Puerto Arturo

Wildlife Refuge

In the Mayan jungle, near Carmelita -the last community north of Petén-, there is a wildlife sanctuary, where scientists can study birds and wildlife from this region.

The Puerto Arturo Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary that combines the scenic beauty of the lagoons with the majesty of the jungle, housing a vast range of wild animals, and is home to thousands of birds -of which some 200 species have been counted- howler monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles, among others.

The flora of the refuges includes xate palms and chicozapote trees, and the site remains relatively virgin thanks to the conservation efforts of the local community.

The jungle and freshwater wetlands of the Puerto Arturo wildlife refuge are home to thousands of resident and migratory birds, as well as a variety of mammals and reptiles.

Tour destination

Tour route

Main Road

Secondary Road

Unpaved road

Eco Lodge

Camping Area

Archeological site

Learn more

Birds

The jungle and freshwater wetlands of the Puerto Arturo wildlife refuge are home to thousands of birds of which some 200 resident and migratory species have been recorded.

Mammals and Reptiles

The jungle of the Puerto Arturo Wildlife Refuge is home to the emblematic jaguar, followed by a great diversity of other wildlife mammals, as well as a great diversity of amphibians, reptiles, and fish.

About Carmelita

From the last century until now, the inhabitants of Carmelita live in harmony with the forest. In 1997, the Government of Guatemala granted Carmelita the Community Forestry Concession, through which the community is responsible for the protection, management and conservation of an area of 530 km2 in which more than 97% of the natural forest is conserved. The Cooperative's Tourism Unit generates employment for most of the families living in the community who participate in the tour activity in different jobs during the trips to the Puerto Arturo Wildlife Refuge.