Mexico | Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán
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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 with Southern Adirondack Audubon Society. Witness native birds soar above the stunning archaeological sites of Uxmal, Ichkabal, Chicanná, Calakmul, and Hochob on this journey through the Maya world. 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
- Take 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 mangrove wetlands of the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, where you may see American Flamingo, the elusive Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Yellow-tailed Oriole, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and a variety of herons and other wading birds.
- Visit a coastal nature park on Cozumel for the chance to see several birds endemic to the island, including the Cozumel Emerald, Cozumel Wren, and the Cozumel subspecies of the Mangrove Yellow Warbler.
Activity Level 3: Moderate
Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time.
$3,975
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $635
What makes us different
Rich content
Carbon offsetting
Wildlife up-close
Service anytime
Top birding guides
Unique Itineraries
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryCozumel
Cozumel
Bacalar
Bacalar
Xpujil
Xpujil
Uxmal
Uxmal
Celestun
Merida
Depart
Pricing
Print Pricing$3,975
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $635
What's Included
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Water refill station during transfers
- Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal nature
Pricing Details
A deposit of $350 per person is required to reserve your place on the program. Reservations received after the final payment deadline must be accompanied by full payment. Should you need to cancel your reservation, the following per person fees will apply: 120 days or more before departure: $100 cancellation fee. 119-96 days before departure: $350 cancellation fee (full deposit). 95 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total program cost is non-refundable. In most cases, any applicable refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.
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
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport book to enter Mexico. (A passport card, as opposed to a book, is not acceptable for entry by air.) 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.
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, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, please consult your physician.
Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.
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.
Liability Waivers
Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.
Resources
Print ResourcesPacking 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 one or two slightly nicer, “smart casual” outfits if your itinerary includes dinners out, museum visits, city tours, or similar 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 – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. 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
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent (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.
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all roadside stops
Your local guide will carry a basic first aid kit, but you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness medication (if you are prone to sea/motion sickness), anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, aloe vera gel (to treat sunburn), 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 and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable) – We recommend packing medications in their original bottles/packaging with pharmacy labeling.
- 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
- Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by, etc.) for down time, long drives, or on the airplane
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
- 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
Questions?
Contact Debbie Jordan at 866-748-6146 or debbie@holbrooktravel.com
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