Birding in the South of Belize

This birdwatching sanctuary is host to birds that cannot be found anywhere else in Belize, such as the Paltry Tyrannulet, the Western Slaty-Antshrike, the Band-tailed Barbthroat, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph, the Bare-crowned Antbird, and the Gray-breasted Crake.

This reserve is an excellent location for birdwatchers, as it attracts several birds that are easy to spot. This sanctuary also protects breeding colonies for the Wood Stork and the Boat-billed Heron. Easily accessed within 30 minutes from Punta Gorda, this sanctuary is a must-visit.

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park covers over 7000 acres of beautiful broadleaf forest and jungle in semi-mountainous terrain. The Park has lent itself to some of the most exotic bird species, with over 200 species recorded in recent years.
You can expect to see the Keel-Billed Motmot, Scarlet Macaw, and different types of parrots.
The Park also inhabits howler and spider monkeys and several other species of wildlife, including the elusive jaguar.

This Park has become one of the favorite birdwatching destinations in the country, as it offers visitors the opportunity to peek at numerous bird species. The sanctuary supports more than one ecosystem and is the habitat of birds ranging from forest, woodland, savannah, higher elevation, and river area species. Use the possibility to view the Keel-billed Motmot, the Scarlet Macaw, the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, or the Crested Guan, among others. A birdwatcher’s heaven!

The Blue Hole National Park is a 575-acre protected area based near the country capital, Belmopan. The reserve contains a system of trails. The Blue Hole Park is a nature lovers’ paradise home to exotic plants and many tropical wildlife species.

Some kinds of birds that inhabit the Park are Keel-Billed Toucan, Spotted-Wood Quail, Lovely Cotinga, White Hawk, Red-Legged Honey Creepers, Green-backed Sparrows, White-collared Manakins, Crested Guans, Orange Billed Sparrows, Great Antshrikes, and Olive-backed Sparrows, among others.

This area is of international importance for migratory birds as they flock to the lagoons during the wet season, and food is difficult to find in other areas. This area also plays a crucial role for non-migratory birds, offering opportunities to spot various species. In 1998, authorities designated it as Belize’s first Ramsar site.

This location offers excellent birdwatching opportunities in its land and water tributaries. Seek out the Bare-throated Tiger, Sungrebe, Jabiru, Wood-storks, Black-collared Hawk, and the American Pygmy Kingfisher. In the pine and hardwood forest habitats, seek out the endangered Yellow-headed Parrot among other migratory and resident breeds.

Upon arrival at Philip Goldson International Airport, our welcoming representative will greet you and escort you to Bird’s Eye View Lodge. After checking in, enjoy an afternoon of birdwatching near the lodge, then dinner and an overnight stay at Bird’s Eye View Lodge.

Start your day early with a sunrise lagoon boat tour at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a premier birding spot. Experience the excitement of the Birding Boat Trip, navigating through various waterways to spot birds like the Agami Heron, Boat-billed Heron, and Jabiru Stork. After a late breakfast, transfer to Lamanai Outpost Lodge for an afternoon birding session, dinner, and overnight stay.

Post-breakfast, explore the enigmatic, jungle-covered Lamanai Ruins, observing various birds amidst the Mayan City. Lamanai, set on the New River Lagoon banks, is a major Mayan ceremonial center surrounded by a forest rich in bird species and wildlife. Enjoy lunch, an afternoon birding tour along Lamanai trails, dinner, and another night at Lamanai Outpost Lodge, including a night excursion.

Embark on an early birding tour at Lamanai Outpost Lodge, breakfast, and a transfer to Hidden Valley. En route, visit Green Hills Butterfly Ranch & Botanical Collection, where hummingbirds, including the White-necked Jacobin and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, are the stars. Check-in at Hidden Valley Inn for an afternoon birding walk, dinner, and overnight stay.

Enjoy early coffee while watching birds at the feeder, followed by breakfast. Then, venture into the Mountains of Western Belize in search of raptors like the Orange Breasted Falcon. Lunch precedes an afternoon birding tour through various trails, exploring pine forests and scrub areas. Dinner at Hidden Valley Inn and a night of adventure-seeking Stygian Owls conclude the day.

An early start takes you to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and the Ancient Mayan City of Caracol, with birdwatching opportunities for species like the keel-billed Motmot. Dinner and another night’s stay at Hidden Valley Inn follow.

After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to Tikal National Park, with birdwatching stops along the way. Check-in at the lodge, lunch, and a sunset birding tour at Tikal National Park awaits, where you’ll seek species like the Orange-breasted Falcon and Ocellated Turkey. Dinner and overnight stay at Tikal.

An early birding trip in Tikal National Park starts the day, exploring ancient monuments and diverse bird species. After lunch, continue visiting different park areas for more tropical birdwatching—dinner and overnight at Tikal Park.

An early transfer to Mundo Maya International Airport for a flight to Belize International Airport marks the end of your Belize Birding Expedition.