North America and the Caribbean

Mexico | Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán

Duration:
11 Days
Price:
From $3,995
Interests:
Birding
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American Flamingos on the Celestun River
Calakmul Structure I
Ocellated Turkeys
Collared Trogon
Fort of San Felipe overlooking Bacalar Lagoon
White-fronted Parrots
Yucatan spider monkey
Yucatan Wren
Yucatan Jay
Organize This Trip
Organize This Trip

About this trip

Pack your binoculars and embark on an adventure to the environmentally diverse Yucatán Peninsula for a fun mix of birding and Maya history. Witness native birds soar above the stunning ruins of Oxtankah, Chicanná, Calakmul, Hochob, Uxmal, and other archaeological sites on this journey through the Maya world. Heads will turn at every point of this expedition as you look for a rainbow array of birds including hummingbirds, parrots, tanagers, toucans, raptors, and many more. From trail hikes to boat rides, birders will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities while exploring the history of the Maya and the birds that inhabit the ruins of this ancient civilization.

Highlights

  • Embark on a boat ride on Bacalar Lagoon, nicknamed the "Lake of Seven Colors" for its different shades of blue, and look for herons, egrets, jacanas, and other waders.
  • Learn about Maya history and culture at a variety of archaeological sites representing different periods and architectural styles.
  • Seek out species endemic to the peninsula's north coast, such as the Yucatan Wren and Mexican Sheartail.
  • Watch overhead for soaring raptors, such as Hook-billed and Gray-headed Kites, Black and Ornate Hawk-Eagles, and the magnificent King Vulture at Calakmul archaeological site.
  • Go birding by boat among the marshes and mangroves of the Celestun River, where you may see American Pygmy Kingfisher and, from November to February, flocks of American Flamingo. 
9 Travelers

$3,995

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Scopes

All of our birding guides carry scopes to improve your chances of spotting even the most hard to find species

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

INCLUSIVE PRICING

Unlike other travel providers, our pricing includes most meals, activities, and entrance fees so your group won’t have to travel with extra cash to cover surprise expenses.

