Nighthawk Birding Guided Tours in Antigua Guatemala
Active
2h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the vibrant birdlife around Antigua, Guatemala with Nighthawk Birding Tours! Choose from six unique, guided tours—through forests, coffee plantations, and hidden birding hotspots. Perfect for casual birdwatchers, photographers, and avid birders alike, our tours showcase hummingbirds, toucans, motmots, and other tropical species. Tours are usually private, ensuring a personalized experience, but smaller groups may occasionally be combined for shared adventures. A light snack is included to keep you energized. Prices vary depending on tour and group size, ranging from $15–$60 USD per person.
Available options
Santa Catarina Bobadilla
Difficulty: moderate to difficult, with some steep sections and loose / uneven footing. Best for experienced hikers. 2-4 km. trail <br/>Duration: 4 hours: flexible<br/>light snack to keep us birding<br/>Santa Catarina Bobadilla: Hike up through beautiful forest and enjoy views of the volcanoes, while searching for migrating and resident birds<br/>Birds to expect: A great place for migrating warblers and resident woodpeckers and orioles. Ask for sample bird checklists! species: 30-60/day<br/>Starting point:<br/>The cumbre, Santa Catarina de Bobadilla 03001, Guatemala
El Hato / Earth Lodge Tour
Explore Earth Lodge: explore the beautiful Earth Lodge, with a delicious restaurant, stunning views, yoga, and lodging. Great option to end tour<br/>Difficulty: moderate, some steep sections but generally a smooth trail without rocks or uneven footing. 2-4 km. trails<br/>Duration: 5 hours: flexible<br/>light snack to keep us birding<br/>El Hato: explore the birds and trails of El Hato, a small town perched above Antigua that affords stunning views of the volcanoes<br/>Free Shuttle at 8am: free shuttle up to El Hato at 8am from meeting point, down at 12:30 pm. Or private car (not included) for earlier start!<br/>What birds to expect?: El Hato is a prime spot for Northern Emerald Toucanets, tanagers, warblers, and raptors. Species numbers for a day: 30-60<br/>Starting point:<br/>Ruinas de la Iglesia de la Candelaria, H77C+896, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Finca La Azotea Coffee Farm
Accessibility: flat, wide trails mean wheelchairs could have access depending on wheel type<br/>gift shop: optional chance to browse the museo de café gift shop!<br/>Difficulty: easy, flat, wide trails<br/>Duration: 2 hours: flexible tour (entry fee included in tour price)<br/>light snack to keep us birding<br/>Finca La Azotea: Perfect for a relaxed walk and exploration of the vibrant birds found in this shade-grown coffee farm close to Antigua! <br/>Birds to Expect: Look for woodpeckers and jays among the shaded coffee. Orioles and hummingbirds are common too. ~25 species/ day<br/>Starting point:<br/>Finca La Azotea, H7C3+CXX, Jocotenango, Guatemala
Eco Farms Urban Forest Tour
Accessibility: Flat even ground and short walk means that some areas are wheelchair accessible depending on wheel type<br/>Explore Eco Farm: part of the tour can include exploring the other side of Eco Farm, with it's gardens, café, and eco school. Birds there too!<br/>Difficulty: very easy, short loop through urban forest plot<br/>Duration: 2 hours: flexible<br/>Chance to buy snacks!: Buy snacks and or a meal at Eco Farm's Buho Café or various shops<br/>Eco Farms GT: great for casual birders! This option is short 1 to 2 hour walk through the forest plot at Eco Farms GT<br/>Birds to Expect: This small forest plot is surprisingly full of birds, especially migratory ones. Also keep an eye out for bushy-crested jays<br/>Starting point:<br/>Eco Farms GT, San Felipe, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Cumbre de Maltiox, Pastores
Difficulty: moderate/ difficult, with some steep sections and loose footing. Best for experienced hikers. 2-5 km. trails<br/>Duration: 4 hours: flexible<br/>light snack to keep us birding<br/>Cumbre de Maltiox: Hike up this beautiful ridge looking down on the town below. Great for those seeking a tougher trail and great birds<br/>Birds to Expect: look for tanagers, becards, ground-sparrows, and raptors. High species counts, usually 40+<br/>Starting point:<br/>Plazuela de Pastores, H6RW+R68, Pastores, Guatemala
Finca El Pilar
Difficulty: moderate / difficult, depending on trails chosen. Some steep sections and steps. Always an option to stay on flat areas<br/>Duration: 4 hours: flexible<br/>quick snack to keep us birding<br/>Finca El Pilar: hike up to the mirador, or choose the tough route on the way up to Cerro el Cucurucho. Flexible options! entry fee included<br/>Birds to Expect: Famous for its hummingbird feeders, and its forest birds like toucanets, forest-falcons, and quail. Species per day: 30-60<br/>Starting point:<br/>Antigua Mountain Trail, San Cristobal El Alto, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala
What's included
Enjoy a small snack to keep you energized while you are birding!
