Extended tour Chiapas + Oaxaca
Chiapas and Oaxaca are among the most biologically diverse states in Mexico, hosting a wide range of ecosystems that support an exceptional variety of bird species, including many regional endemics and habitat specialists. This post-congress excursion has been designed for participants interested in exploring these two regions in greater depth after the XXIX International Ornithological Congress® Mexico 2026.
Main birding spots: - San Cristobal de las Casas - Montetik - Sumidero Canyon - El Ocote Natural Reserve - Punta Arista - Juchitan - Huatulco (Pelagic trip) - Huatulco Natural Park - Pluma Hidalgo - El Encanto, Ixtepeji - Teotitlan del Valle - Monte Alban
Day 0: Departure day
The tour departs from Mérida the day after the Congress concludes. The tour includes the domestic flight from Mérida to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, as well as ground transportation to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where birding activities begin the following day. Participants are only responsible for arranging their return flights from Oaxaca City to their home destinations. All logistical and travel details will be clearly specified during the registration process.
⏾ First night in Tuxtla
Day 1: San Christobal
Set in the highlands of Chiapas, San Cristóbal is surrounded by very well conserved pine forest area. Target birds include the amazing Pink-headed Warbler, Unicolored Jay, Black-throated Jay, Rufous-browed Wren, Blue-throated Motmot, and several hummingbirds like the Wine-throated Hummingbird, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem.
⏾ Second night in Tuxtla
Day 2: Sumidero Canyon
The dramatic cliffs and dry forests of Sumidero Canyon create unique habitats for many birds. We’ll look for Belted Flycatcher, Russet-crowned Motmot, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Blue, White Mockingbird, Bar-winged Oriole, Blue Seedeater, and many migratory birds.
⏾ Third night in Tuxtla
Day 3: Ocote Reserve and Arriaga road
Heading to the coast, the first early morning stop is in The Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve, which protects humid tropical forest and deep limestone canyons. Birdlife here includes, Keel-billed Toucan, Green Shrike-Vireo, along with Smoky-brown Woodpecker and the Slate-colored Solitaire. This reserve is a refuge for species of both lowland rainforest and karst habitats, giving good chances to see the Navas Wren.
Then, we will continue to the coast making stops along the way to spot the Rose-breasted Bunting.
⏾ Night in Arriaga
Day 4: Juchitán
This day would be driving to Huatulco, making two stops in Juchitan and in Playa Colorada. Juchitán corresponds to transition zone mixes dry forest, scrub, and coastal plain, creating one of Oaxaca’s most diverse birding areas. Here we may see West Mexican Chachalaca, Citreoline Trogon, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Orange-breasted Bunting, as well as Spot-breasted Oriole and Golden-cheeked Woodpecker. The cultural richness of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec adds to the experience.
⏾ First night in Huatulco
Day 5: Huatulco
Take a boat to travel offshore to get into pelagic waters. There's a high chance to see different pelagic species like the Least and Black Storm-Petrel, Pink-footed Shearwater and Wedge-tailed Shearwater.
Then, in the afternoon, the coastal dry forest and mangroves of Huatulco National Park are home to a great variety of Pacific slope birds. Targets include, Russet-crowned Motmot, Russet-naped Wren, White-lored Gnatcatcher, and colorful species such as Orange-breasted Bunting and Red-breasted Chat. Nocturnal birding here is especial, some targets are: Pacific Screech-Owl, Colima Pygmy Owl, Northern Potoo, Buff-collared Nightjar.
⏾ Second night in Huatulco
Day 6: Pluma Hidalgo
Drive to the highlands near Huatulco heading to Pluma Hidalgo. Thisi is coffee-growing town at 1200 m is surrounded by cloud forest with rich avifauna. Specialties include Northern Emerald Toucanet, Mexican Hermit, Golden Vireo, Red-headed Tanager, along with Happy Wren, Cinnamon-rumped Seedeater, Flammulated Flycatcher and many others.
Drive in the afternoon to San José del Pacífico. This is a perfect place for some specialties like the Bumblebee Hummingbird, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Hooded Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, Mountain Trogon, Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, White-throated Jay and other birds of the pine forest.
⏾ Night in San Jose
Day 7: San Jose
In the morning, we will go birdwatching in this forested area, focusing on finding any local specialties that may still be missing.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Oaxaca City. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy the city’s cultural atmosphere or to rest.
⏾ First night in Oaxaca
Day 8: Teotitlan Del Valle
This Zapotec village is surrounded by dry valleys, scrub, and reservoirs. It is one of the best places to find Oaxaca Sparrow, Bridled Sparrow, Beautiful Hummingbird, Gray-breasted Woodpecker, Dwarf Vireo, Ocellated Thrasher, Boucard’s Wren, along with Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush and Dusky Hummingbird. Cultural highlights include local weaving traditions and nearby Yagul ruins.
⏾ Second night in Oaxaca
Day 9: La Cumbre Ixtepeji
La Cumbre Ixtepeji protects pine-oak forest between 2700–2900 m. This ecosystem hosts Dwarf Jay, Red Warbler, Collared Towhee, Long-tailed Wood-Partridge, Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, Mountain Trogon, Gray-barred Wren, plus night birds like Fulvous Owl and Mexican Whip-poor-will. These cool forests are among the richest birding spots in Oaxaca.
⏾ Third night in Oaxaca
Day 10: Monte Alban
Just 8 km from Oaxaca City, Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by arid scrub and oak woodland. Birding here can produce Slaty Vireo, Ocellated Thrasher, White-throated Towhee, Pileated Flycatcher, Black-vented Oriole, Elegant Trogon, as well as Blue Mockingbird and Happy Wren. A perfect blend of history, archaeology, and birding.
⏾ Forth night in Oaxaca
Day 11: Oaxaca City
Drop-off day. After breakfast, transfer to Oaxaca City airport or hotel, marking the end of our services.
Price and Reservation
Includes:
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Domestic flight from Merida to Tuxtla, Chiapas.
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Includes a 15km checked baggage and taxes.
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Guiding services
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Entrance tickets
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Transportation from hotel in Merida to airport and to all spots of the trip, and Drop-Off at Oaxaca City airport.
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Double room acomodatin (+ $600 for single room accomodation)
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Group size: 4–8 participants
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Meals, Snacks and Water
$3150 USD
$55,100 MXN
Montetik, San Cristobal 2026
