Chiapas is the southernmost state of Mexico, located on the border of Guatemala. Our tour of Chiapas takes in the very best of the areas birding sites such as San Cristobal de las Casas, Comitan, the Sumidero Canyon, Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Tapachula and the slopes Volcan Tacana. A myriad of beautiful and sought after species includes the amazing Giant Wren, localized Nava’s Wren, dainty Pink-headed Warbler, Rufous-collared Thrush, Garnet-throated and Amethyst-throated Hummingbird, Rufous-browed Wren, Azure-rumped Tanager, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Bearded Screech Owl, Slender Sheartail, Belted Flycatcher, Red-breasted Chat, Bar-winged Oriole, Lesser Ground Cuckoo, Lesser Roadrunner, Cabanis’s Wren, Mayan Antthrush, Orange-breasted and Rose-bellied Bunting, West Mexican Chachalaca, Citreoline Trogon, Yellow-eyed Junco, Unspotted Saw-whet Owl and Long-tailed Sabrewing.
Giant, Cabanis's, Rufous-browed & Nava’s Wrens; Pink-headed Warbler; Blue-and-white Mockingbird; Rufous-collared & Black Thrushes; Black-throated Jay; Resplendent Quetzal; Garnet-throated, Emerald-chinned, Wine-throated, Azure-crowned & Amethyst-throated Hummingbirds; Bearded Screech Owl; Slender Sheartail; Belted Flycatcher; Red-breasted Chat; Bar-winged Oriole; Lesser Ground Cuckoo; Lesser Roadrunner; Mayan Antthrush; Orange-breasted & Rose-bellied Buntings; West Mexican Chachalaca; Citreoline Trogon; Yellow-eyed Junco; Long-tailed Sabrewing; Azure-rumped Tanager.
Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, White-tailed Deer, Northern Tamandua, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, Spotted Paca and American Crocodile
moist broadleaf forest, humid cloud forests pine-oak forest, grassland, dry scrub, dry highland forest, coast
the coastal lowlands can be quite hot, while mornings and evenings in and around higher elevations can be chilly to cold. Overall, the climate is very pleasant.
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
relaxed with early mornings and late evenings, some long drives
comfortable
mostly easy with some trickier species
colonial architecture, Sumidero Canyon, Sierra Madre mountains, Volcan Tacana, excellent food, friendly people, interesting culture
good
"We are pleased to report on our recent Rockjumper birding adventure after spending four weeks (March 22 - April 17) exploring many of Mexico’s best birding sites during back-to-back trips to the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas. We were guided by Rockjumper’s Adam Walleyn and his local contact, Eric. Adam guided us in previous trips to Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Cuba, Jamaica and Dominican Republic, and we have always been impressed by his worldwide birding expertise and his knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, all wildlife. Eric (a Mexican, living in Oaxaca, and fluent in English) has intimate knowledge of literally every bird species that resides in or migrates through Mexico - over 900 species. We slept well and ate extravagantly. Our drivers did an outstanding job of driving safely and minimizing the discomforts of numerous speed bumps and potholes. We birded in a diversity of landscapes that varied from sea level (during a morning coastal/pelagic cruise), to a mangrove forest, to desert scrub and to cloud forests where elevations were over 8000 feet. The highlight of our trip was, of course, the wildlife. We recorded a total of almost 500 bird species during the three trips - 20 of those were heard only. But with Eric’s guidance we had an exceptional opportunity to absorb Mexican culture. We visited ancient stone ruins, enjoyed delicious meals in small village homes (fincas) of farmers and coffee growers, and were pleased to view the products of skilled woodworkers and potters. Adam and Eric did their best to ensure that everyone in our diverse group saw every bird that we encountered. Everyday we were amazed by their skill in spotting and hearing birds and getting their scopes on the birds so that all could see. Their warmth and passion were felt and appreciated by all. We never felt threatened or insecure during our month-long trip. Mask wearing in Mexico is a law with near 100% compliance, including outdoors (our group complied when outside the van). We had no heath issues associated with food and drinks. "
David was brilliant, as usual, and the Mexican guides were also exceptional, making for a really good tour. Great country, fabulous birds, would like to go back.
Thanks again to the team at the office for setting up this trip. It was a great success. Adams experience as a guide really showed through. He was very knowledgeable regarding birds and other wildlife and also handled all the logistics smoothly. The local guides were extremely skilled brothers and were a great addition to the group. The accommodations and food were excellent. I will be using Rockjumper again in the future.
Our trip, a long time in the waiting, was nothing short of a triumph. David led us again with passion, interest and focus. Jorge, our local guide. and his wife Amy who joined us were a triumph leading us to, and putting us on many many lifers. The travel arrangements were well made, the hotels were comfortable and the meals copious. Our first trip to Mexico will most certainly not be our last. Roll on the Yucatan!
Tour Leader: Stephan Lorenz
Mexico - Chiapas 2023 - April 2023
Mexico - Oaxaca 2023 - March 2023
Mexico - Veracruz & Eastern Sierras Extension 2023 - March 2023
Mexico - Yucatan Extension 2023 - March 2023
Mexico - Chiapas 2022 - April 2022
Mexico - Browne 2022 - April 2022
Mexico - Oaxaca 2022 - March 2022
Mexico - Veracruz & Eastern Sierras Extension 2022 - March 2022
Mexico - Oaxaca 2018 - April 2018
Mexico - Starr - Yucatan Extension 2016 - March 2016
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