 
"Cayaya Birding ... resident specialists with unmatched knowledge of birding hot-spots." Rough Guide to Guatemala, 4th edition (2009), p.30, by Iain Stewart. |
 
"You could easily center your entire Guatemala vacation around birding, Guatemala's best birding outfitter is Cayaya Birding." Moon Handbooks Guatemala, 2nd edition (2007), p.23, by Al Argueta. |
März 2011, 21-Tage Foto-Tour in Guatemala (Reiseleitung: Knut Eisermann):
Für eine Reise nach Guatemala nur zu empfehlen!
Peter Wächtershäuser (Bad Homburg, Germany) www.naturlichter.de
September 2010, birding tour with local bird guides:
If birding in Guatemala CAYAYA BIRDING is your best bet!
Augusto Faustino (Portugal).
November 2010, birding tour incl. Pacific and Atlantic slope highlands, and Tikal (Tour leader: Knut Eisermann and local guides):
My wife, Becky, and I recently spent two weeks birding and travelling in Guatemala with another couple where we used Cayaya Birding for logistical support and bird guiding. We were extremely pleased with both aspects including the local guides that they have identified and mentored. Knut and Claudia are developing the birding eco-tourism industry in Guatemala and we would highly recommend tham to any groups or independent birders considering a trip.
Jim Carlson (Eugene, Oregon, USA).
1-9 May 2010, Tikal and Pacific slope highlands (Leader: Claudia Avendaño and Luis Oliveros):
We were particularly impressed with the knowledge and proffessionalism of our guides Claudia and Luis. We particularly appreciated the time that they took to drive us around and to explain to us the history and the many cultures of Guatemala. We feel that we had a very personalized trip and picture of Guatamala. A very special adventure.
Anita and Marlin Jones, Sidney (British Columbia, Canada, and McCall, Idaho, USA).
15-25 April 2010, customized hummingbird tour (Leader: Claudia Avendaño and Knut Eisermann):
Claudia was great in helping us set up our tour. She asked us questions that helped us to have a better tour. Claudia greeted us at the airport upon arrival and was our tour guide the first afternoon. We had a leisurely afternoon as far as hard core birding goes, however, when the afternoon was over Claudia had already found over twenty birds that was on our target list. Not to mention, countless of other birds that was not on our list. Claudia was fun to be with, enthusiastic, patient, and a great birder.
The next morning we were met by Knut at our hotel. Knut too was a joy to be around, and a fantastic birder. Knut always had energy to spare of which we could have used a little of his at times. Knut knew where to look for targeted birds. He recognized them instantly by sound, and sight, and was good at directing us so we could see them. His skills with his spotting scope were commendable. Knut also has a wide set of natural history skills outside of birds that anyone should take advantage of. Knut’s people skills were as good as his birding skills. Whether you are looking for target species or just interested in a general birding tour. We strongly recommend Cayaya Birding Tours.
Gretchen and Stanley Jones, Bryan, TX, USA.
24 December 2009 - 1 January 2010, Tikal and Pacific slope highlands (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
Great birds, great scenery, great food, great trip. My son and I had a wonderful and memorable time. Knut and Claudia did an excellent job for us, and we hope to visit Guatemala with them again soon.
Iain Ewing (Ewing Communications), Singapore.
27 December 2009 - 5 January 2010, Pacific slope highlands and Tikal (Leader: Claudia Avendaño):
Claudia organised our trip perfectly. We had some terrific birding in the highlands and at Tikal, with a good insight into the highland region and the chance to explore the great ruins at Tikal. We should have stayed longer!
Marcus I'Anson, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK.
11-17 November 2009, Pacific and Highland Endemics Tour with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Claudia Avendaño):
In the short period of five days, Claudia and Josué showed me 135 bird species around Antigua, at Tecpán and at Los Tarrales, including Pink-headed Warbler, Tody Motmot and lots of hummingbirds, many species that are difficult to find anywhere but in Guatemala. If one includes a tour to the Atlantic slope, which I did not do, Guatemala is a good alternative to visiting Costa Rica. I liked particularly how Cayaya Birding collaborates with Los Tarrales to bring sustainable agriculture, nature conservation, ecotourism and ornithological science together.
