Join Naturalist Journeys for an exciting NEW! journey through the Yucatán Peninsula! Discover a kaleidoscope of Neotropical birds surrounded by ancient Maya ruins. This tour begins and ends in Cancun and traverses a fantastic portion of the peninsula. Go beyond the tourist chaos of the Mexican Riviera to the quieter and wilder interior of the Yucatan.

Bird the Tulum ruins for Lesson’s and Turquoise-browed Motmots and White-collared Manakins and explore Felipe Carillo Puerto for Black-crowned Tityra, Keel-billed Toucan, and Collared Aracari ... and don't miss indulging on marquesitas, the local dessert. Discover the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and search for raptors like Barred Forest-Falcon, Bicolored Hawk, Collared Forest-Falcon, Great Black Hawk, and stunning Ornate Hawk-Eagle. Witness the Uxmal Ruins and cruise Celestun Biosphere Reserve for thousands of American Flamingos then enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in the Pueblo Magico of Izamal.

We are excited for this NEW! Yucatan trip and can't wait for you to join us.

Tour Highlights

  • Stay in Felipe Carillo Puerto, considered the capital of the Mundo Maya
  • Bird the spectacularly beautiful Laguna Bacalar, a shockingly blue lake with ultra-clear water
  • See waders, herons, and kingfishers galore at Laguna Santa Lucia and in the seaside town of Champoton
  • Explore the famous ruins of Uxmal for Lesser Roadrunner, Blue Bunting, Lesson’s and Turquoise-browed Motmots, Gartered Trogon, and Orange Oriole
  • Look up for Lesser Yellow-headed and King Vultures as we explore the Celestun Biosphere Reserve on the northwest edge of the Yucatan
  • Witness bright and beautiful colors in hundreds of American Flamingos and in the Pueblo Magico town of Izamal

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., Jan. 19     Arrivals in Cancun | Puerto Morelos

Welcome to Mexico! Please plan to taxi from the Cancun airport the beach town of Puerto Morelos about 30 minutes south of Cancun. Generally the fee is about $60 dollars per person. The small town of Puerto Morelos has held on to its small-town charm and is the least touristy place on the Mexican Riviera. Birding in the neighborhood right around the hotel can be pretty good. There could be Tropical Mockingbird, Laughing Gull, several species of tern, several species of North American warbler, Plain Chachalaca, Hooded, Yellow-backed, Orange, and Altamira Oriole, Yucatan Jay, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Yucatan Woodpecker, Mangrove, Yucatan and White-eyed Vireos, and Striped Cuckoo. We spend the night at a nice and simple beach side hotel and enjoy a seafood dinner just a short walk away.
Accommodations in Puerto Morelos (D)

Mon., Jan. 20        Jardin Botanico | Tulum Ruins | Felipe Carillo Puerto

We’re up to see the sunrise over the ocean and then spend the morning birding and botanizing at the Jardin Botanico of Puerto Morelos, a short drive from the hotel. Not only is there wonderful birding, but it’s a great place to begin to get familiar with the tropical plants of the Yucatan. Black-headed Trogon, White-bellied Wren, Lesson’s and Turquoise-browed Motmots, Caribbean and Zenida Doves, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Spot-breasted Wren, White-collared Manakin, Yellow-billed Cacique, Red-crowned and Red-throated Ant-tanagers, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Black Catbird, Black-cowled Oriole, Northern-barred Woodcreeper, Eye-ring Flatbill, Pale-vented Pigeon, and Gray-headed Dove are all possible, as well as many more!

