Welcome to Sacred Monkey Tours

     The name of our company was inspired by the Rio Usumacinta or “Sacred Monkey River”. The ancient Maya used this east-west flowing river as a transportation route for moving all matter of goods between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Since this river forms a geographical foundation to the Yucatan and winds through the heart of the Maya world, we felt that it is the perfect name for our tour company.

     Although we started our first trips in the Yucatan, we have now branched out to include Guatemala where Keith will be leading tours to different locations and for different itineraries.

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     Keith’s tour will find us birding and naturalizing in some of the premier locations including jungle and pyramids at Tikal in the Peten, Rio Dulce at the Caribbean and highland birding from Antigua to San Pedro Volcano.

                                                                         

               

                                 February  14th to February 25th  2008

COST-$ 2,600

with

Keith Hansen

Contact info. Keith Hansen, P.O. Box 332, Bolinas, CA. 94924. 415-868-0402

E-mail: birdhansen@mac.com

GUATEMALA. Just the word evokes myriad emotions and visual impressions. Lush jungle, punctuated with the clashing colors of toucans & parrots. A steaming volcano rises symmetrically from the enveloping cloud forest. Ancient Mayan ruins hold secrets to past civilizations, while a vibrant culture thrives to this day.  This birding adventure will find us enjoying much of what this distinct country has to offer. Guatemala has a rich and varied array of bird species. The size of Ohio, it boasts over 700 species, 2/3 of which are residents and many of those, endemic. The rest of the species are migrants, from North America with a few from South America. Come and experience the diversity of flowers, mammals, reptiles, insects, and of course birds set amongst the historic towns, people, color and beauty that is Guatemala.

SACRED MONKEY TOURS

Our primary goal is to provide you, the participant with an experience that will be unique, memorable and most of all fun! Because Guatemala is such a wonderful place, it will be a pleasure to be your guides. We will strive to provide you with a comfortable, safe and easygoing tour. Tour size will be limited to 12 participants. We will be attentive to your needs and are passionate about the quality of your adventure. Being in tune with the environment we trust that you will enjoy the many wonderful natural experiences that Guatemala has to offer. Come along for a great birding adventure!

KEITH HANSEN has been watching birds, since the age of ten. His passion for all things natural has taken him far and wide. While he lives full time in northern California much of his interest in birds lies in the neotropics. Keith has led birding tours to various countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Keith has a gallery where he produces his art in Bolinas. He is currently illustrating a book entitled, “A Field Guide to the Birds of the Sierra Nevada”.

Itinerary

Peten, Atlantic coast & Antigua Guatemala Birding route

Day 1. Feb. 14th. Arrive at the International Airport of Guatemala, “La Aurora”.

Meet & greet service at the airport- private transfer to Hotel. Introduction dinner. Overnight in Guatemala City.

Day 2. Feb. 15th. VERY early transfer to the airport to take flight to the Peten. Box breakfast. Transfer to the arqueological park of Yaxha. 1/2 day tour to explore the humid tropical forest where we will search for Royal Flycatcher, Violaceous Trogon and Aztec Parakeet, among others. Lunch at the area of El Remate. Afternoon visit to bird the Biotopo Cerro Cahui. Dinner at the hotel. Night in Tikal at the hotel Tikal Inn which is situated inside the park.

Day 3. Feb. 16th. Early meeting at the hotel reception for coffee, tea & juice.  Walk to Tikal for a day of wandering through the jungle among the famous ruins. We will look for such specialties as Orange-breasted Falcon, Ocellated Turkey and Ornate Hawk-Eagle. Lunch in the park followed by continued exploration. Sundown in Tikal. Dinner at Hotel, night in Tikal.

Day 4. Feb. 17th. Early meeting at the hotel reception for breakfast. Walk to the ruins of Tikal to cover more of the forest and to seek out species not seen before. The archeological zone of Tikal is large, magnificent and worthy of additional exploration. Lunch at the hotel.  Free afternoon of relaxation and more birding. Transfer to the Island of Flores for dinner, which is located in the capitol city of the Peten. It’s a small city located on a lake inhabited by Cormorants, Herons, Swallows and various water birds. Night in Tikal.

Day 5. Feb. 18th. Breakfast at the Hotel. Checkout after breakfast. Birding at Ixpanpajul, truly a spot for nature lovers. Here we will visit the “Sky Way” where we will walk among the tree tops on 6 impressive hanging bridges, each over 100 meters long. This will give us the opportunity to admire the flora and fauna of the tropical forest in all its magnificence. In this area we will be looking for Mealy Parrot, Slaty-breasted Tinamou and numerous tropical hawk species. Transfer to Rio Dulce where we will stop en route to Finca Ixobel for lunch. Birds in this area of great forest include Black-throated Shrike-Tanager and Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. After lunch, continue to & arrive at Rio Dulce, Livingston. Next, take a private 45 minute boat transfer to Hotel in Livingston keeping our eyes out for Frigatebirds and various Herons. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Posada del Delfin in Livigston

Day 6. Feb. 19th. Breakfast at the Hotel. Next, boat transfer to Biotopo Chocon Machacas for bird watching and looking for Manatee, Limpkin, Grey-headed Tanager and if we’re lucky, the Agami Heron. Lunch at Rio Dulce. Free afternoon. In the evening we will take a ten minute walk to Livingston for Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 7 Feb 20th. We will leave Livingston early in the morning and visit the archeological site of Quirigua. Walking amongst the ruins we will keep our eyes out for Magpie Jays and Grey Hawk, amongst the many other species. We will visit Rio Hondo and follow our way towards Guatemala City. Joining us this afternoon and throughout the rest of the tour we will be accompanied by our local host who knows well, the land and people who live there. He will highlight the cultural aspects that make Guatemala so unique. Night in Guatemala City.

