Birding at Los Tarrales, Guatemala

The forest on the upper slope of Atitlán volcano is a refuge for a population of Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus).

Birding in Los Tarrales Reserve. Los Tarrales is a private coffee and exotic flower farm in the south of Guatemala, where the primary forest on the volcano slopes has been preserved through a declaration by its owners as a private protected area. Located on the southern slope of volcano Atitlán, this forest covers an area from 760 m - 2500 m (2,490-8,202 ft) above sea level, changing from tropical humid forest to cloud forest respectively. Trails have been prepared, both for foot and car travel, for visiting the primary forest closer to the farm as well as the forest higher on the volcano. This area will be your chance to see exclusive species from the Southern Coast of Guatemala like the Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis), Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila), Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina), Pacific Parakeet (Aratinga strenua), Orange-fronted Parekeet (Aratinga canicularis), Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis), and Azure-rumped Tanager (Tangara cabanisi). The cloud forest of the volcano is still home to the odd Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus). Andy and Mónica, the farms owners, will be happy to tell you about their most recent sightings, share special birding spots, and show you all of their crops. You may also want to take a canoe out around the small lagoon on the premises, which is bordered by thick bamboo clusters.

Los Tarrales Reserve extends from tropical lowland forest to the top of the Atitlan volcano. Photo/© Knut Eisermann.

Accommodation: Los Tarrales offers a total of 10 rooms, all with private bathrooms. Special food service is provided for overnight visitors.

For independent travelers:
We can make a reservation for you
Please fill this reservation form and we will send you information on rates and space availability as soon as possible.

When is the best time for a visit in Los Tarrales? Any time of year.

How do you support conservation and development in Los Tarrales? The primary forest located on volcano Atitlán is actually a private protected area due to the initiatives of the landowners. The reserve is private and autosustainable, costs for its conservation are covered from profits of the zone of multiple use and through providing ecotourism services. Because of the wide range of altitudes, which the forest embarks, fauna and flora from humid forest up to cloud forest can be found; and since this forest is located in the southern coastal region of the country, it represents one of the few protected forests in the country where these species can live without hazard. With your visit you promote alternative jobs for local people and help to spread environmental consciousness in the region. The farms rangers are hired from neighboring communities and they are charged with protecting the area from illegal hunting and collecting, and providing environmental educational sessions in their communities.