We drive to Tulum for lunch and then visit and bird the incredible Maya ruins of Tulum before driving another hour to the small city of Felipe Carillo Puerto (FCP), possibly doing some birding on the way. Upwards of eight oriole species are possible as well as Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Vireo, and Caribbean Elaenia. FCP is a very un-touristy town and is considered the capital of the Mundo Maya. We spend the night at the simple, but nice Hotel Turquesa, our home for the next two nights. 
Accommodations at Hotel Turquesa (B,L,D)

Tues., Jan. 21     Birding Felipe Carillo Puerto

The jungle habitat just outside of FCP offers excellent humid forest habitat birding! We bird a flat two track with very little vehicle traffic and the possibility of lots of neat birds and other animals. On the last tour we saw a ‘Viejo del Monte’, a large weasel-like mammal with a white head known as a Tayra in English. Some of the birds we look for include Thicket Tinamou, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Stripe-throated Hermit, Green-breasted Mango, Black Hawk-Eagle, Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Parrot, Yucatan Bobwhite, Yucatan Flycatcher, Rose-throated Tanager, Canivet’s Emerald, Greenish, Caribbean, and Yellow-bellied Elaenias, Black-crowned Tityra, Long-billed Gnatwren, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Olive-backed Euphonia, Giant Cowbird, Rose-throated Tanager, Gray-headed Tanager, White-breasted Wood-Wren, Keel-billed Toucan, and Collared Aracari. We have a picnic breakfast as well as a picnic lunch in the field to make the most of the day. After another dinner of regional specialties back in town, we walk to the Plaza for a ‘marquesita’, the local dessert!
Accommodations at Hotel Turquesa (B,L,D)

Wed., Jan. 22      Birding to Laguna Bacalar | Calakmul Biosphere Reserve | Xpujil

Before leaving this bird rich region of the Yucatan, we make an early morning stop at a small lake south of FCP. This is a good area for Singing Quail, Canivet's Emerald, Gray-headed Kite, Black-headed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Ruddy Woodcreeper, Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Collared Aracari, Tawny-winged, Barred and Ivory-billed Woodcreepers, Gray-collared Becard, and Green-backed Sparrow. After getting our fill here, we continue to head south to the shores of spectacularly beautiful Laguna Bacalar, where we enjoy a lunch at the water’s edge. 

We spend the afternoon driving inland to the region of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, home to a remote cluster of Maya ruins and great habitat. Our home for the next two nights is a simple and very comfortable eco-lodge, Chicanna EcoResort, with fantastic birding right on the grounds. We do a little night birding right on the hotel grounds before or after dinner, or both! We could have chances for Mottled, Middle-American Screech, and Black-and-white Owls, Northern Potoo, Yucatan Nightjar, and Common Pauraque.
Accommodations at Chicanna EcoResort (B,L,D)

Thurs., Jan. 23       Maya Ruins Birding

Since the ruins are an hour plus drive from the hotel, we are up early with breakfast in the guides room or at the van to make the most of the day. The birding along the entrance road can be fantastic, and we spend a lot of time just birding the road! Eventually we make our way into the ruins. We spend some time in the afternoon checking out the ruins, which requires quite a fair bit of walking. Bird highlights include Great Curassow, Crested Guan, Ocellated Turkey, Stub-tailed Spadebill, Royal Flycatcher, White-browed and White-bellied Wrens, Ruddy-Quail Dove, Northern Bentbill, Barred Forest-Falcon, Bicolored Hawk, Collared Forest-Falcon, Great Black Hawk, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Agami Heron, and many more. If we are lucky, we might get a glimpse of a Tapir on the entrance road! To maximize our time in this amazing jungle, we have a field lunch and continue birding throughout the day.
Accommodations at Chicanna EcoResort (B,L,D)

Fri., Jan. 24      Laguna Santa Lucia | Champoton | Uxmal

Although today is mostly a travel day, we do take some time before leaving the hotel to check for any birds right on the grounds. On the drive we make at least two major stops to bird at Laguna Santa Lucia and then on the Gulf of Mexico in the seaside town of Champoton, where we have lunch. The variety of birds today mostly falls into the water bird category with lots of waders and herons, all of the kingfishers, plenty of ducks, and other waterfowl. Depending on time, we do some birding on the hotel grounds.
Accommodations at Hacienda Uxmal (B,L,D)

