Nestled on the slopes of the majestic Atitlán Volcano in Guatemala, Los Tarrales is a beautiful natural reserve and the best place to go if you want to immerse yourself in nature and see local wildlife, especially if you’re into birding. It’s one of the best things to do in Guatemala, an ideal family friendly destination that is also pet friendly!
How to Get to Los Tarrales
Los Tarrales Nature Reserve is located just 2.5-3 hours from Guatemala City and Antigua and 1.5 hours from Panajachel in Lake Atitlán, making it perfect for a weekend or day trip.
We usually drive our own car, but you can arrange transportation directly through Los Tarrales. You can also take a hiking and birding day tour to Los Tarrales from Atitlán.
A Hidden Gem in Guatemala for Nature Lovers
Los Tarrales is a working coffee and ornamental plantation nestled on the slopes of the Atitlán volcano. It is one of Guatemala’s best private natural reserves, from its comfortable lodging and great food to its beautiful hiking trails, including a hike to a gorgeous waterfall. What really sets Los Tarrales apart is the fantastic birding and wildlife encounters. With over 360 bird species, more than 270 butterfly species and countless mammals and reptiles who call this natural reserve home Los Tarrales is a truly unique place and a must-do if you visit Guatemala.
Our weekend at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve has quickly become one of our favorite trips in Guatemala. I am from Guatemala and have spent about one month there yearly since I moved to Florida 15 years ago. I had recently heard about Los Tarrales, and we thought it would be the perfect place for a weekend trip with my dad and my teenage son.
We didn’t really know what to expect. We knew that Los Tarrales is one of the best places in Guatemala for birdwatching and has been a birder favorite for many years. Although we are not birders, we love nature, so it seemed like a great place to check out.
We were not expecting to have such a fantastic experience! I am from Guatemala, and my dad is in his 70s and has lived in Guatemala his entire life. Yet from the moment we arrived, we started seeing birds we had never seen before. As we drove into Los Tarrales, we were greeted by chachalacas, calling to each other and jumping from branch to branch. But that was just the beginning of so many encounters with wildlife!
One of the Best Places to See Wildlife in Guatemala
Countless agoutis and deer like to hang out near the lodge at all hours of the day, especially early in the morning and evening. We saw our first deer the afternoon we arrived. It was hanging around the bird fruit feeders, and as soon as my dad approached, the deer walked right up to him. We saw many small groups of deer and even a few fawns during the weekend.
But the best part was seeing so many birds. In the morning, a symphony of bird songs filled the air. There were birds everywhere, from the constant calls of the chachalacas to the vibrant hummingbirds and woodpeckers. We saw so many amazing birds and other wildlife that I’m now developing an interest in birds. Thanks to Los Tarrales, I may have found a new hobby!
If you’re lucky you can see many other animals, check out this video to see the huge variety of wildlife that calls Los Tarrales home! There is such a unique energy in Los Tarrales that the animals feel safe enough to come close to people and let themselves be seen. It’s really unique. Tikal is the only other place where I have seen that much wildlife.
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Things to do at Los Tarrales
Although many people visit Los Tarrales focused on birdwatching, there is so much more to do there, and it’s a fantastic destination whether you are a bird enthusiast or not. I love that the reserve has many hiking trails you can do on your own and a few tour options, including birding tours and a waterfall tour. Here are some of the things you can do while visiting Los Tarrales:
Birding: Los Tarrales is One of Guatemala’s Top Birding Destinations
Los Tarrales Reserve is a top spot for birdwatching in Guatemala. It’s the country’s first private birding reserve, boasting diverse birdlife and stunning scenery. Ranked as the third Top Hotspot on ebird for birding in Guatemala, it’s also one of the most accessible, as it is relatively close to Guatemala City, Antigua, and Atitlán.
Located on the slopes of the Atitlan Volcano, the reserve ranges from 615 to 2,600 meters above sea level, offering varied bird habitats. Whether exploring lowland rainforests or highland cloud forests, each altitude provides new opportunities for birdwatching. Depending on what birding tour you book, a half-day or full-day tour, you’ll encounter diverse ecosystems teeming with unique bird species, including endemic and migratory birds from the vibrant Azure-rumped Tanager to the elusive Horned Guan.
We were thrilled to spot Lesson motmots, orange-chinned parakeets, yellow-throated euphonias, Yucatan woodpeckers, black-headed saltators, and yellow-winged managers. The best part? We spotted these birds right outside our rooms in the gardens! I can’t wait to go back and take the birding tour!
Hiking
There are quite a few trails at Los Tarrales with lots of options for everyone. One of our favorite and the easiest trail was the train to the pond which provides great views of the beautiful pond surrounded by flowers and towering bamboo.
