Birdwatching Tours El Salvador
Explore El Salvador's top birding hotspots with Rodolfo Walsh, a biologist and professional photographer.
About Me
Greetings! I'm Rodolfo Walsh, born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador. Fueled by a lifelong fascination with nature, I embarked on a journey of discovery that led me to a full scholarship in biology at the University of San Francisco, California. Alongside, I honed my visual storytelling skills with a degree in photography from the Academy of Art University. Now, my heart beats with the rhythm of birdwatching, inviting you to join me for an unparalleled avian adventure. Should you require any photography tips or advice during your excursion, feel free to ask. I´m here to enhance your birdwatching journey and capture those unforgettable moments in stunning photographs.
Birding in El Salvador
Nestled within the confines of Central America, El Salvador may be the smallest of its kind, but its natural wonders speak volumes. It ranks as the 10th country in the world with the greatest bird species density. With six national parks and a staggering 197 protected areas, it serves as a sanctuary for biodiversity. Here, the land undulates with the presence of 177 volcanoes, sculpting diverse habitats that range from mangroves to cloud forests. These isolated ecosystems foster unique evolutionary paths, birthing regional endemism found nowhere else. Amidst this mosaic of landscapes, El Salvador boasts 596 avian species, a testament to its ecological richness and a paradise for avid birdwatchers seeking a glimpse of nature's diverse tapestry.
Birdwatching Tours
Explore our selection of 6 birdwatching tours, each offering a unique experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, spot rare bird species, and learn from our expert guides. Our tours are tailored to your preferences and can accommodate up to four individuals, with convenient hotel pick-up included. Park entrance fees are also covered. Additionally, we will provide bottled water, a printed bird guide, and two pairs of binoculars to enhance your birding experience. Meals are not included.
Half-day birding tour
BICENTENARIO PARK in San Salvador
$50 for 1 birder/ $20 each additional birder
Parque Bicentenario is a park at the base of the San Salvador volcano. It´s characterized by a sub-tropical humid forest, formerly serving as a shaded coffee plantation before undergoing natural forest regeneration. Situated at an elevation ranging between 2624 ft and 2952 ft above sea level (800 m - 900 m), it spans across an area of 91 hectares. This habitat supports a very diverse avifauna considering it´s an urban park, with a recorded count of 184 bird species.
Among the notable sightings are the Yellow-naped Parrot, White-fronted Parrot, Elegant Trogon, Ivory-billed woodcreeper, Thicket Tinamou, White-bellied Chachalacas, Turquoise-browed Motmot (El Salvador's national bird), Long-billed Gnatwren, Chestnut-capped Warbler, Lesson's Motmot, Grey Hawk, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Squirrel Cuckoo, Pacific Parakeet, Orange-fronted Parakeet and Orange-chinned Parakeet.
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Eco Parque El Espino is characterized as an actively managed shaded coffee plantation interspersed with patches of deciduous forest. Located at an elevation ranging from 2642 ft to 3937 ft above sea level (800 m - 1200 m) and spanning across 35 hectares, it provides habitat for a diverse avian community, hosting approximately 221 bird species. It´s ranked as the sixth hotspot for birdwatching in El Salvador. Notable features within the park include small geysers.
Among the easily observable bird species are the Pacific Parakeet, Red-billed Pigeon, Berylline Hummingbird, Bushy-crested Jay, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Masked Tityra, Violet Sabrewing and Collared Aracari. Keep an eye open for Northern Potoo, Lineated Woodpecker, Blue-throated Goldentail, Singing Quail, Olivaceus Woodcreeper, White-tailed Hawk, Scarlet Tanager, Collared Forest-Falcon and Indigo Bunting
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Situated near the renowned beach destination of Costa del Sol, the Rio Jiboa River Mouth emerges as the third hotspot for birdwatching in El Salvador, boasting an impressive count of 246 avian species. This extraordinary location offers unparalleled opportunities for observing shorebirds and waterfowl in their natural habitat. Be prepared for an immersive experience as part of the adventure entails walking along the river mouth—don't forget your water shoes and a change of clothes. The prime visiting period spans from November to April, coinciding with the arrival of Neotropical migrants alongside resident species. During this time, approximately 172 species regularly winter or migrate through El Salvador. Noteworthy sightings include large congregations of Royal Terns, Laughing Gulls, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Franklin's Gulls, Black Skimmers, Western and Least Sandpipers, and Black-necked Stilts. With a stroke of luck, you may even spot Southern Lapwings, Double-striped Thick Knees, Roseate Spoonbills, Peregrine Falcons, Pearl Kites, and American Avocets.