Sat., Jan. 25     Local Birding

Today is a more relaxed day with time to enjoy the beautiful Hacienda Uxmal and its expansive grounds. We spend the morning exploring some of the two track roads that lead into the thorn forest and to an old abandoned Henequen plantation. Birds on our walk could include Collared Forest-Falcon, Lesser Roadrunner, Gray-throated Chat, and Orange, Altamira, Yellow-backed, and Yellow-tailed Orioles. We have lunch at the hotel and enjoy an afternoon siesta. After dinner we take a stroll to see if we can find any night birds including Yucatan Poorwill and Nightjar. 
Accommodations at Hacienda Uxmal (B,L,D)

Sun., Jan. 26      Uxmal Ruins | Celestun Biosphere Reserve

We start off with an early walk over to the San Simon road a short distance from the hotel. Afterwards, we beat the crowds at the Uxmal ruins by visiting as early as possible and enjoying the magnificence of the ruins and the birds inside. We should see Lesser Roadrunner, Gray-throated Chat, White-bellied Wren, Blue Bunting, Lesson’s and Turquoise-browed Motmots, Gartered Trogon, Orange Oriole, and possibly Middle-American Screech Owl, Yucatan Poorwill, and Yucatan Nightjar in the evening. After getting our fill of the ruins we pack up and head to a great spot for lunch. It’s about a 90 minute drive to the coast and Celestun; we birding along the way out to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve and to our beautiful hotel on the beach. There is great habitat located nearby, so drive times to birding are minimal. Time allowing, we do some birding right around the hotel before dinner.
Accommodations in Celestun (B,L,D)

Mon., Jan. 27      Local Celestun Birding

We do an early morning bird outing to optimize the best birding time followed by a nice breakfast at the hotel. Celestun is a great place for Black-throated Bobwhite, Lesser Yellow-headed and King Vultures, Lesser Roadrunner, Mexican Sheartail, Yucatan Wren, Mangrove Cuckoo, Yucatan Gnatcatcher, Yucatan Flycatcher, and Caribbean and Zenaida Doves, to name a few. After breakfast, we head to the salt ponds, the fantastic garbage dump, desert coastal habitat and other good birding areas, looking for Lesser Yellow-headed and King Vultures. After lunch we retreat back to the hotel for a restful afternoon and go out birding later in the afternoon for those who want to.
Accommodations in Celestun (B,L,D)

Tues., Jan. 28     Estuary Boat Trip | Pueblo Magico of Izamal | Coba

Because our hotel is situated close to great coastal habitat, we won’t have to go far to bird this morning. We likely bird prior to breakfast to optimize the morning, then go back to enjoy breakfast, pack up, and head out for a boat trip into the Biosphere Reserve estuary to get up close and personal with the flamingos. There are plenty of other birds in the estuary as well: Pygmy Kingfisher, Rufous-necked and Rufous-naped Woodrails, Boat-billed Heron, White-crowned Pigeon, and Northern Bentbill as well as migrant shorebirds and water birds. We enjoy a traditional lunch in the beautiful Pueblo Magico of Izamal, ‘The Golden City’, and then take advantage of the heat of the day to drive to Coba some three hours east. After settling into the small hotel, time allowing, we do some birding in the forest nearby. 
Accommodations in Coba (B,L,D)

Wed., Jan. 29    Coba Birding | Puerto Morelos

An early morning is best for birding around the lake at Coba; the area is a great place to see Ruddy Crake, Spotted Rail, and Least Bittern. After birding the lake we head to a great little birding road north of town. The birds here are somewhat similar to what we saw in Felipe Carrillo Puerto at the beginning of the trip but can be a bit easier to see here. Some possibilities are Spotted Wood-Quail, Scaled, Short-billed, and White-crowned Pigeons, Striped and Pheasant Cuckoos, Wedge-tailed Sabrewing, White-bellied Emerald, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Red-capped Manakin, Royal Flycatcher, Stub-tailed Spadebill, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, and White-browed Gnatcatcher. Later in the afternoon we make our way back to our final hotel in Puerto Morelos where we share a last dinner together.
Accommodations in Puerto Morelos (B,L,D)

