BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

In addition to the historical and cultural richness, Guatemala is a privileged country that counts with ecological wealth as few countries in the world, its geographical position and its topography combined to create a variety of climates and ecosystems that are ideal for many species animals and plants.  An approximately 192 species of mammals, 243 species of reptiles, 147 species of amphibians and 724 species of birds, are part of the national ecological heritage and make Guatemala a tropical paradise, very easy to sell for nature lovers.

In recent decades the Agritourism has taken great importance in Latin American countries and coffee producers have not been left out of this current. Every day are valued more efforts for sustainable use of natural resources, and industries that succeed in incorporating this aspect in their processes , use this flag to market their products better, since many consumers are attracted to the idea of supporting environmental campaigns buying these products.

An important branch of ecotourism and agritourism is the Birdwatching, a relatively new activity in Guatemala that has already taken great economic importance.  The wonderful natural environment and hospitality of the people perfectly complement this activity.

This report is a list of wild birds that have been observed and identified with certainty in the Natural Reserve of the Finca Las Nubes, Department of Suchitepequez, Guatemala, for four consecutive days between 22 and July 26, 2008.  Journeys were made around the hull of the farm and in large areas of forest that constitute the nature reserve. The birds are listed in order of sighting and includes the common name in Spanish and in English, but also includes the scientific name, in order to fully identify the species in a technical and scientific way, giving more formality to this report.

 As can be seen, the list includes important bird species, some of which are in serious danger of extinction and therefore can only be seen in few places and with great effort.  This is the case of Aguila Tirana and the Quetzal, and other no less important distinguished by their beauty and color like the Emerald Tucancillo, Trogon of the Mountain and the Colibrí or Purple Fandanguero.

It also could be seen and identified 9 species of birds of prey, which is worth mentioning that this group of birds are taste of most birdwatching fans. The most important thing is that all have an important economic potential for ecotourism and agritourism.

The previous list, constitutes only a fraction of all the species that inhabit in the extension of the Finca Las Nubes, a large number of bird species have to be identified and seen, including migratory species.  Among the most important species that have been reported in the reserve and were not seen during this study, are: Horned Guan (Oreaphasis derbianus), el Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatos), Palin Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) y Barn Owl (Tyto alba), among others.

 STRENGHTS OF THE NATURAL RESERVE OF FINCA LAS NUBES

 In addition to the variety of bird species that can be observed in the Natural Reserve of the Finca Las Nubes, this has two viewpoints from where it can be observed spectacular scenery and impressive volcanoes, including one in activity.  Also vast forests with sidewalks already established allowing hikes of several hours where you can observe in addition to birds, mammals such as squirrels, armadillos, deer and monkeys and lush vegetation.

The house of the farm, is a historic gem as it dates back over 150 years. Its structure restored, displayed in their different environments various antiques and photographs of that time, providing a special comfort to visitors and currently has several living rooms, three dining rooms, several bedrooms and areas to enjoy a good cup of coffee while they discussed the experiences of the day.  Everything is perfectly complemented by the beautiful views, climate and the hospitality of the people. No less interesting is the journey through the facilities of the farm, where visitors can see the processing of the coffee.

The access to the farm from the main road is easy, most of the roads inside the estate remain passable throughout the year.  This allows in less than three hours the journey from the capital city to the Finca Las Nubes and 40 minutes later, the visitors are at the point where they can observe the national bird, the quetzal.

Most tours that offer the Quetzal bird as its main attraction, do not acomplish with the offering, since in most places is too low or very evasive because he has been too disrupted, whereas in the Natural Reserve of the Finca Las Nubes has been observed in the same place four consecutive visits, after the sighting of the day 26 of July, when a study was performed.  This puts the Natural Reserve of the Finca Las Nubes at an advantage and almost unbeatable comparing to other places that offered birdwatching, and is the major reason why tourists will return and most importantly is that they will recommend this place to visit.

Another of the strengths, is that already has guides who know perfectly the territory of the natural reserve, which conveys confidence to tourists and has the great advantage that can exploit all existing trails and development new routes.

Particularly I know other farms that are dedicated to agritourism and currently do not have many strengths as the Natural Reserve of Finca Las Nubes.  Obviously there are aspects that needs work to make a Las Nubes an ecotourism site, but the potential of the property is very large and is inherent to it, so it deserves invest time, effort and financial resources to complement all good things that already own.