North America and the Caribbean

Mexico | Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán with Nature Forward

Date:
Nov 28 - Dec 8, 2023
Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
11 Days
Price:
From $3,895
Interests:
Birding
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Bacalar Lagoon
King Vulture
Yucatán Wren
Yucatán Jay
Calakmul archaeological site
Mexican Sheartail
Uxmal archaeological site
Flamingos on the Celestun River
Yucatán spider monkey
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About this trip

Pack your binoculars and embark on a birding adventure with Nature Forward to the environmentally diverse Yucatán Peninsula. 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, you'll 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.
  • Seek out species endemic to the peninsula's north coast, such as the Yucatán Wren and Mexican Sheartail.
  • Learn about Maya history and culture at a variety of archaeological sites representing different periods and architectural styles.
  • 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 flocks of American Flamingo. 

Meet your leader

Mark Garland

Mark Garland is a naturalist who has been leading travel programs for Nature Forward for almost 40 years.  He has led many trips to tropical American, from Mexico to South America, studying birds and natural history.

 

 

Land Cost

$3,895

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $650

 Pricing is based on the Nature Forward member rate. If you are not a member of Nature Forward, please join at natureforward.org/membership before registering for this trip. 

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

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

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Scopes

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

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

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

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Cozumel
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
Hotel Villa Blanca
Cozumel
This morning, set out for birding at the San Gervasio archaeological site on the north side of the island. The site, whose pre-Columbian name means "flat rock in the place of the swallows," was once a Maya religious center and administrative seat for the entire island. Watch for species like the Yucatan Vireo, Yucatan Woodpecker, Bananaquit, Cozumel Emerald, Green-breasted Mango, Ruddy Ground Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, and Cozumel (House) 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
Hotel Villa Blanca
Chetumal
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 of Felipe Carrillo Puerto 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 Chetumal around 5 pm for check-in and dinner. Elevation 33 feet
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Fiesta Inn
Chetumal
After breakfast, visit the archaeological site of Oxtankah, north of the city of Chetumal. Oxtankah is immersed in the tropical Caribbean forest and is the largest known Maya site on Chetumal Bay. Some of the species that may be seen here include Brown and Yucatan Jays, Caribbean Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, 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 Fiesta Inn
Xpujil
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
Chicanna Ecovillage Resort
Xpujil
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
Chicanna Ecovillage Resort
Uxmal
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
Hotel Maya Uxmal
Uxmal
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
Hotel Maya Uxmal
Celestun
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 & Villas Playa Maya Resort
Merida
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
After breakfast transfer to the Merida International Airport for return flights home.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$3,895

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $650

 Pricing is based on the Nature Forward member rate. If you are not a member of Nature Forward, please join at natureforward.org/membership before registering for this trip. 

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Water refill station during transfers
  • 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 airfare
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 10 participants in double occupancy.

A $500 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 95 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $650


Final payment due date: August 25, 2023

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport 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.

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 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 & other Insect-borne Illnesses

The CDC warns that travelers to certain regions of Mexico, including the Yucatán Peninsula, may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC recommends that travelers 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.

The CDC also warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Mexico. In addition, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus and chikungunya have previously been reported. As there are currently no vaccines available for these illnesses, follow the mosquito avoidance guidelines listed 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, safely remove it as soon as possible.

Travelers’ diarrhea

The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. 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.

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 our Gear Store.

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
"Our time in Mexico was expertly guided. It was a life-changing experience."
- Mary C.
Mexico , 2023
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