Above: Crescent-chested Warbler by Jacob Cooper
Oaxaca: Mexico's Birding capitAl
January 2 to 10, 2022
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White-throated Magpie, by Shannon Fair.
Leaders: Adam Betuel (Georgia Audubon Director of Conservation) and Eric Antonio Martinez (Owner and Tour Leader, Mexico-Birding Tours)
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
Georgia Audubon Member Price: $3,900* per person
Non-member Price: $3,950* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $750
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
Questions? Please email Adam Betuel, or call 678-973-2437.
With more species than the United States and Canada combined, our neighbors to the south host a truly breathtaking diversity of bird life. In addition to the wealth of natural life, Mexico is a nation steeped in rich history, culture, diversity, and is a known culinary destination. While worthy sites can be found throughout this nation, Oaxaca stands out as a location overflowing with the things that make Mexico so special. With a bird species list approaching 800, Oaxaca is Mexico’s most avian rich state. During this nine-day tour, we will split time between the Valley of Oaxaca, including Oaxaca City, as well as Hualtuco and other coastal destinations. Eric Antonio Martinez of Mexico-Birding Tours is an Oaxaca native and one of the best bird guides in Mexico. He and Adam will team up to locate an assortment of birds, including such targets as Orange-breasted Bunting, Dwarf Jay, Red Warbler, Red-headed Tanager, and other endemic species and tropical jaw-droppers. In addition to the breathtaking bird watching, we will visit a variety of habitats, traveling from sea level up to 10,000 ft, exploring the ruins at Monte Alban, spending time in the center of historic Oaxaca City, and taking a mini-pelagic boat trip. Come join us on a trip full of birds, mole, mezcal, and rich culture.
Number of bird species expected: 200 (conservative), 250 to 300 will be our target
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
Georgia Audubon Member Price: $3,900* per person
Non-member Price: $3,950* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $750
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
Questions? Please email Adam Betuel, or call 678-973-2437.
With more species than the United States and Canada combined, our neighbors to the south host a truly breathtaking diversity of bird life. In addition to the wealth of natural life, Mexico is a nation steeped in rich history, culture, diversity, and is a known culinary destination. While worthy sites can be found throughout this nation, Oaxaca stands out as a location overflowing with the things that make Mexico so special. With a bird species list approaching 800, Oaxaca is Mexico’s most avian rich state. During this nine-day tour, we will split time between the Valley of Oaxaca, including Oaxaca City, as well as Hualtuco and other coastal destinations. Eric Antonio Martinez of Mexico-Birding Tours is an Oaxaca native and one of the best bird guides in Mexico. He and Adam will team up to locate an assortment of birds, including such targets as Orange-breasted Bunting, Dwarf Jay, Red Warbler, Red-headed Tanager, and other endemic species and tropical jaw-droppers. In addition to the breathtaking bird watching, we will visit a variety of habitats, traveling from sea level up to 10,000 ft, exploring the ruins at Monte Alban, spending time in the center of historic Oaxaca City, and taking a mini-pelagic boat trip. Come join us on a trip full of birds, mole, mezcal, and rich culture.
Number of bird species expected: 200 (conservative), 250 to 300 will be our target
Contact Adam Betuel by email with any questions.
Trip Overview
Click on each day for more information.
day 1: Arrive in Oaxaca
The group will arrive at the Oaxaca International Airport where we will then be transported to the hotel (Mision de Los Angeles – subject to change). Afternoon to evening arrival times are likely so there probably won’t be time for birdwatching, but we will have a group dinner and allow everyone to get a good night's rest in preparation for our adventure.
Day 2: Teotitlan del Valle
Our first full day in Mexico will be spent in and around the town of Teotitlan del Valle. This area is just above 5,000 ft in attitude and is characterized by scrub vegetation. Some of the target species in the area include Bridled Sparrow, Boucard’s Wren, Dusky Hummingbird, Gray-Breasted Woodpecker, White-throated Towhee, White-striped Woodcreeper, and our first chances for Collared Towhee. Hotel: Mision de Los Angeles.
Day 3: Benito Juarez National Park
This morning we will focus on the pine oak forests that can be found at higher elevations in the Sierra Madre range. La Cumbre is a well-known hotspot in the upper parts of the Benito Juarez National Park. Humid forests in this area sit 9,000+ ft above sea level and will usher in a new community of birds. Red Warbler, Dwarf Jay, Collared Towhee, Gray-Barred Wren, Mountain Trogon, and Chestnut-sided Shrike Vireo will be some of our top targets today. Hotel: Mision de Los Angeles.