Full bird list from the tour, with photos
Binoculars for use during the tour
historical / ecological context of our birding sites
Entrance fee
Spotting scope for select tours
Detailed itinerary
1
***Please Note - Each Itinerary stop is a SEPERATE TOUR***
**Read each description for tour lengths - often flexible**
Eco Farms GT - Our most relaxed and accessible tour option through the small urban forest at Eco Farm! Explore their charming gardens, café, market, and gift shop while you are there! This is a roughly 1.5-2 hr. tour
2
This is a great accessible birding option with flat and wide trails - with good chances at many specialist species like bushy-crested Jays and Band-backed Wrens. This is a roughly 2 hr. tour
3
Hike up from Pastores towards the Cumbre de Maltiox - this is a more strenuous hike but the effort is well worth it! Don't miss chances to see species like Slender Sheartail, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, and Common Squirrell-Cuckoo! This is a roughly 3-4 hr. tour, highly flexible
4
This tour offers stunning views that make the challenging hike well worth the offer - not to mention the birds! Look for Northern Emerald Toucanets, Quail-Doves, and even Lesson's Motmots among the mature forest of these beautiful trails. A roughly 3-4 hr. tour, highly flexible
5
Hike the beautiful trails of El Hato after taking a free shuttle up from Antigua, looking for Blue-throated Motmot, Guatemalan Flicker, Northern Emerald Toucanet, and Blue-and-White Mockingbirds. Then walk down to Earth Lodge for a bite to eat or something to drink, enjoying stunning views of the volcanoes (you won't regret the walk!). Then take the free shuttle back to Antigua at 12:30pm
6
Explore beautiful trails and climb to the lookout after checking out the hummingbird feeders! Finca El Pilar is a top destination for birders in Antigua! This is a roughly 4 hr. tour, highly flexible
What's not included
we do not offer transportation at this time, but our tours are all located close to Antigua
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Inquire for accessible tour options - Eco Farms GT is the most ideal
Meeting point
Meet me at the front gate and we will enter the Finca together!
About Antigua
Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and vibrant culture. Nestled in the Central Highlands of Guatemala, it offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and colonial charm.
Top Attractions
Arco de Santa Catalina
This iconic archway is a symbol of Antigua. Built in the 17th century, it was originally part of a convent and was used by nuns to cross the street without being seen. Today, it offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.
Historical/Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Cerro de la Cruz
A short hike up this hill rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes. The cross at the top is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset.
Nature/Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Volcán Pacaya
One of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala, Pacaya offers exciting hiking and the opportunity to see lava flows up close. Guided tours typically include a visit to a local farm for a traditional meal.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate to expensive, depending on the tour
Museo de Arte Precolombino y Vidrio Moderno
Housed in the beautiful Casa Popenoe, this museum showcases a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary glass art. The museum's courtyard and gardens are also worth exploring.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate
Café Sky
A popular café and cultural center, Café Sky offers a variety of coffee drinks, live music, and art exhibitions. It's a great place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pepián
A rich and flavorful stew made with meat (usually chicken or pork), vegetables, and a complex blend of spices. It's often considered the national dish of Guatemala.
Main dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Tamales
Steamed corn dough filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or cheese, wrapped in banana leaves. Guatemalan tamales are unique and delicious.
Snack/Street food
Contains meat, vegetarian options available
Rellenitos de Plátano
Sweet fried dough made from ripe plantains, filled with sweetened black beans. A popular dessert or snack in Guatemala.
Dessert
Vegetarian, vegan options available
Atol de Elote
A sweet and creamy drink made from fresh corn, milk, and sugar. It's a popular breakfast or snack, often enjoyed with tamales.
Drink/Dessert
Vegetarian, vegan options available
Popular Activities
Volcano hiking (Pacaya, Acatenango, Fuego)
Mountain biking
Zip-lining and canopy tours
Coffee tasting at local cafes
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through the historic center and parks
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
December to April (Dry season)
This is the most popular time to visit Antigua due to the dry weather and pleasant temperatures. It's ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and nearby volcanoes.
15-26°C
59-79°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Time Zone
CST (UTC -6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Antigua is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices beforehand
- • Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas
Getting there
By air
- La Aurora International Airport • 45 km (28 miles)
By bus
Terminal de Occidente (San Cristóbal Totonicapán)
Getting around
Public transport
Chicken buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are colorful, shared minibuses that follow specific routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, InDriver
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centro Histórico
Jardín del Paseo
Barrio de la Mercado
Day trips
Lake Atitlán
90 km (56 miles) • Full day
Lake Atitlán is a stunning highland lake surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages. It's known for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
Chichicastenango Market
80 km (50 miles) • Half day to full day
One of the largest and most colorful markets in Central America, Chichicastenango offers a vibrant mix of traditional crafts, textiles, and local produce. It's a great place to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs.
Volcán Acatenango
40 km (25 miles) • Overnight
One of the highest volcanoes in Central America, Acatenango offers challenging hikes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The summit offers panoramic views of nearby volcanoes, including the active Fuego.
Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week) • March or April (dates vary each year)
Feria de la Asunción • August 15
Fiestas Patrias • September 15-16
Pro tips
- Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Visit the local markets for authentic souvenirs and a glimpse into daily life
- Try local coffee and chocolate, which are some of the best in the world
- Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and charming street scenes
- Be prepared for altitude sickness, as Antigua is located at a high elevation
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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