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Birding Hotspots near Antigua Finca El Pilar Cerro Alux |
 
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| Colonial town of Antigua at the foot of ‘Agua’ Volcano. |
Antigua Guatemala. The colonial town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979, and earned its international fame for the very panorama you will take in: a harmony of arquitecture of the XVI century set down in the cradle between three volcanoes.
Antigua is also a cultural center. It boasts numerous art and history museums, is a favored place for viewing art performances and exhibitions, and it also has several cozy bookstores where you can find an extensive array of current books about Guatemala and Latin America. The culinary diversity in Antigua is also unique. You will find a wide variety of national and world cooking styles to choose from, with a vibrant nightlife as well.
During the day you can look for deals in the local handicraft market, where you will be attended by artisans from all over Guatemala. Local guides will recount Antigua's history to you, giving you a deeper view into the past of this colonial Guatemalan Capital.
Birding around Antigua. Conifer-oak forest ist the natural vegetation on the relatively dry mountain slopes around Antigua. Some of these forests between 1500 and 2400 m elevation are easily accessible from Antigua within a short drive. Several regional endemic bird species can be observed at sites like Finca El Pilar and Cerro Alux.
Accommodation: Antigua Guatemala can be reached from Guatemala City within a 40-min drive. The city has a large variety of hotels and restaurants. Get in touch for advice on birder-friendly hotels in town.
For independent travelers:
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When is the best time for a vist in Antigua? Any time of year. The view to the surrounding volcano landscape can be affected by the smoke of fires for preparing the corn fields from February to April. But in these months bird activity is tremendous, because it is nesting season.
How do you support conservation and development around Antigua? Some of the mountain slopes around Antigua are still covered with forest. With your birding visit you will put a value to these habitats, which is an important motivation for conservation. 
