A Week on the Pacific Coast

Have your camera ready to capture the spectacular views along the way during this tour of Guatemala’s most impressive Pacific Coast reserves. You won’t have a hard time spotting the resplendent quetzal, one of the most noticeable birds in the area. These birds come in shades of bright blue and green, with accents of red and yellow. Male quetzals are easily distinguishable by their 3-foot (1-m) tail.

Look out for the emerald toucanet, a smaller, rounder relative of the toucan. It is bright green and features a prominent yellow beak. Keep binoculars handy, so you can see the patterns that distinguish the white-fronted parrots and blue-crowned motmots.

At Finca Fildaelfia, you’ll stay in a full-service resort on a coffee plantation. Founded in 1865, Finca Filadelfia has a renowned reputation for aromatic brews. The coffee plants share the environment with an incredible variety of birds. While you’re here, you’ll look for the white-bellied chachalaca.

Los Andes Farms also started life as a coffee and sugar plantation. Now the reserve serves as an ecotourism attraction, focused on preserving the nesting habitat of the quetzal. Besides birds, this reserve also protects a swath of cloud forest and a huge variety of humidity-loving orchids.

When you visit Los Tarrales, you’ll get an up-close look at indigenous ornamental plants. Also search for the azure-rumped tanager and cross yet another rare bird off your “must-see” list.

These reserves are involved not only with environmental conservation in the area, but also have a positive impact on the surrounding communities. Finca Patrocinio preserves the local broadleaf forest, and donates proceeds from tourism to help fund the local elementary school. Some of the indigenous people also work as guides and employees at the lodge. The lodge here is cozy and rustic, perfect for unwinding after a long hike through the mountains.