Hans-Ulrich Bernard, Irvine, CA, USA
September 1-7, 2008, Pacific Slope and Highland Endemics Tour with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Claudia Avendaño):
"My husband Herman D’Entremont and I had a wonderful introduction to Guatemalan birds and culture which we describe in detail at http://theworld.com/~eva/guatemala.html. In short, Herman got thirty-some life-birds and I got nice avian photo-ops. We were safe and comfortable and well fed throughout the week, and we met great people. Herman has a few disabilities which Cayaya Birding accommodated beautifully. Two thumbs way up!"
Eva Casey, Somerville, MA, USA.
26. April - 12. Mai 2008, 4. Große VSO-Reise mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleitung: Knut Eisermann und Claudia Avendaño)
"So stelle ich mir eine vogelkundliche Reise durch ein Land vor!" Siehe Reisebericht
Hartmut Meyer, Geschäftsführer, Verein Sächsischer Ornithologen, Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany.
26. April - 12. Mai 2008, 4. Große VSO-Reise mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleitung: Knut Eisermann und Claudia Avendaño):
"Die Reise war sehr gut geplant und dank der prima Vorbereitung klappte alles hervorragend. Das betrifft die Auswahl der Quartiere und Gaststätten und natürlich ganz besonders auch der unterschiedlichen Lebensräume. Beeindruckend war, mit welcher Sicherheit die gesuchten Vogelarten auch wirklich gefunden werden konnten. Auch der kulturelle Rahmen war gut abgesteckt, so wurden uns Einblicke in die Geschichte und Kultur des Landes ermöglicht. Ich kann und werde solcherart ornithologische Erkundungsreisen jederzeit weiterempfehlen. " Siehe Reisebericht
Klaus Fabian, Dresden.
26. April - 12. Mai 2008, 4. Große VSO-Reise mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleitung: Knut Eisermann und Claudia Avendaño):
"Diese Reise, die durch Knut Eisermann und Claudia Avendaño (CAYAYA BIRDING) speziell für die Vereinsmitglieder des VSO e.V. organisiert und durchgeführt wurde, habe ich mit der Erwartung angetreten, Einblicke in die Vogelwelt des mittelamerikanischen Staates zu erhalten, aber auch Land und Leute kennen zu lernen. Hinzu kommt mein ganz persönliches Interesse, die Aktivitäten, die unserer Freunde Knut und Claudia für den Naturschutz und für die Maya-Bevölkerung leisten, einmal direkt vor Ort, und nicht nur durch Vorträge in Deutschland zu erleben. Meine Erwartungen wurden durch das Erlebte übertroffen.
Die Reise wird für mich ein unvergesslich schönes Erlebnis bleiben.
Knut Eisermann - aus Chemnitz stammend - ist durch seinen mehr als 10-jährigen Aufenthalt in Guatemala zu einem absoluten Kenner sowohl der guatemaltekischen Avifauna als auch der durchziehenden Arten aus Nordamerika geworden.
So erhielten wir zu allen gesehenen Vögeln eine fachkundige Erklärung über Unterscheidungsmerkmale und Verbreitung der jeweiligen Art. Die Erklärung erfolgte sowohl im Bestimmungsbuch wie auch am Vogel selbst.
Gemeinsam mit Claudia Avendaño führt er unter Einbeziehung der einheimischen Bevölkerung langfristige Vogelmonitoringprogramme in ganz Guatemala durch.
Das Vertrauensverhältnis, das Beide dabei zu den Mayas aufgebaut haben, durften wir durch Einblicke in das Leben der Q'eqchi' Maya auf unserer Reise erleben. Unvergesslich auch die Führung durch den Tikal Nationalpark, der mit seinen Maya-Pyramiden inmitten endlosen Regenwaldes seit 1979 zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe gehört.
Zusammengefasst: Die Reise war von der Begrüßung bis zur Verabschiedung am Flughafen Guatemala-City perfekt und liebevoll organisiert und durchgeführt.
Vielen Dank Claudia und Knut! " Siehe Reisebericht
Dieter Kronbach, Limbach-Oberfrohna.