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Half-day birding tour
WALTER DEININGER NATIONAL PARK
(includes a local guide)
$75 for 1 birder/ $35 each additional birder
Full-day birding tour
CERRO VERDE in LOS VOLCANES NATIONAL PARK
(includes a local guide)
$150 for 1 birder/$50 each additional birder
Half-day birding tour
RIO JIBOA ESTUARY in the Pacific Ocean.
$100 for 1 birder/$20 each additional birder
Located due south of San Salvador along the Pacific coastal plain, this adventure park encompasses 730 hectares of riparian and deciduous dry forest. Notable features within the park include caves. Conveniently, it serves as an ideal day-trip destination, being a mere 45-minute drive from the capital and a 20 minute drive from El Tunco beach town . Bird enthusiasts can delight in the observation of 216 avian species, including the Orange-fronted Parakeet, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Black-headed Saltator, Banded Wren, Squirrel Cuckoo and White-lored Gnatcatcher. Additional sightings may include the Red-throated Ant Tanager, Lineated Woodpecker, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, Green Kingfisher, Collared Aracari, Blue-throated Goldentail, Berylline Hummingbird, Violet Sabrewing and three species of trogons. Noteworthy raptors and nocturnal species to keep an eye out for include the Spectacled Owl, Pacific Screech-Owl, Gray-headed Kite, Pearl Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Hook-billed Kite, Crested Caracara, Collared Forest Falcon and Laughing Falcon.
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Los Volcanes is the largest national park in El Salvador, encompassing three significant sites: Cerro Verde, Santa Ana Volcano, and Izalco Volcano, spanning over 6,000 hectares. The habitat predominantly consists of cloud forest situated above coffee plantations at elevations ranging from 5,250 ft to 7,545 ft (1,600 m - 2,300 m) above sea level. Just an hour's drive from San Salvador, Cerro Verde is an ideal destination for a full-day excursion. The park boasts a rich avian diversity with 214 reported species. Easily observable species include the Green-throated Mountaingem, Bushy-crested Jay, Rufous-browed Wren, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Slate-throated Redstart, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, White-faced Quail-Dove, Rufous Sabrewing, Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Red-tailed Hawk, Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Bar-winged Oriole, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, and Prevost's and White-eared Ground Sparrows. Additionally, birdwatchers should keep a lookout for Band-tailed Pigeon, Elegant Euphonia, Eastern Bluebird, Scaled Antpitta, Black-Hawk Eagle, and Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge.
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El Boqueron National Park, situated atop the dormant San Salvador Volcano at an elevation of 5,905 feet (1800 meters), features a prominent attraction: a crater measuring five kilometers in diameter and plunging 558 meters deep. With a reported count of 170 bird species, the park is particularly renowned for its highland avian inhabitants.
Among the notable sightings are the Brown-backed Solitaire, Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush, Mexican Violetear, Rivoli's Hummingbird, White-throated Thrush, Bushy-crested Jay, Rufous-collared Robin, Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, White-winged Tanager, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Spot-breasted Wren and Blue and White Mockingbird. Visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for additional species such as the Hooded Grosbeak, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge, and White-naped Brushfinch.
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Half-day birding tour
ECO PARQUE EL ESPINO in Santa Tecla
$50 for 1 birder/ $20 each additional birder
Full-day birding tour
ECO PARQUE EL ESPINO and PARQUE NACIONAL EL BOQUERON
$80 for 1 birder/ $30 each additional birder
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Amazing birdwatching experience! Rodolfo is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about birds.
Reviews
Highly recommend! Saw a wide variety of bird species and learned so much from Rodolfo.
