Mexico: The Yucatan and Cozumel

This tour distills a great blend of tropical forest birding on quiet roads...
This tour distills a great blend of tropical forest birding on quiet roads...
...with the unique flavor of Caribbean Mexico and birds such as the dazzling Cozumel Emerald...
...with the unique flavor of Caribbean Mexico and birds such as the dazzling Cozumel Emerald...
...along with a rich coastal environment, home to shockingly pink American Flamingos.
...along with a rich coastal environment, home to shockingly pink American Flamingos.
We'll start our birding around Puerto Morelos, where species include the regionally endemic Orange Oriole...
We'll start our birding around Puerto Morelos, where species include the regionally endemic Orange Oriole...
...and with luck we may encounter a confiding troop of Central American Spider Monkeys.
...and with luck we may encounter a confiding troop of Central American Spider Monkeys.
In the rich tropical forest near Carrillo Puerto we'll check the parrots carefully (here a group of White-fronteds)...
In the rich tropical forest near Carrillo Puerto we'll check the parrots carefully (here a group of White-fronteds)...
...for the rather local Yucatan (or Yellow-lored) Parrot.
...for the rather local Yucatan (or Yellow-lored) Parrot.
Other regional specialties include the handsome Gray-throated Chat...
Other regional specialties include the handsome Gray-throated Chat...
...and Rose-throated Tanager (here a female).
...and Rose-throated Tanager (here a female).
Among many other forest possibilities are the local Ruddy Woodcreeper...
Among many other forest possibilities are the local Ruddy Woodcreeper...
...and the spectacular Ornate Hawk-Eagle.
...and the spectacular Ornate Hawk-Eagle.
We'll then move on to our delightful hotel in Valladolid...
We'll then move on to our delightful hotel in Valladolid...
...from which we'll make a day trip to the north coast...
...from which we'll make a day trip to the north coast...
...home to an avian example of decorative exuberance personified in the form of American Flamingos.
...home to an avian example of decorative exuberance personified in the form of American Flamingos.
Numerous other waterbirds may feature the bizarre Boat-billed Heron and...
Numerous other waterbirds may feature the bizarre Boat-billed Heron and...
...the striking Great White Heron.
...the striking Great White Heron.
A good variety of raptors includes Common Black Hawk.
A good variety of raptors includes Common Black Hawk.
Mexican Sheartail is a local inhabitant of the coastal agave scrub...
Mexican Sheartail is a local inhabitant of the coastal agave scrub...
...where we may also encounter Lesser Roadrunner.
...where we may also encounter Lesser Roadrunner.
We'll also visit the spectacular Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza...
We'll also visit the spectacular Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza...
...and perhaps find the stunning Turquoise-browed Motmot sitting quietly in the shade.
...and perhaps find the stunning Turquoise-browed Motmot sitting quietly in the shade.
The tour ends on Cozumel Island, which adds a unique component to the Mexican avifauna...
The tour ends on Cozumel Island, which adds a unique component to the Mexican avifauna...
...including island endemics such as the endearing Cozumel Vireo...
...including island endemics such as the endearing Cozumel Vireo...
...and Caribbean species such as the handsome Western Spindalis.
...and Caribbean species such as the handsome Western Spindalis.
We'll also look for the diminutive Yucatan Woodpecker...
We'll also look for the diminutive Yucatan Woodpecker...
...and the normally retiring Ruddy Crake...
...and the normally retiring Ruddy Crake...
...while it will be impossible to miss the ubiquitous Black Catbird.
...while it will be impossible to miss the ubiquitous Black Catbird.
Wintering North American migrants are abundant, ranging from the dashing Merlin...
Wintering North American migrants are abundant, ranging from the dashing Merlin...
...to the understated Swainson's Warbler, which is fairly common.
...to the understated Swainson's Warbler, which is fairly common.
As with all Mexico tours, there's a lot more to see than birds, such as numerous butterflies, including the local Mexican Cycadian...
As with all Mexico tours, there's a lot more to see than birds, such as numerous butterflies, including the local Mexican Cycadian...
...and perhaps the endemic Cozumel Raccoon.
...and perhaps the endemic Cozumel Raccoon.
Photo credit: Steve N. G. Howell and Rich Hoyer
Jan 11-19, 2026
Tour Price to be Determined
2026
(2023 Tour Price $3,350)
Maximum group size seven participants with one leader.
Tour balances paid by check/bank transfer may carry a 4% discount

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its spectacular Maya ruins, warm climate, and delicious regional cuisine. It is also a notable center of bird endemism with species such as Black-throated (Yucatan) Bobwhite, Yellow-lored (Yucatan) Parrot, Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Wren, and the recently split Yucatan Gnatcatcher. This tour distills the best of the Yucatan into a short, unhurried trip that takes in the peninsula’s dry forest, coastal scrub, lagoons, mangroves, and tall humid forest before ending on Isla Cozumel, with its Caribbean flavor, island endemics, and great snorkeling. At this season many migrant warblers from eastern North America are present, and flocks of resident flamingos feed among throngs of migrant shorebirds.

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Maximum group size seven participants with one leader.

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