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Las Guacamayas Biological Station

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Animal habitat
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Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)

Weather…

The Las Guacamayas Biological Station is situated in the heart of the Laguna del Tigre National Park in the Petén department. Named after the Scarlet Macaw (Guacamaya Roja), the station serves as one of the most critical centers for the protection and study of this endangered parrot species. It was established to promote the conservation of biodiversity within the wetlands associated with the San Pedro River. The area encompasses diverse ecosystems, including primary forests, marshes, and lagoons, which support an immense variety of flora and fauna. In addition to macaw conservation, the station focuses on monitoring jaguars, tapirs, and crocodiles. Scientists from around the globe utilize the facilities for research into tropical ecology and climate change impacts. Community outreach programs aim to reduce illegal wildlife trafficking and deforestation in the surrounding landscape. Accessible only by boat, the station remains a vital pillar of the Guatemalan protected areas system.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222426292926262626252322
Rain mm93585146145269189242307257153110

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Las Guacamayas Biological Station is open year-round, but the dry season from November to April gives the best conditions for boat trips on the Río San Pedro. In the rainy season the forests are lush, but mosquitoes are abundant.
🌅
Best time of day
Dusk is the main activity time for howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and macaws - especially sunrise brings loud calls. Midday is often quiet; use this time for a siesta.
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Etiquette
Follow the instructions of station staff - they know the routes and behavior rules precisely. Do not feed monkeys or birds, as it can make them sick and aggressive.
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What to bring
Binoculars with good low-light performance are useful for the dense canopy and dusk. Sturdy footwear, long pants, and insect repellent are necessary due to jungle terrain and many insects.
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Getting there
The station lies on the Río San Pedro, about three hours from Flores. Travel by car to Sayaxché, then by boat downstream; the station provides accommodation and meals.
🦌
What to expect
Monkeys are often hard to see in trees - listen for rustling leaves and branches. A quiet hour in a hammock by the river can yield more sightings than constant walking.

Geography

Coordinates
16.55000, -90.05000

Facts

  • The station is named after the Scarlet Macaw, which nests in the area.
  • It is located within the boundaries of the Laguna del Tigre National Park.
  • Transportation to the station is exclusively by boat via the San Pedro River.
  • The site is a major hub for monitoring jaguar populations in the wild.
  • Over 300 distinct bird species have been documented in the surrounding region.
  • The station works in cooperation with the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ceibal RuinsCeibal Ruins<1 km · SExplore →
GuastatoyaGuastatoya4 km · NExplore →
Cerro Cahabón SouthCerro Cahabón South6 km · NExplore →
JalapaJalapa7 km · NExplore →
La Libertad (Petén)La Libertad (Petén)7 km · SExplore →
Laguna de AyarzaLaguna de Ayarza9 km · SExplore →
El Imposible National ParkEl Imposible National Park10 km · NExplore →
TacubaTacuba13 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the station located?
It is located in the Laguna del Tigre National Park in Petén.
What research is done there?
The focus is on protecting Scarlet Macaws (Guacamayas).
How do you get there?
Usually by boat via the San Pedro River from Paso Caballos.
Is there accommodation?
Yes, the station provides comfortable rooms for ecotourists.
Can you see archaeological sites?
Yes, trips to the Mayan site El Perú (Waka') are possible.
Las Guacamayas Biological Station: where is it located?
Las Guacamayas Biological Station is located in Guatemala.
Las Guacamayas Biological Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Las Guacamayas Biological Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Las Guacamayas Biological Station is situated in the heart of the Laguna del Tigre National Park in the Petén department.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

San Benito — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
San Benito
A city on Lake Petén Itzá that has merged with Flores.
Flores — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Flores
Picturesque island town on Lake Petén Itzá, capital of Petén department.
Poptún — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Poptún
A city in southern Petén, surrounded by pine forests.
Melchor de Mencos — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Melchor de Mencos
Important border town with Belize in the Petén department.
Sayaxché — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Sayaxché
Town on the Río de la Pasión, a gateway to Maya sites like Ceibal.
La Libertad (Petén) — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
La Libertad (Petén)
A large, sprawling municipality in the heart of Petén.
San Andrés — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
San Andrés
Village on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá.

Nature

🗺️
Pasión River
An important river in Petén, serving as a transport route to many Maya sites like Ceibal and Aguateca.
Lake Petén Itzá — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Lake Petén Itzá
A large, deep lake in the heart of the Petén Basin, with the city of Flores on an island.
🗺️
Usumacinta River
A major river forming the border between Guatemala and Mexico, known for Maya sites along its banks.

More places

Ceibal Ruins — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Ceibal Ruins
A major Maya site on the Pasión River, known for its fine stelae and ceremonial architecture.
🗺️
Ceibal Forest Reserve
The forest area surrounding the Ceibal archaeological site, rich in ceiba trees.
🗺️
Maya Biosphere Reserve
A vast forest area in the Petén Basin, encompassing the largest tropical forest areas in Guatemala.
🗺️
Peten Cattle Ranchlands
Wide grazing lands in Peten where cattle ranching and rural work shape daily life.
Peten Oil Refinery — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Peten Oil Refinery
Facility for processing local oil reserves.
San Carlos Fort — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
San Carlos Fort
A small fort on the island of Flores, built to protect against pirates.
Flores Island — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Flores Island
An island in Lake Petén Itzá which is home to the historic town of Flores.
Conquest of Tayasal — Las Guacamayas Biological Station (Guatemala)
Conquest of Tayasal
The conquest of the last independent Maya city in 1697, on what is now the island of Flores.