Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for coming to this section. Here, we provide a wide range of information about our services during the 2026 International Ornithology Congress
The Essentials: Planning Your Trip
Can I join a birding tour without missing Congress sessions?
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Yes. We have specifically designed Half-Day and Afternoon tours that align with the congress schedule.
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Morning tours end by 10:00 am, allowing you to attend the rest of the day's programmed activities.
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Afternoon "Birding and Sunset" trips depart at 2:30 pm.
What if I only have one day available?
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We offer several Single-Day tours that can be scheduled immediately before or after the congress.
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Options include Chichén Itzá, Celestún, and the Puuc Route/Uxmal.
​What are the options for Multi-day Expeditions before and after the Congress?
We offer specialized birding itineraries designed to fit perfectly with the event schedule:
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Pre-Congress Tours: These begin in Cancún (CUN) for international arrival convenience, exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel’s endemics before concluding in Mérida just in time for the inauguration.
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Post-Congress Tours: These depart from Mérida and are designed to end at major travel hubs—either Cancún International Airport or Oaxaca City Airport—to make your return journey home simple and efficient.
Here is the IOC Birding Activities Program:
Registration & Payments
How do I officially confirm my reservation?
To secure your dates, a 30% deposit of the total tour cost is required.
Once the initial form is submitted and payment is processed, we will guide you through the logistical details by email.
What payment methods are accepted and when is the balance due?
A 30% deposit of the total tour cost is required as the first step to secure your spot. Deposits are made via PayPal or bank transfer.
Once your initial reservation is processed, we will provide further instructions if any additional payments are required (especially for multi-day tours). Details of the remaining balance would be specified during the reservation process.
Logistics & Field Conditions
How large are the birding groups?
To ensure quality and comfort, groups are limited to 4–8 participants.
What should I bring for the tours?
We recommend wearing lightweight clothing in neutral colors. To protect yourself from the sun, it is essential to bring a cap or hat, as well as biodegradable sunscreen. Other necessary items include insect repellent, water, your camera, and binoculars.
Where do the tours start and end?
Pre-Congress multiday tours:
These begin in Cancún so you can fly directly into its international airport from abroad, saving you the need for a domestic flight to Mérida.
This location also offers easy access to nearby Cozumel, a premier site for observing endemic species. These routes conclude in Mérida just in time for the inauguration
During Congress Tours:
For your convenience, all half-day and single-day trips depart from and return directly to Mérida, with pick-ups and drop-offs at the Congress venue or your hotel to maximize your time.​
Post-congress Tours:
These depart from Mérida and are designed to end at major hubs—either Cancún International Airport or Oaxaca City Airport—to make your return journey home simple and efficient.
​What is included in the tour price?
Multiday tours:
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All-inclusive (except alcoholic beverages) so you don't have to worry about any expenses.
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Professional guiding services.
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All ground transportation and transfers from the starting point (hotel or airport).
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Lodging is included based on double occupancy.
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Entrance fees to nature reserves are included.
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All meals, snacks, and water.
Half-day and Single-day Tours:
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Professional guiding services and all logistical transportation.
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Drinking water and a light breakfast (box lunch) are provided.
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Please note that full meals are not included for these shorter tour durations.
Important note about Archeological sites:
Entrance fees to archaeological zones (such as Chichén Itzá, Coba, or Uxmal) are not included in any tour price, because entrance rates vary significantly between Mexican citizens and international visitors, as well as for students and teachers, we ask that participants pay these fees directly at the site to ensure the correct rate is applied.
Our Guides & Cancellations
Who will lead the tours and in what language?
Tours are led by experienced local guides with extensive knowledge of the region’s avifauna, habitats, and field conditions. They are committed to providing safe, well-organized tours while helping participants locate target species and enjoy a meaningful birding experience.
While the primary language is English for the international congress, our guides are bilingual (Spanish/English).
What is the cancellation policy?
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Cancellations made more than 90 days before departure result in a 50% loss of the deposit; the remaining 50% can be used as credit.
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Cancellations 90 to 31 days before departure result in full loss of the deposit.
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Cancellations 30 days or less before departure result in the loss of 100% of the total tour cost.
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Click HERE to know our cancelation Terms and Conditions.