Birding Atitlan Expedition

I am a nature lover, since I was very little I had the opportunity to live in places surrounded by many trees, birds and mountains; As descendant of two Mayan cultures Quiche and Kaqchiquel, I lived all my childhood in “boca costa” (the land located between low land and highlands), where I managed to study my first six years of rural co-ed elementary school and always liked to participate in archaeology projects and activities, since the place was also a private farm which included these attractions.

As time went by, the farm began to change the type of crops and began laying-off  several people who worked in it.. Since most people who were laid off knew how to plant and grow corn, me my parents had to leave the farm and look for another place tor me and my brothers, new beginning together ... our destiny directed us to come to know and sow our roots in a beautiful town "Santiago Atitlán".

Fortunately, civil war had ceased, giving us a great opportunity to go to school, start a business and work with more freedom ...

In 2000 I had my first job opportunity as a concierge in one of the most prestigious hotels in Santiago Atitlán "The Inn of Santiago" and since then I have managed to gain experiences with foreign visitors on tourism. BirdWatching caught my attention and have dedicated a lot of time to it since 2012, when I formally started these wonderful adventures with my feathered friends (birds). My career has led me to live with many people with an interest in bird watching, thus motivating me to continue this work and the reason why I dedicate time on a daily basis to have more experiences and knowledge.

 

In 2015 I had the opportunity to formally study courses on bird tourism and have learned about the variety of native and migratory bird species in my country Guatemala Also in this same year the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism INGUAT gave me the opportunity to accredit myself as an authorized guide, giving me the opportunity to work and learn about bird tourism and ecotourism.

 

Currently I am studying bird tourism at an advanced level, thanks to the opportunity provided by AUDUBON SOCIETY and other organizations which help me to continue fulfilling my dreams and continue working by promoting my people and my country as well as bird watching, climbing mountains and volcanoes.

One of my great virtues is to be a father of two children, whom through my work, I want to guarantee a better future, I currently speak two Mayan languages: Quiché and Tz'utujil, Also "Spanish" and I am learning a new language "English", making me to want to continue learning more languages to communicate with others I am currently studying bird tourism at an advanced level everyday