City: Guatemala
Top Things to do in Guatemala
What to do and see in Guatemala, Guatemala: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Coordinates: 15°30′N 90°15′W / 15.500°N 90.250°W / 15.500; -90.250
Restaurants in Guatemala
1. Maya Biosphere Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States
An awesome experience for nature and animal lovers. A ton of wildlife all around, spider monkeys are the most visible but the howlers are the most noticeable. Lots of birds, some spiders, and if you're lucky you may stumble upon a jaguar. Unfortunately, I did not. Go with a guide, it makes the experience much better, and bring a hat as well as lots of water and bug spray, or the mosquitoes will eat you alive.
2. Volcan Monte Rico
3. Orquigonia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By GabidelCid - Guatemala City, Guatemala
15 min drive from Coban downtown. We were greeted by a warm-friendly hostess whom shared highlights on the tour before jumping into it. We were provided with organic-mosquito repellent, te and magnifying glasses (for the miniature orquids). Eric, our guide is deeply knowledgable and all 500 species nurtured in the property. We took a 45-60 min hike through the whole place and still had time for some fun pics. You will still have time to do other activities during the day (we took this on our way back to Guatemala city). We totally recommend this all nature-peaceful walk.
4. EcoPark La Igualdad
5. Parque Natural Las Conchas
6. Atitlan Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 811 reviews
The Atitlan Nature Reserve is both a must for visitors of Lake Atitlan and a force in the environmental cause: Atitlan Azul. It is an extraordinary gate to the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its spectacular volcanoes. Its zip lines, butterfly preserve, trails, hanging bridges and lodgings bring you in close contact with nature. On the zip lines you fly above waterfalls, coffee groves, oak stands and the steep cliffs that guard the lake. At the Butterfly Geodome you enjoy the colors and forms of hundreds of butterflies surrounded by flowers and the sounds of water. Humming birds and the murmur of the river accompany you while you have lunch, coffee or a drink, then you continue to explore the diversity and beauty of this natural wonder. At night, the crickets, owls and the sounds of the night will be your company in our lodging. The Reserve supports the work of scientist and students concerned with biodiversity and environmental degradation.
Reviewed By ChrisW9565
A short tuk tuk ride from central Pana, this nature preserve is quite nice. We explored the butterfly dome which was also accompanied by some in-depth explanations & exhibits from different stages of the butterfly's life. We also did the Xtreme Ziplining. The trail up took us past some of the nature trail and were able to see some monkeys on the way up!! It was my first time ziplining, and they could not have been nice about taking care of me and showing me the ropes. The views were *breathtaking* and I absolutely recommend stopping here and spend half a day if you have the time.
7. Ixpanpajul Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Kencor66
There is a fantastic canopy walk, six suspension bridges. Zip line through the canopy. Shuttle available from Flores. Staff all amazingly friendly and helpful. A bit pricey, but well worth it!!
8. Tzantizotz Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Situated in the area of Tzantizotz which in local Kaqchikel means Point of Bats, this mountainous area begins at the lake front and reaches high altitude tropical dry forest. Well maintained paths for every fitness level traverse old Mayan trails. Palm thatched resting pavilions offer panoramic views of the entire lake.
9. Biotopo del Quetzal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By teejaydblyu - Montreal, Canada
We walked the long trail and enjoyed every minute of it! We arrived too late to see a Quetzal, and I think they would be pretty hard to spot anyway, but it was still a gorgeous walk.
10. Estacion Biologica Las Guacamayas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By DominicStalder - Bern, Switzerland
We did the "Expedition exploring the rainforest (3 days / 2 nights)" tour and it was amazing, the nature in the Parque National Laguna del Tigre and around the Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas is just amazing. We loved the different activities, the trekking and to stay at the lodge itself: the staff is so lovely, the rooms are simple and big but with a lot of nice details (depending in which „animal“ room you are located…) and the food is just delicious! Our guides Cornelio (bilingual, primary English for us) and Romulo (Spanish) were great, these guys know the flora and fauna at this national park and they have passion for it, a lot of passion! We thank the whole team at Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas for three great days and absolutely recommend to go there.