Thurs., Jan. 30      Departures

You can plan departures at leisure today. (B)

 

 

 

 

 

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Tulum, Mexico

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Collared Forest Falcon

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    American Flamingos in Celestun, Mexico

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Uxmal Ruins

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Great Curassow

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Spotted Rail

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Hacienda Uxmal Plantation Museum-Hotel

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Chicanna Ruins

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Hacienda Uxmal Plantation Museum-Hotel

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Tayra

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Chicanna EcoResort Grounds

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Puerto Morelos

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    King Vulture

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Xpujil Archaeological Site

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Red-capped Manakin

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Hacienda Uxmal Plantation Museum-Hotel

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Collared Aracari

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Hacienda Uxmal Plantation Museum-Hotel

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Coba Lagoon

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Black-headed Trogon

  • Birding Mexico, Bird watching Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Riviera Maya

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the tour is per person, based on occupancy: $5990 DBL / $6890 SGL, from Cancun, Mexico. The tour cost includes 11 nights’ accommodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, purified water, ground transportation in vans, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

Not included is round-trip airfare to and from Cancun, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or other services. Guide gratuities are at your discretion.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Cancun International (CUN) 

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive January 19, 2025, at your leisure. Note that you will have to take a taxi from the airport to the beach town of Puerto Morelos. This usually costs around $60 per person - or, book a one-way shuttle through the hotel via Happy Shuttle Cancun.

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart January 30, 2025, at your leisure.

Travel Tips: If you want to arrive early to rest up from your travels, you can book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Hacienda Morelos.

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Mexico

Alamos

Butterflies & Birds

Oaxaca

Sea of Cortés

Veracruz

  • David MacKay - Mexico Expert

    Why travel with David MacKay? Known for his deep knowledge and experience with Mexican birds, David is also known for his infectious smile. He takes great joy in field time; working it hard and finding results. He enjoys life and travel as well, always planning a good day’s end meal to bask and review the day’s sighting highlights. He’s had over two decades of guiding trips and his organization shows that. You can count on David to be ready to go and steer his group to see numerous birds and have a good time.

    Other trips with David MacKay - Mexico Expert

  • Stephen Grace

    Stephen is an award-winning author, natural history educator and conservationist. He has also contributed to documentary films, and his nature photography has been widely published. Over the past two decades, he has introduced groups of travelers to nature and culture in destinations as varied as Uganda, New Zealand and Alaska.

    After moving from Colorado to the Oregon coast, Stephen was captivated by the sight of a Tufted Puffin carrying fish back to its burrow, and the first time he heard a Swainson’s Thrush sing, he knew his life would never be the same. He has been studying birds and sharing their beauty with people ever since.

    Formative experiences during Stephen’s journey as a naturalist have included tagging along as a teenager with his grandparents in Madera Canyon, where he absorbed their love of Arizona’s sky islands; helping people with different ability levels experience the Yellowstone ecosystem when he lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and sailing aboard a historic schooner to share the wonders of the Salish Sea with students.

    Now based in Port Townsend, Washington, Stephen explores the Pacific Northwest by backpacking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, biking, trail running, and skiing. His wide-ranging natural history pursuits include coring trees to count their growth rings, identifying bats by analyzing their biosonar signals, hunting mammoth tusks in Pleistocene bluffs, searching for the elusive Rubber Boa, preserving native prairie, raising awareness about plankton, and leading sea slug safaris.

    Other trips with Stephen Grace

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • At the time of writing, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. We suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. See "Passports, Visas & Documentation" section below.
  • U.S. citizens carrying a tourist passport do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tours of this length. We advise having at least one blank passport page per entry stamp.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Mexico and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Plan your flight reservations arriving into and departing from Cancun International Airport (CUN). Send a copy of your itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office please.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Arrival into Cancun International Airport (CUN)

The arrival airport for this tour is the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Upon arrival at the airport, you will pass through immigration and customs and exit to the main terminal area. Your emergency contact sheet will be helpful at Immigration when they ask where you are going. At the airport, there are ATMs to withdraw money and change desks where US Dollars can be changed for Pesos. Please plan your arrival no later than 6:00PM.