28 December 2007 - 3 January 2008, Customized Birding Tour with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"Claudia Avendaño and Knut Eisermann organized a one week custom tour for Pacific slope bird specialties and the cultural attractions of colonial Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Knut was an outstanding guide and personable companion. His knowledge of the birds is encyclopedic, and his sharp eyes and perseverance were greatly appreciated." See trip report
Robert Orenstein, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
May 2007, 5 days birding tour focused on regional endemics with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"In 2005, my wife and I went to Guatemala on holiday for a week in November.
During that trip, we arranged a 3 day birding trip with Cayaya Birding to
look for the Horned Guan. We had a very successful (albeit very strenuous)
hike up the side of Volcano Atitlan, the highlight of which was prolonged
looks at two Horned Guans looking back at us. I was very impressed with everything
about Knut Eisermann, co-owner, chief cook and bottle washer for Cayaya Birding.
He is a brilliant field ornithologist, a great logistician and an all-around
very pleasant fellow. Thus when business took me back to Guatemala
in May 2007, I pre-arranged a 5 day trip with Knut once again. My goal this
time was to look for Resplendent Quetzals and look for highland rainforest
owls."
Alan van Norman, Bismarck, North Dakota, USA
May 2007, 5 days birding tour focused on regional endemics with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"I thought the tour was very well organized. Knut is a very good bird guide and knows the birds very well. The places we stayed, especially Tarrales and Chelemha were wonderful."
Patty O'Neill, Milton, MA, USA
May 2007, 5 days birding tour focused on regional endemics with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"I found Knut knowledgable and full of energy. We found birds effeciently. The accommadations were good and the food excellant."
Bob Walton, USA
April 2007, 8 days birding tour focused on regional endemics with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"Until recently, I'd never thought too much about birding Guatemala. Our trip with Knut has convinced to return as soon as possible and see more of this fascinating country. Experiencing the Mayan culture and the fabulous birds in the mountains is something I'll never forget. Having traveled with other birding companies, I'd have to recommend Cayaya Birding over the others for personal service and effort given to show us every possible species. A truly remarkable experience.
"
Howard King, Riverside, CA, USA
April 2007, 8 days birding tour focused on regional endemics with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"Knut and Claudia are amazing.....we told them what we wanted to see and they planned a perfect itinerary. We saw almost all of our target birds! Can't wait to do another trip with them!
"
Lori Conrad, Hermosa Beach, CA, USA
March 2007, 10 days birding tour with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Knut Eisermann):
"Cayaya Birding did a great job for us and was outstanding both in terms
of the birding and the logistics of the trip. Knut Eisermann and Claudia Avendaño,
who run Cayaya Birding together, are deeply knowledgeable about the avifauna
of Guatemala, are great birders and organized everything without a hitch.
They are working hard surveying the birdlife in Guatemala, developing birding
and eco-tourism through local lodges such as Los Tarrales and Chelemha (described
below), and exposing Guatemala as a first rate birding destination with marquee
species that may be found more easily in Guatemala than in any other area.
We would heartily recommend them for anyone interested in birding in Guatemala."
Jeffrey F. Peters, Weston, MA, USA
March 2005, 3 days customized birding tour in Guatemalan highlands with CAYAYA BIRDING:
"Guatemala was a pleasant surprise: perhaps two well-kept secrets should be dispelled now. 1. There is a good tourist infrastructure, better than expected, with comfortable accommodation and decent roads. 2. There is a knowledgeable local birder (Knut) who can show you all the birds, including Horned Guan (see photo), Azure-rumped (Cabanis') Tanager and Blue-throated Motmot. Anyone interested in wildlife or Mayan culture will not be disappointed. For the serious birder, there is the chance to see some rare species not easily seen elsewhere in Central America. There should be no reason to put off a trip to Guatemala: start your planning now."