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Cozumel
Day 1
Upon arrival at the Cozumel International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Attend an orientation meeting and have dinner at the hotel. Elevation - Sea level
Dinner included
Villa Blanca
Cozumel
Day 2
This morning, have breakfast at a nearby restaurant and set out for birding at the south corner of the Island of Cozumel. Punta Sur is a vestigial Mayan port where a couple Mayan temples remain dedicated to the Mayan-goddess Ixchel. The nature park of Punta Sur holds a good list of species and subspecies endemic to the island such as: Yellow Warbler (Cozumel Golden Warbler and Cozumel Mangrove Warbler) Ridgway's Osprey, Yucatan Vireo, Yucatan Woodpecker, Bananaquit, Cozumel Emerald, Green breasted Mango, Ruddy Ground Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, and Cozumel Wren. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring and birding the southern end of the island. Later, return to the hotel with time to freshen up before a presentation on the birds of Cozumel and extinct species, followed by dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Villa Blanca
Bacalar
Day 3
Begin the day with early morning birding around the hotel gardens. After breakfast, check out and take the ferry from the pier in Cozumel to Playa del Carmen on the mainland; from there, continue south. Stop for lunch in the town before arriving to Síijil Noh Há, a series of lagoons within the 3,000-acre Much Kanan K'áax Nature Reserve. Go birding along the trails around the lagoons, watching for Red-throated and Red-crowned Ant-Tanagers, Northern Jacana, Social Flycatcher, Mangrove Swallow, Melodious Blackbird, Brown Jay, and White-necked Puffbird, among others. Arrive at the hotel in Bacalar around 5 pm for check-in and dinner. Elevation 33 feet .
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Casa Akal
Bacalar
Day 4
After breakfast, visit the archaeological site of Ich-kabal is a large ancient Maya city located in the jungle of Quintana Roo in Mexico dating from the Middle Preclassic period of the Maya civilization around 400 BC, it developed as a monumental city until the Postclassic period Some of the species that may be seen here include Brown and Yucatan Jays, Caribbean Dove, Lineated Woodpeckers, Black headed Trogon, and Rose throated Becard. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then take a boat ride around Bacalar Lagoon, known as the "Lake of Seven Colors" due to its different shades of blue. During the ride, you may see Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Neotropic Cormorant, Limpkin, Northern Jacana, Lesser Yellow headed Vulture, and White fronted Parrot. Return to the pier and visit the colonial Fort of San Felipe for more birding. Back at the hotel, you'll have time at leisure to relax or watch for avian visitors in the hotel gardens. This evening, attend a lecture on birding in the Yucatán before dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Casa Akal
Xpujil
Day 5
Check out after breakfast and head further inland toward Xpujil, stopping for birding en route in the tropical forests at Caobas and Tres Garantías, near the border with Belize and Guatemala. Some target species here include White-crowned Parrot, Lineated and Pale-billed Woodpeckers, Plain Chachalaca, Purple Gallinule, Royal and Boat-billed Flycatchers, Green Kingfisher, Greenish Elaenia, Stub-tailed Spadebill, Collared and Black-headed Trogons, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Continue to Xpujil for lunch, and then transfer about four miles west to Chicanná archaeological site for a field trip in the ruins. This site was once the political, economic, and religious center of the area known today as Rio Bec. The site's name translates to House of the Serpent Mouth, a reference to its most famous building; this temple's facade depicts the Monster of the Earth from Maya creation stories and is widely acknowledged to be among the best-preserved of its kind in the entirety of Mesoamerica. Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, and a variety of warblers, tanagers, hummingbirds, and raptors can be seen here. Check in at the hotel this afternoon with time for birding around the hotel's gardens. Be on the lookout for Crested Guan, Great Curassow, Russet-naped Wood-Rail, and Thicket Tinamou. Elevation 853 feet
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Villas Chicanna
Xpujil
Day 6
Rise early with a boxed breakfast for birding at Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Calakmul is within the 35-million-acre Mayan Forest, the largest contiguous tract of tropical forest outside the Amazon Basin, and provides refuge for many rare and endangered species. Within the reserve is the Calakmul archaeological site; the top of the complex's great pyramid offers a good vantage point to look for soaring raptors, such as Hook-billed and Gray-headed Kites, Black and Ornate Hawk-Eagles, and the magnificent King Vulture, which is the symbol of Calakmul. Other possibilities include regional endemic species such as the Ocellated Turkey and Rose-throated Tanager, as well as vulnerable birds like the Great Curassow. Have a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel this afternoon for more birding around the hotel gardens.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel VIllas Chicanna
Uxmal
Day 7
After early morning birding, breakfast, and check-out, proceed to the small but interesting Maya ruins at Hochob. Hochob is an excellent example of the Chenes architectural style, which flourished from about AD 100 to 1000 and is distinguished by smaller courtyards and ceremonial platforms and a lack of large pyramids. In the forests around Hochob you may be able to see Yucatan (Black-throated) Bobwhite, Lesser Roadrunner, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ladder-backed and Yucatan Woodpeckers, Turquoise-browed and Lesson's Motmots, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Enjoy a picnic lunch on site and then continue the drive north to Uxmal. Check in at the hotel with time for birding around the grounds before dinner. Elevation 177 feet
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Uxmal Resort Maya
Uxmal
Day 8
Morning birding at Uxmal site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive and important Maya archeological sites in the Yucatan. Typical of the Puuc style, the buildings are low horizontal structures with courtyards that are richly decorated with detailed sculptures made from thousands of perfectly polished stones. The ruins are clustered into 15 groups that spread from north to south, and highlights include the Pyramid of the Magician with its Plaza of the Birds, the Ball Court, the Governor's Palace, and the Great Pyramid. In the afternoon, bird the grounds of Hacienda Yunku before returning to the hotel for dinner and a lecture on birding in the Yucatan.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Uxmal Resort Maya
Celestun
Day 9
Begin the day with early morning birding, then have breakfast and check out. Depart for Celestun with a roadside stop for birding in the Chunchucmil community, where you may see Lesser Roadrunner, Russet-naped Wood-Rail, Northern Jacana, Squirrel Cuckoo, Caribbean Dove, and Blue-black Grassquit, among others. Upon arrival, have lunch and check in at the hotel. There will be a chance to seek out some species that are endemic to the north coast, such as Yucatan Wren and Mexican Sheartail, as well as other species like Yucatan Bobwhite, Yucatan Woodpecker, Black Catbird, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Buff-bellied and Cinnamon Hummingbirds, Mangrove (Yellow) Warbler, and Common Tody-Flycatcher. Next, listen to a lecture on local flamingo conservation efforts. Dinner at the hotel. Elevation 19 feet
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Don Gonzalo
Merida
Day 10
Early morning birding. After breakfast, take a boat ride down the Celestun River. Targets today include American Flamingos (which are most abundant from November to February but can be seen throughout the year), the elusive Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Lesson's Motmot, Common Black Hawk, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Roseate Spoonbill, Boat-billed Heron, White Ibis, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, and others. After lunch in town, travel to Merida and check in at the hotel. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. Merida 33 feet
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Casa Balam
Depart
Day 11
After breakfast transfer to the Merida International Airport for return flights home.
Breakfast- included
9 Travelers

$3,995

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time expert birding naturalist guide for duration of program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport book to enter Mexico. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months’ validity. A passport card is not acceptable for entry to the U.S. by air.

International travelers flying into the state of Quintana Roo (for example, through an international airport in Cozumel, Cancún, or Chetumal) are required to pay a visitor tax (VisiTax) online at www.visitax.gob.mx before departing the U.S. This tax is not included in the cost of your flight. The fee is 271 Mexican pesos (approximately USD $15) per person, payable via credit card. You will need to provide your passport number and contact information, and once payment is processed, you will receive a QR code as confirmation. Be sure to use the official government portal linked above to avoid scam sites or third-party vendors with high service fees.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Mexican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Mexico.

Though not required, the CDC does recommend vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Mexico.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Malaria

The CDC warns that malaria transmission, while rare, may be present in the Mexican states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC recommends that travelers to these regions take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. To protect against mosquitos and other biting insects, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, please consult your physician.

Other Vector-borne Illnesses

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Mexico, including dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and others. Travelers to Mexico should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

Cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne illness, have been reported in the Yucatán Peninsula. To protect against tick bites, follow the measures above. After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, use tweezers to safely remove it as soon as possible.

Travelers’ diarrhea

The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness worldwide. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is very important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you contract diarrhea.

Some people are extremely sensitive and may get diarrhea simply because of dietary changes. If you are prone to gastrointestinal issues, consult your physician or nutritionist for preventative measures.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions.
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more rugged itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re visiting the beach or swimming in cenotes, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport, FMM (if you've obtained it in advance), and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or cell phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
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