Closer to arrival once we have all travelers information, we will send out meetup information about what to expect when you arrive in Oaxaca.

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departure from Cancun International Airport (CUN) 

Depart at your leisure on the last day of your tour.

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. nformation for U.S. citizens can be found at travel.state.gov for Mexico. If you are from another country, please contact the Embassy of Mexico website for guidelines.

Passport: At the time of writing, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. However, we suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. Please check that expiration date! Your passport should have at least one blank page per entry stamp. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

Visa: At the time of writing, a tourist visa is not required for stays of this tour's duration. You will need proof of a return ticket. The necessary documents will be distributed by your airline while in flight or provided for you upon arrival. We advise that you bring your eContact list of hotels for use at immigration as well.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information - Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage for Mexico or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

Vaccinations: Bring copies of your up-to-date vaccination records with you. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations  (such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio and your yearly flu shot) and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip. 

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Weather & Climate

Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is a tropical climate, with a relatively cooler season in the winter from November to February.  Daytime temperatures hover around 82-86 °F, while at night they are pretty cool, around 59 °F, at least in inland and northern areas. Weather fronts that pass quite frequently from the United States are able to bring a bit of rain, followed by a cool wind, el norte, which can lower the day and night temperatures aproximately 10 °F.

Come prepared with layers of clothing, including a rain-jacket that can double as a windbreaker, and an umbrella. Bring walking boots for use in the day and more comfortable shoes for meals and relaxing.

A helpful site on climate in the Yucatan Peninsula is https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/mexico/yucatan#google_vignette.

Food & Drinks

Meals are varied and delicious, and reflect regional specialties. 

Bottled water will be available for field trips and drinking water is provided for you to refill a bottle. One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by trying to reduce our consumption of plastics; if convenient we appreciate if you can bring reusable water bottles. Your guide will let you know when bottled water is preferable.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Dress is very informal. Some people will change for dinner; it is usually just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day. Again, the climate is warm to hot, so you will be comfortable in lightweight clothing.

Please, pack light. We are serious about this – we move around a lot; you just do not need much to cope with tropical life! Please do not bring anything more than you must. Lay out your hopeful things to take and then do a serious paring down. 

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please DO NOT pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Laundry services can be arranged at some of our hotels, those where you have multiple nights. But it is most convenient if you are content with hand laundry.

Spending Money

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as cash, an ATM card, and a credit card. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. U.S. dollars in good condition (no rips or tears) are taken as a form of payment but shopping for smaller handicrafts may necessitate using local currency.

When using the ATM to withdrawal cash, keep in mind it might only accept cards from local banks or not allow cash advances on credit cards. Many U.S. banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bill ($50 or $100) in good condition that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted; American Express is less common). You can use credit cards at lodges to pay your bar and gift tabs. Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants, or taxis require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for your hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a cell phone, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country. Options include activating international roaming, purchasing a local SIM card at the airport (newer phones may not accept SIM cards), or simply turning off cellular service and relying on Wi-Fi to make calls and access the internet. If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free.

Your hotels and most local restaurants provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions due to the remote location.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well. 

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

Mexico uses Standard Voltage, same as the northern European standards, so the voltage is 230V, higher than in the United States (120V), with a frequency of 50 Hz. Electrical sockets (outlets) are primarily "Type F" and accept the standard continental European dual round-pronged plugs.

You will most likely need to bring a power plug adapter, and a voltage converter to use appliances or devices from the U.S. that do not automatically detect and convert voltages. To be sure, check the label on your appliance. More information is available at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/mexico/.