Geoff Dobbs, East Yorkshire, England
February 2005, 17 days customized birding tour with CAYAYA BIRDING:
"We were 6 senior Danes, however still quite venturous and with great love for nature, some of us especially keen on birds. We found Cayaya Birding on the internet which we never regretted. We got the most excellent service with regard to planning a trip quite according to our wishes and with their professional advice. More than 300 birds were seen during the 17 days we spent in Guatemala. Knut has a talent for spotting, hearing, and recognizing everything. And for our guidance he was carrying these very heavy field guides all the time, so that he could at once show us in the books the birds in question and point out their characteristics. We learnt a lot, and we loved all the sites on the trip. As an extra service, Claudia joined us during the trip to Monterrico, because of the small boats where we had to split up in two groups. They wanted us to have a guide on each boat – isn’t that service ! And it was nice for us to get this opportunity to meet Claudia, who had done so much work for us in planning our trip, not only in Guatemala, but also in El Salvador, where we were going afterwards. The tour with Knut and Claudia was quite exceptional, not only because of their professional competence and their ability to take care of our well-being, but also because of their great sense of humour which meant that we enjoyed their company so much."
Kirsten Geertz-Hansen, Farum, Denmark
February 2005, 6 days birding in Petén with CAYAYA BIRDING (Leader: Claudia Avendaño):
"Claudia’s expertise and hospitality is a joy and I can only recommend bird-watching with her. You will not only see the birds but also improve your identifying the different calls. I shall definitely tour with them again!"
Eva Kiefer, Zurich, Switzerland
Januar 2004, 4 Tage Vogelbeobachtung in Los Tarrales mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleiterin: Claudia Avendaño):
"Claudia war sehr professionell und wir waren dankbar für ihre umfangreichen ornithologischen Kenntnisse. Sie erklärte den "Neu-Ornithologen" unserer Gruppe gedultig worauf man zuerst achten sollte. Für die "Birderin" unserer Gruppe war es gleichzeitig aufregend, Details der Vogelbestimmung, sowohl gesehener als gehörter Arten, zu erleben. Außerdem war Claudias Hingabe für die Ausbildung guatemaltekischer Indígenas über nachhaltiges Ressoucenmanagement auffallend während ihrer Interaktion mit unserem lokalen Guide. Alle Reiseleistungen wurden unverzüglich und zuvorkommend entgegengebracht. Wir haben CAYAYA BIRDING an zwei guatemaltekische Familien sowie unseren Freunden zu Hause in den USA weiterempfohlen."
Steve und Liz Welch, Wakefield, Road Island, USA.
November 2003, 3 Tage Vogelbeobachtung in Los Tarrales mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleiterin: Claudia Avendaño):
"Wir haben CAYAYA BIRDING als professionelles, flexibles und gründliches Unternehmen erlebt. Mit Claudia haben wir excellente Vogelbeobachtungen erlebt und reichhaltige Informationen zu Flora und Fauna erhalten. Die Unterkunft in Los Tarrales war angemessen und komfortabel und die Mahlzeiten sehr gut. Wir konnten eine funktionierende Kaffeeplantage und Ornamentalpflanzenzucht sehen. Wir haben sogar den Lehrer in der Finca kennengelernt und haben begeistert die Kinder beobachtet."
David Cole und Betty Slade, Westport Point, Massachusetts, USA.
April 2003, Natur- und Foto-Tour mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleiter: Knut Eisermann & Claudia Avendaño):
" 3 Wochen CAYAYA BIRDING heißt:
März 2003, 12 Tage Naturreise mit CAYAYA BIRDING (Reiseleiter: Knut Eisermann & Claudia Avendaño):
"Wir haben mit Claudia und Knut 12 Tage lang eine sehr spannende, sehr dichte und sehr liebevoll vorbereitete Tour durch die wichtigsten Regionen Guatemalas erlebt, bei der keine Frage unbeantwortet blieb und alles bestens geklappt hat. Dabei waren wir immer bestens untergebracht in sorgfältig ausgewählten Quartieren außerhalb der großen Touristenpfade. Beide überzeugen durch ihre souveräne wissenschaftliche Sachkenntnis sowohl in kulturellen als auch in ökologischen und landeskundlichen Fragestellungen als auch durch ihr Engagement für ihre spannenden Projekte. Dabei ist gleichzeitig ihre unaufdringliche, aber immer aufmerksame Art der Vermittlung hervorzuheben. Wir haben uns immer sicher, gut betreut und bestens versorgt gefühlt, die landesübliche Verpflegung war immer sehr gut und bekömmlich. Die CAYAYA BIRDING homepage ist keine Übertreibung."
Vera Luthardt und Günther Vahrson (Fachhochschule Eberswalde).