Day 8. Feb. 21st. Market Day! We will visit the famous town of Chichicastenango, with one of the oldest markets in Latin America. The market reflects indigenous culture at its best and remains true to the spirit of the ancient Maya civilization. The markets were 100% business and trade oriented. The market of Chichicastenango offers the widest and wildest assortment of ceramic, wood, textile, fruit, copal and incense. You will also see indigenous women wearing their hand made huipiles. It’s definitely an experience you must live at least once in a lifetime! Night in Panajachel at the Hotel Rancho Grande Inn.

Day 9. Feb. 22nd. After taking a boat across Lake Atitlan we will search for the rare Horned Guan by climbing the volcano San Pedro. Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Blue-throated Motmot and Bar-winged Oriole will be looked for as well. For those who prefer textiles, we will visit San Juan La Laguna and spend time with artisans, painters and weavers and a group of midwifes who preserve the knowledge of the ancestral use of traditional medicinal plants. Back across the lake by boat. Night in Pananjachel.

Day 10. Feb 23rd. We will visit the archeological ruins of Iximche, a Maya-Cakchiquel city with ceremonial plazas, temples and ball game courts where Mayan rituals are still held. We will be keeping an eye out for birds including the unique and beautiful Blue and White Mockingbird, Woodcreepers, Brown backed Solitaire, Black-headed Siskin and other species typical of the highlands. Lunch at Finca Helvetia. Night in Antigua at the Hotel Las Farolas.

Day 11. Feb. 24th. Visit the Museum Santo Domingo. in Antigua Guatemala. Tour around and shop in the historic and beautiful town of Antigua. Afternoon birding in Finca del Pilar where we will look for beautiful Hummingbirds, such as the Azure-crowned Hummingbird or the Violet Saborwing, as well as birds like Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl or Melodious Blackbird. Night in Antigua.

Day 12. Feb. 25th. End of trip. Transfer to the airport in Guatemala City.

BIRDING INFORMATION

As you know, in the tropics there is truly a wealth of life. With this in mind, we, as leaders, will do our best to make sure that you get to see and enjoy as many species as possible and to answer any questions that you might have. We will be responsive to the beginning birder as well as satisfying the experts. Tour leaders will have scopes, all of the appropriate field guides as well as walkie-talkies. Typically, we will rise, predawn to maximize our time in the field. In the tropics, the “golden hour”, around sunrise, is when most creatures are active. Typically, we will be naturalizing in the field until around noon when we will then stop for a well-deserved lunch. After that, where possible, we will try to make time for those who want to relax, wander about or continue birding. Some times this will be the opportunity to drive to our next birding spot. On evenings, where possible, & for those who still have the energy, we will take spotlights to look for night creatures. Each evening we will update our trip checklist.

WHAT THE COST OF THE TRIP INCLUDES

The Guatemala Birding Adventure and Sacred Monkey Tour responsibilities officially begin when we pick you up at the International Airport of Guatemala on Day 1 and end when we return you there on Day 12. The trip begins with the introductory dinner on the evening of Day 1.

TRANSPORTATION. All in-country transportation is covered beginning when we pick you up at the Airport until we return you there. It includes the one-way flight to the Peten as well as travel by boat.

LODGING. Lodging choices have been made to keep you as comfortable & well taken care of as possible. All lodging is covered for the nights of Day one; through the night of Day 11. If you would like a single room supplement there will be an additional cost of $300.00. For those traveling on their own we will attempt to pair you with a compatible roommate.

MEALS. All meals from the evening of Day 1, through the morning of Day 12 will be covered, including breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks. All efforts will be made to see that your meals will be provided in a timely manner, are wholesome and prepared in a way to meet proper safety standards. Water will be kept in the van at all times.

ENTRY FEES. Entry fees to any and all archaeological sites & nature preserves.

TOUR LEADING. All tour leading and guiding throughout the trip, including any possible additional guides will be covered.

TIPPING. General tipping is covered for all meals, porters and additional guides. If, however you feel that you’ve received above average service from a porter, food giver, hotel staff or Sacred Monkey Tour leaders, you are welcome to tip.

INSURANCE. For peace of mind we recommend that you carry insurance coverage & if necessary purchase the appropriate additional coverage. On this trip limited medical insurance will be provided. Contact us for more details of provided coverage.

HEALTH. Participants should be in good health. This trip will take us to locations that may have uneven terrain, loose footing, some hills and warm & humid conditions. There will be a first-aid kit kept in the van at all times. If you have any personal conditions that require medical consideration, please report when you make your reservations.

NOTE. There are no hidden costs.

WHAT THE COST OF THE TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

Your personal flight & transportation to and from the tour, Passport & Visa fees, any immunization one might need, excess baggage fees, telephone calls, laundry & room service, personally purchased snacks, alcohol or anything of a purely personal nature.

RESERVATION, DEPOSIT, FINAL PAYMENT, CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

Reservations will be confirmed when we receive a deposit of $1000.00 per person & a completed reservation form no later than Sept. 30th. 2007. Those who pay the deposit by Aug. 25th 2007 will receive a discount of $75.00 (per person) off the total trip cost. The final payment for the remaining amount owed will be due no later than December 31st 2007.

Cancellations will be honored, less a cancellation fee of $200.00 per person, if made before December 31st 2007 and in writing. Refunds will then be made.   

We hope that this information gives you a good picture of what our Guatemala Birding Adventure will be like and a little about what Sacred Monkey Tours is all about. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!