Time

The Oaxaca region of Mexico is in the Central Time Zone, which is 1 hours behind New York (Eastern Daylight Time). Mexico does observe Summertime (or Daylight Savings Time). A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global RescueWorld Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, January temperatures will have highs of 80°F and lows of 50°F. There is little winter rainfall but since weather is unpredictable, we have rain gear on the list just in case. Temperatures will vary depending on topography.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy. There will be laundry services available at some (but not all) of the tour’s hotels. You may wish to pack clothing that is easy to hand wash and fast drying for washing in your room.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight or convertible hiking pants, 1-2 pair
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, 2-3
  • Shorts (optional, not generally recommended)
  • T-shirts, sleeveless and short-sleeved or equivalent, 2-3
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes)
  • Personal underclothing (consider what dries quickly if you plan to do laundry)
  • Socks – lightweight, easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots - bring shoes with good support and firm grip tread
  • Sandals for evenings, travel days (optional)
  • Lightweight jacket: fleece fabric is ideal, or a pullover/sweater
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (optional, great for cooling off when hot and sweaty)
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket confirmation
  • Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small daypack to carry gear while hiking
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
  • Camera and extra batteries/chargers, memory cards, lens cleaning supplies, instruction manual.
  • Umbrella (optional - compact, not brightly colored!)
  • Walking sticks (optional, but recommended if you usually use them when hiking)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries Please note that if you like to read at night, lighting in other countries is often poor in the rooms, and you may want to bring a booklight, headlamp, or flashlight.
  • Alarm clock, or use your cell phone
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent (containing at least 20% DEET)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Laundry soap (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly.
  • Earplugs (if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you; these are optional)
  • Water bottle (can easily be bought in the airport and refilled daily)
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Spanish phrase dictionary (optional)
  • 3 to 2 prong outlet adaptor
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medication (and copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses)
  • Personal first aid kit including medications for general and stomach ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, antihistamine cream or tablets, eye drops, etc.)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on van, etc.
  • Heath insurance and vaccination information (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Hand Sanitizer

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Oaxaca; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Oaxaca; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started. 

Top Picks

A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America

Merlin App – Mexico: A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Mexico: Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexico - Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs

Field Guides

Common Birds of the Yucatan Peninsula

Birds of Mexico and Central America

A Bird-Finding Guide to Mexico

A Field Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas

A Swift Guide to Butterflies of Mexico and Central America

Flowering Plants of the Neotropics

Travelers’ Wildlife Guides Southern Mexico

Natural History

A Naturalist’s Mexico

Wildlife Ecology and Management in Mexico

History & Culture

A Concise History of Mexico

The Complete Illustrated History of the Aztec & Maya

Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans

Defending the Land of the Jaguar: A History of Conservation in Mexico

The Mexico Reader: History Culture, Politics

Easy Spanish Phase Book: Over 700 Phrases for Everyday Use

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Mexico

Yucatán Peninsula

Cancún

Puerto Morelos

Felipe Carillo Puerto

Xpujil

Champotón

Uxmal

Coba

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding Felipe Carillo Puerto – eBird.org

Birding Laguna Bacalar – eBird.org

Jardín Botánico (Puerto Morelos Botanical Garden)

Biodiversity in Mexico

The Nature Conservancy - Mexico

Endemics of Mexico

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Ría Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche - UNESCO

Uxmal – UNESCO

Geology & Geography

Laguna Bacalar

"The Yucatán Peninsula: Nature, Culture, and Geological Marvels" - Article, Latin America & Caribbean Geographic

Geology of Mexico

Geography of Mexico

Printable Maps of Yucatán Peninsula

Variety of Maps of Mexico

History & Culture

History of Mexico

Mexican Culture

Yucatán History

Yucatán Peninsula - Maps, History & Culture

Tulum

“The Maya Ruins at Uxmal Still Have More Stories to Tell” – Article, Smithsonian Magazine

Izamal Pueblo Mágico

Spanish Phrases

Helpful Travel Websites

Cancun International (CUN) 

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

National Passport Information Center

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information – Mexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Mexico

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - Mexico

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Mexico

ATM Locator

Foreign Exchange Rates

Electricity and Plugs - Mexico

Date, Time, and Holidays - Mexico


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