Overview

Our strenuous extension to the higher slopes of Volcan Tacana is primarily dedicated to finding the incredible Horned Guan. While searching for this incomparable species, we can expect to come across a host of other highlights such as Emerald-chinned and Wine-throated Hummingbirds, and at night the haunting Fulvous Owl!

*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour Facts Top Birds
Horned Guan; Azure-rumped Tanager; Fulvous Owl; Wine-throated, Amethyst-throated, Garnet-throated & White-eared Hummingbirds; Green-throated Mountaingem
Habitats Covered
humid cloud forests
Expected Climate
mornings and evenings in and around higher elevations can be chilly to cold
Max Group Size
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
Tour Pace & Walking
extreme. not suitable for any but the very fittest hikers.
Accommodation
2 nights of basic camping, 1 night in a hotel
Ease of Birding
demanding, primarily focused on 1 target species.
Photographic Opportunities
worthwhile, but heavy/large cameras will only add to difficult of hike.
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials

Adam Walleyn was an excellent guide, extremely knowledgeable, friendly and well organized. Our local guide is one of the best local guides I have known on a birding tour – intimately familiar with the birds of Mexico, their habits and habitats. Consequently we were successful in finding and seeing many of the challenging endemic birds of the Oaxaca and Huatulco areas.

"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. "

Our tour leaders produced a very successful tour. They worked together well and their skills complemented each other. Chris's education and experience provided us with a plethora of knowledge and fun facts. His personnel skills were put to the test with quite a diverse group of birders with an assortment of desires. He succeeded well. One could not ask for a better local guide than Eric. He knows every nook and cranny of his turf. He knows the birds well and multiple sites to look for each species. He has very good eyes and ears. But for me, his strongest characteristic is his genuine desire to find every target for the group. His persistence is unmatched. It paid off several times. I enjoyed the trip.

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!

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.

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
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