IZABAL, MUNICIPIO DE EL ESTOR

© Photo: Ronny Mejía

Description: With 51,300 acres, Bocas del Polochic is a very important region of international concern recognized by the Ramsar Convention, where you can observe more than 250 bird species. There is a biological station in the area under Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza administration, which also has promoted research and conservation of the regional biodiversity. Bocas del Polochic is where the Polochic River flows into Lake Izabal, and because of its high level of conservation it is an ideal place to observe terrestrial and aquatic birds. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to observe the three Toucan species of Guatemala foraging in one tree!

Access: From Guatemala City, take the Atlantic Highway CA-9 and then take the CA-13 to Río Dulce. Once you reach Río Dulce, make a left towards San Felipe Castle (Castillo San Felipe) and continue to El Estor. At El Estor you can rent a private or collective small boat that will take you to the starting point of the aquatic trail, in a ride of approximately forty minutes. The collective boats are available on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from El Estor to the Reserve.

Services: Lodging and food services in Selempin Biological Station (with previous reservation). You can rent the use of kitchenette service and transportation on small boat from El Estor to Selempin Biological Station. Prices per group or single can be checked at: www.defensores.org.gt

Some species: Sunbittern, Black and white Owl, Emerald Toucanet, Keel-billed Toucan, Olivaceus Piculet, Royal Flycatcher, White-collared Manakin, Crimson-collared Tanager.

Tourist facilities: Trails “Las Cotuzas” and “Sendero Cultural”, both of low difficulty; the aquatic trail should be visited by boat.

Fees and schedules: For Guatemalan residents is $5 per person and $6 per person for foreigners. Group fees: $8 for residents and $9 for foreigners.

Other features: A new attractive in this destination is a cave recently discovered, where you can appreciate stalagmites and stalactites. You can take a trip to Río Dulce, Lake Izabal, Livingston, El Boquerón and Finca Paraíso, as well as go river rafting in Cahabón.

Contact: Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (The Nature Defenders Foundation). In Guatemala, Telephone: (502) 2440 8138; info@defensores.org.gt In El Estor: (502) 7949 7237, 7949-7130; info@defensores.org.gt;
en El Estor: Tels. (502) 7949 7237, 7949 7130,
asisbocas@defensores.org.gt http://www.defensores.org.gt