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Guatemala, visitors will discover some exciting ecotourism opportunities.
In many parks, rainforest ecology blends with archaeological monuments,
and tourists have the unique opportunity to observe monkeys, toucans
and other tropical species from atop a Maya temple! Miles of trails,
as well as boats, river rafts, and horses, await adventurous travelers
ready to explore Guatemala's biological reserves and parks. The country's
most popular ecotourism destinations are the tropical rainforests in
the departments of El Petén and Izabal, and the cloud forest reserve
of Sierra de las Minas. Other interesting natural areas include the
mangrove swamps of Monterrico on the Pacific Coast, and the mountain
forests of the western highlands.
Cerro San Gil
Found in the department of Izabal, the Cerro San Gil is an ecological
reserve with more than seven miles of tropical rainforest trails. Cerro
San Gil is a popular birdwatching spot, where more than 300 species
have been identified. A visitors center at the entrance to the reserve
orients guests. There is one large cabin with several beds for those
who wish to spend the night and head into the forest early in the morning,
when the rainforest is at its liveliest.
Monterrico
A wildlife reserve administered by the University of San Carlos, Monterrico
offers miles of canals that thread through mangrove swamps, as well
as a black, volcanic sand beach where sea turtles nest. The university
maintains a small park with iguanas and other animals, and runs a program
to rescue and incubate sea turtle eggs. Several hotels in the town of
Monterrico provide comfortable rooms. An ideal day here would include
an early morning tour of the mangroves, followed by an afternoon of
swimming and sunning on the beach.
Sierra de las Minas
The cloud forest reserve of Sierra de las Minas is a magical, mysterious
world of ancient trees, orchids, bromeliads and moss, where Resplendent
Quetzals, Horned Guans, jaguars and many other rare species thrive.
Two or three day hiking trips into the reserve can be arranged, with
lodging at a field camp for researchers. Many tours are accompanied
by a biologist who can explain the complex ecological relationships
of the surrounding forest, where new species of animals and plants are
still being discovered.
Visitors can also explore the cloud forest in the Mario Dary Reserve
of the Quetzal, where, with luck, they'll catch a glimpse of Guatemala's
national bird, symbol of freedom and beauty. (During breeding season,
Quetzals are commonly seen early in the morning in the trees of a small
hotel next to the reserve entrance.) Well-maintained trails wind through
the reserve, where visitors can observe the misty beauty of the cloud
forest and admire a spectacular waterfall.
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