds, including macaws and parrots
6. Cuchumatanes Cloud Forest
A high-altitude forest teeming with wildlife like the Resplendent Quetzal and Margay.
- Resplendent Quetzal: Spot the vibrantly colored national bird in this unique habitat
- Margay Sightings: Keep an eye out for these elusive and beautiful wild cats
- Cloud Forest Hike: Explore the misty trails of this mystical forest
7. Monjas Biotope Reserve
A small but significant wetland reserve, home to a variety of waterbirds and reptiles.
- Waterbird Watching: Spot herons, egrets, and other wading birds
- Reptile Encounters: Encounter caimans, turtles, and various snake species
- Guided Tours: Join knowledgeable guides for a closer look at the diverse wildlife
8. Petén Itzá Lake
A large lake surrounded by Mayan villages and lush vegetation, offering opportunities for birdwatching and fishing.
- Birdwatching: Discover a variety of waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants, and egrets
- Fishing Trips: Join local fishermen for a day on the lake
- Mayan Culture: Learn about the traditional Maya culture from locals in nearby villages
9. Aguazu Biotope Reserve
A small wetland reserve known for its population of American crocodiles and various bird species.
- Crocodile Sightings: Observe the powerful American crocodiles in their natural habitat
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of waterbirds, including herons and egrets
- Guided Tours: Join knowledgeable guides for a closer look at the diverse wildlife
10. Lacandon Jungle
A vast rainforest inhabited by indigenous Lacandón people and home to jaguars, toucans, and macaws.
- Indigenous Culture: Learn about the unique culture of the Lacandon people
- Jaguar Sightings: Increase your chances of spotting this elusive big cat
- Birdwatching: Discover a variety of colorful tropical birds, including macaws and toucans
11. El Remate Forest Reserve
A dense forest reserve with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and eco-tours.
- Birdwatching: Spot a diverse array of tropical birds, including parrots, toucans, and hummingbirds
- Hiking Trails: Traverse the dense trails of this pristine forest
- Eco-Tours: Join knowledgeable guides for immersive eco-tour experiences
12. Pakbè Natural Monument
A protected area with stunning limestone formations and diverse wildlife, including bats and exotic birds.
- Limestone Formations: Explore the awe-inspiring karst landscapes
- Bat Watching: Observe colonies of bats emerging at dusk
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of exotic bird species, including parrots and toucans
13. Chico San Bartolo National Park
A protected area with diverse ecosystems, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and hiking.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore rainforests, savannas, and wetlands within the park
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of animals such as jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs
- Birdwatching: Discover a diverse array of bird species in this biodiverse hotspot
14. Selva Maya Biosphere Reserve
A vast protected area encompassing a variety of ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and howler monkeys.
- Jaguar Sightings: Increase your chances of spotting this elusive big cat
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore rainforests, savannas, and wetlands within the reserve
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of animals such as pumas, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys
15. Ixpanpán National Park
A protected area with a diverse array of wildlife, including jaguar, ocelot, and tapir.
- Jaguar Sightings: Increase your chances of spotting this elusive big cat
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore rainforests, savannas, and wetlands within the park
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of animals such as ocelots, tapirs, and howler monkeys