I also enjoyed some of the more challenging trails which included a longer trail that takes you up to a fantastic viewpoint. I loved that I saw lots of wildlife on this trail including some agouti and a deer.
Visiting the Waterfall
The waterfall hike is a guided walk that takes you to a waterfall . This was a fantastic experience that struck the perfect balance between excitement and peace. We covered about 7 kilometers, and the hike was challenging but fun. When we finally reached the magnificent cascade at the end, it was totally worth it.
Along the way, we walked by ornamental plants and coffee plantations, finally reaching lush primary subtropical forest vegetation once we got closer to the waterfall. The scenery was breathtaking, as the trail had us crossing the creek a few times while we looked at the waterfall in the distance.
Once we reached the waterfall, getting into the cool water was a joy. You can swim in the waterfall, but be careful, as the current can be strong, especially during the rainy season.
Our guide was amazing and shared information about the area, its history, and the different ecosystems and plantations we walked through. She also pointed out various birds and other wildlife along the way.
If the hike seems too challenging, there’s no need to worry! You can hire a car that will conveniently drop you off just a short 10-minute walk from the waterfall. This service, priced at a reasonable $40 for up to four people, ensures a swift and comfortable journey. This way you can arrive at the waterfall in no time and have more time to enjoy it.
Wear good hiking shoes or sturdy sandals and pack towels, as well as lots of water and snacks. We packed water shoes and wore our swimsuits under hiking clothes. If you are doing the waterfall hike, I suggest you do it early in the morning, as the heat gets brutal in the hotter months.
You can request to book the waterfall tour here.
Mountain biking:
Los Tarrales is a fantastic spot for mountain biking enthusiasts seeking to ride along picturesque natural trails. The trails here cater to different skill levels, ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes for experts. Whether you’re new to biking or a seasoned rider, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you plan a biking excursion to Los Tarrales, remember to bring your bike, as the site does not offer rentals. You can book a biking day pass for $20 to access the trails and spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes. With its scenic vistas and diverse terrain, Los Tarrales promises an unforgettable experience for riders of all levels.
Relax Poolside
Los Tarrales has a small pool with a lounge area. The pool is surrounded by vegetation and provides excellent views of the Atitlan volcano. Taking a dip in the cool pool water was the perfect way to relax after hiking.
We enjoyed spending a leisurely afternoon unwinding and talking about all the birds and animals we saw on our hikes. The tranquility you feel at Los Tarrales contrasts starkly the hustle and bustle of my everyday life.
Here, time slows down as you immerse yourself in the slower pace of rural life. Being surrounded by lush vegetation and a beautiful landscape as free-range hens wander about the pool made me feel so connected to nature.
Comfortable Accommodations and Warm Hospitality
The accommodations at Los Tarrales were cozy and comfortable, providing the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. There are even some pet friendly accommodations so you can bring your dog to enjoy the natural beauty of Los Tarrales with you!
I visited with my dad and teen son and stayed at “Las Chachas.” Our rooms shared a common screened porch with hammocks, which was perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking and birding. It was also my son’s favorite place to hang out.
‘Los Tarrales also has two tree houses in a shaded coffee plantation. The tree houses are located about 300 meters from the main campus, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience nature up close. Every morning, you’ll wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and the sight of hummingbirds buzzing around the nearby flowers. Each cabin has its own private bathroom with hot water, and electricity is generated by a small solar-charged battery.
The food was always great, and we were eating homemade meals. The kitchen even made special meals for my son, who has some dietary restrictions. The service and staff were incredibly friendly. The owners would dine with the guests daily, ensuring everyone was having a good time. They shared stories and answered questions about the reserve and the wildlife, making us feel right at home. It felt like we were visiting a friend’s Finca rather than staying at a lodge.
Conservation at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve
Los Tarrales Reserve is a birding destination and a conservation success story. By visiting, you support vital conservation efforts to preserve habitats and species for future generations. Beyond birds, the reserve is home to other wildlife like mammals, reptiles, and beautiful flora, offering opportunities for photography and nature appreciation.
Los Tarrales is genuinely a birders’ paradise. Still, it’s so much more than that: it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and the perfect place to visit with family. The abundance of wildlife and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape left an indelible mark on our hearts, reminding us of the importance of preserving and cherishing our natural world.
With its warm hospitality and captivating allure, Los Tarrales Natural Reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the tranquility of the great outdoors.
Booking Your Stay at Los Tarrales
To visit Los Tarrales, you must make reservations at least 48hrs in advance. Los Tarrales does not accept walk-in or last-minute reservations, so it is essential to consider this when planning your visit.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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