Day 4: Las Guacamayas
Day 4 will have us travel northwest of Oaxaca City to another area primarily comprised of arid scrub habitat. However, this site also contains pockets of pine-oak forest and sits at a mid-elevation compared to our previous birding destinations (6,000 ft). Ocellated Thrasher, Oaxaca Sparrow, Slaty Vireo, Elegant Euphonia, and Blue Mockingbird will hopefully be added to our list. Hotel: Mision de Los Angeles.
Day 5: Monte Alban and relocation
Today we will do a quick visit to Monte Alban in the morning. This site is known for interesting birds such as Rock Wren, Cassin’s Kingbird, and some good endemics like Ocellated Thrasher and Slaty Vireo. However, the main reason to visit is to see the striking pre-Columbian Zapoteca archaeological site of Monte Alban. Dating back to around 500 BC, this is the largest and most important pre-Columbian site in the state. After sightseeing and exploring Monte Alban, we drive from Oaxaca City to the coast of Oaxaca, covering a distance of 270 Km. The winding nature of this road makes this an all-day drive, but we will make plenty of stops to stretch, use the facilities, and take small breaks. Our destination is the gorgeous coastal city of Huatulco. Hotel: Mision de los Arcos.
Day 6: Pluma Hidalgo and shade-grown coffee
Our first day near the coast will have us birding in tropical deciduous forests. We will bird as we gradually make our way towards the town of Pluma Hidalgo. Some of the species possible on this day include the Oaxaca endemic Blue-capped Hummingbird, Wagler’s (Emerald) Toucanet, Mexican Hermit, Red-headed Tanager, and Golden Vireo. While an amazing area for wildlife, the area around Pluma Hidalgo is actually famous for its award-winning coffee. We will have lunch at a nearby coffee farm before visiting its grounds to learn about their organic and shade-grown practices. There will, of course, be more birding as we cruise back to our hotel. Hotel: Mision de los Arcos.
Day 7: Low Deciduous Forest
On this day we will be staying closer to Huatulco and birding multiple low deciduous forested locations. These forests and nearby scrubby expanses will hopefully produce Orange-Breasted Bunting, Russet-Crowned Motmot, Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Citreoline Trogon, Happy Wren, and Red-Breasted Chat to name just a few. Hotel: Mision de los Arcos.
Day 8: Pelagic birding
Our final full day in Mexico will take us to the sea. The continental shelf in coastal Oaxaca is only about five miles out; thus the area is a great spot for many tropical pelagic species to congregate. After spotting some birds along the coast, we will head out in boats with hopes of spotting Galapagos Shearwater, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Black and Least Storm Petrel, and maybe jaegers and boobies. Hotel: Mision de los Arcos.
Day 9: Heading home
Today the group will depart from the Bahias de Huatulco Airport. Depending on flight times, there may be an opportunity to squeeze in a few final parrots or hummingbirds before heading northward.
additional details
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
As of May 2021, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date. According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated when they are at least two weeks past the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two weeks past the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Georgia Audubon may verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Additional payments, if the payment plan is selected, will be billed according to the following schedule:
Cancellation Policy:
In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situations, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator. If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by June 30, 2021, a 100% refund of all payments made will be given less a $50 processing fee. If notice of cancellation is received between July 1 2021 and October 31 2021, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given. Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable.
- One expert birding tour leader from Mexico-Birding Tours (Eric Antionio Martinez) and a co-leader from Georgia Audubon (Conservation Director Adam Betuel).
- Accommodations in all destinations (double room with private bathroom and hot shower). A non-shared room is available for an additional fee. ***Depending on group construction, single travelers may be forced to pay a single supplement. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below***
- All transportation during the trip including pick-up and drop-off at the airport
- All meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on day nine. Additionally, a cooler with water and juices will be available on the bus at all times.
- All entrance fees to parks as well as a shade-grown coffee farm visit and archeological site (Monte Alban)
- Taxes
Price does not include:
- Costs of obtaining passports
- Airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
- Alcohol or specialty coffee (water and juice will be available during transportation, non-alcoholic beverages included with each meal)
- Snacks, beverages, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Medical costs
- Gratuities
- Personal communications
- Any other incidentals
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
As of May 2021, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date. According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated when they are at least two weeks past the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two weeks past the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Georgia Audubon may verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Additional payments, if the payment plan is selected, will be billed according to the following schedule:
- Half of cost (less down-payment amount) due by July 1, 2021.
- Full payment must be made by November 1, 2021. The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable.
Cancellation Policy:
In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situations, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator. If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by June 30, 2021, a 100% refund of all payments made will be given less a $50 processing fee. If notice of cancellation is received between July 1 2021 and October 31 2021, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given. Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable.
