Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Mexico: Veracruz. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure that what follows is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document sent to all tour registrants, whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING MEXICO: Mexico requires a valid passport for entry by US citizens. Citizens of other countries may need a visa and should check their nearest Mexican embassy. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date the tour ends. Tourist cards are required and are obtained upon entry at the border customs.
HEALTH: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
You can review the latest CDC advisories here.
PACE OF THE TOUR: As with all tours in the tropics, we’ll try to be in the field close to dawn which means about 6:15 a.m. The pace of each day varies somewhat with this tour: All breakfasts are at our hotel, typically picnic-style with a selection of yogurt, granola, fruits, and breads, plus juice and tea/coffee. Because of the high temperatures in the lowlands, most lunches are at restaurants, although we may have one or two picnic lunches if weather permits. All dinners are at restaurants. Walking is mostly along roads and wide trails that are level to gently sloping, with the option for some short stretches of steeper gradients. The highest elevation where we will be is around 10,000 feet (and walking slowly), but most of the time we’ll be around or below 7500 feet. Within the itinerary there are several afternoons where participants have the choice to relax at the hotel while others might make repeated visits to raptor-watching hotspots.
CLIMATE: Mexico’s climate is extremely variable. The lowlands around Veracruz, Cardel and Los Tuxtlas are humid and hot. Daytime highs could reach the mid-90°s F while in the lowlands. The highlands around Xalapa will be more comfortable, but early mornings may be cool enough for a jacket and sweater (as cool as the 40°s F). Rain is likely, and we highly recommend your bringing a travel umbrella.
ACCOMMODATIONS: All hotels have enhanced cleaning and offer standard facilities. All have AC. All hotels should have wifi, though strength of signal ma vary. Hotel Mocambo in Veracruz has extensive grounds with birding potential, along with comfortable rooms, AC, and wifi. Hotel Fiesta Inn Xalapa is modern and comfortable with an excellent restaurant, wifi, and AC.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation during the tour is by 15-passenger van/bus. All participants should have a window.
SMOKING: Smoking or vaping is prohibted in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group, if possible.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the About WINGS Tours. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Veracruz, Mexico, Tours will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Updated: 17 October 2023