An unforgettable journey
"As a new birder, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to bird watching than this tour in Guatemala. Everything about the trip felt authentic, from exploring the misty cloud forests alive with hummingbirds and warblers, to hiking through the sunlit coffee fincas tucked into the hills. Birding among the coffee plants was such a unique experience - spotting endemic bird species darting through the shade trees that protect the coffee crops. After our morning birding, we learned how the coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted by local farmers, followed by an incredible tasting of rich freshly brewed Guatemalan coffee right at the source. Those moments, listening to the birds all around us in the sunlit finca, then getting to taste the freshly roasted coffee, were truly unforgettable. Ginger made the experience completely seamless. Every detail was handled with care, from the comfortable accommodations, well planned birding routes, and opportunities to enjoy delicious local food. Her passion for sustainable travel and connection to the local community really shine through.
Daniel and Everilda, our local guides, were exceptional - knowledgeable, kind, and deeply connected to the landscapes and birdlife of Guatemala. They helped me identify species I'd have never spotted on my own, including catching a glimpse of the critically endangered Yellow-Naped Amazon parrot! Their enthusiasm made learning easy and fun for a beginner like me. By the end of the trip, I'd not only seen dozens of new bird species, but also developed a deeper appreciation for Guatemala's natural beauty, culture, and world-famous coffee. This was more than a tour, it was an unforgettable journey that has sparked a love for Central America. Thank you Good Bird for the trip of a lifetime!"
-Megan V, WA, USA (Pilot Guatemala Highlands October 2025)
A one-of-a-kind experience
"I had an amazing time on this trip. Ginger's knowledge of the country and personal connections make for a one-of-a-kind experience that I never could have achieved travelling on my own. As a novice birder, the expertise provided by the local guides was invaluable. Getting to tour coffee farms, getting to know the farmers and see the process from start to finish gave me a new appreciation for my daily cup. If you want to see Guatemala "off the beaten path," then I can't recommend this trip enough."
-Melanie, P. WA, USA (Pilot Guatemala Highlands October 2025)
I've never been more impressed with guides
I actually met Ginger 25 years ago in the Peace Corps when I was a volunteer in Ecuador and she was an amazing Agricultural Trainer. So, after learning about Good Bird, I was really excited to check out a birding trip that she curated in the Highlands of Guatemala. I am not yet a good birder! I do aspire to improve and boy, this trip was inspiring! I believe the total species count for the trip was something like 160. I had only seen about five of those in my NC home prior. The first day up in Huehuetenango was an absolutely fabulous start. Our local guide, Daniel, did a wonderful job and we saw the pink-headed warbler and Goldman's warbler almost right away. The next couple of days with Daniel were great, we just saw heaps of birds as he guided us through small coffee farms in the region. Day three had us heading to Lake Atitlán with one of two female Guatemalan Audubon certified bird guides in the whole country. And let me say, Everilda was so incredible. Her knowledge and passion for the beautiful birds of her country is lovely. We had a wonderful few days with her guiding us through a national park and working farm. I don't think I've ever been more impressed with guides in my life, and getting to eat meals and spend time with them was a perfect learning experience. Besides the fantastic birds (and there were a couple "expert birders" on this trip too who were equally impressed) the lodging and transportation and food were exceptional. I'm ready to go on another Good Bird adventure already!"
-Hilary, G. NC, USA (Pilot Guatemala Highlands October 2025)