We start our adventure in Mazatlán, Sinaloa on the eastern shores of the Gulf of California, where we’ll be searching for dry woodland species such as Purplish-backed Jay, Elegant Quail and Mexican Parrotlet. We’ll then traverse part of the famous Durango Highway into the Sierra Madre Occidental to reach the Tufted Jay Preserve, host to its incredible namesake as well as White-striped Woodcreeper, Red Warbler and superb Red-headed Tanager.
We’ll then head south along the Pacific coast to the popular tourist town of San Blas in the state of Nayarit, to enjoy is remarkable birding diversity that include Mexican Woodnymph, Citreoline Trogon, Fan-tailed Warbler, Happy Wren, and Rufous-necked Wood Rail if we are very lucky. We conclude our two-week tour around Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco spending most of our time at the renowned Rancho Primavera. This exquisite privately owned property hosts several striking species such as Yellow Grosbeak, Yellow-winged Cacique, Blue Mockingbird and San Blas Jay.
Tufted & Purplish-backed Jays; Sinaloa Crow; Elegant Quail; Black-capped Gnatcatcher; Mexican Parrotlet; White-striped Woodcreeper; Green-striped & Rufous-capped Brushfinches; Aztec Thrush; Eared Quetzal; Citreoline Trogon; Rufous-necked Wood Rail; West Mexican Euphonia; Fan-tailed Warbler; Mexican Hermit; Happy, Sinaloa & Spotted Wrens; Mexican Woodnymph, Cinerous Owl; Yellow Grosbeak; Yellow-winged Cacique; Blue Mockingbird; Rosy-thrush Tanager; Military Macaw; Colima Pygmy Owl; San Blas Jay; West-Mexican Chachalaca.
deciduous forest, volcanic slopes, scrub, pine oak forest, coastal
generally warm to hot, with high levels of humidity along the coast. Can be much cooler at high elevations. Rain is not expected.
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
moderate
comfortable to good
mostly reasonale with some tougher species
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. "
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!
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.
23 Apr 2025 - 06 May 2025 (14 days)
USD6,695 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Adam Walleyn
Tour price (Per person): USD6,695 * GBP5,366 * EUR6,237 * AUD10,183
Single Supplement: USD670 * GBP537 * EUR624 * AUD1,019
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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