Overview

Embark upon an extraordinary Travelian Birding Adventure with a small group of appreciative travelers to the spectacular natural wonderland of birds, cloud forests, wildflowers, archeological ruins, and expansive beaches in central Veracruz.

Travel to the coastal lowlands of the state and experience the annual Raptor Migration on its journey south from the U.S. and Canada, passing through the thermals created by the Mexican mountains. View this spectacle from two key count sites, where Peregrine Falcons, Broad-winged Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and other migrants pass overhead.

Bird at one of the coastal beaches and lagoons for Long-billed Curlews, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and Black-bellied Plovers. Visit a Totonac-influenced archeological site overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Relax at a modern beach hotel for two nights and enjoy fresh seafood in their restaurant.

Then, journey into the lush, tropical mountains around Xalapa and Coatepec for three days, based in the peaceful and charming “Pueblo Magico” of Coatepec, which has a 4300-foot (1300 mts) elevation perfect for coffee growing.  Bird and hike around the Texolo Waterfalls, where Anna’s Eighty-eight butterflies abound amid local flora, Elegant Euphonias, Common Chlorospingus, and Roadside Hawks.

In Coatepec’s Cerro de las Culebras Park, find a surprising number of regional and migrant Warblers, including Rufous-capped, Golden-crowned, Black-throated Green, and more.  Tour a coffee museum and growing site, plus enjoy a private tour of the 16 acres of one of Mexico’s finest botanical gardens.

Eat well and drink some of the best coffee grown, roasted, and brewed in Mexico. Become introduced to Tlaxcala, the peaceful and historic capital of the smallest state in Mexico, where we will stop for lunch on the drive back to San Miguel.

Join Travelian’s expert guides on this small-group tour and embrace the unspoiled beauty and remarkable birding of central Veracruz in comfort and safety.

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY TO THE BEACH

7:00 am Depart on a five-hour drive to Huamantla (box breakfast en route). Enjoy lunch* at a hacienda en route. Check into our hotel and relax or walk the beach. Meet in the hotel lobby for dinner* at the hotel restaurant.

Included Meals: Boxed breakfast.
Overnight in Chachalacas.

 

DAY 2 - RAPTOR MIGRATION – BEACH AND ROOFTOP BIRDING

6:00 am Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for birding at the beach and lagoon area to the north. Drive to Migration Count Central in Cardel and enjoy lunch* at a casual restaurant, followed by observation of the Raptor Migration. Return to our hotel to relax, bird along the adjacent beach, and later meet for dinner* at the hotel restaurant.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Chachalacas.

 

DAY 3 - RAPTOR MIGRATION, ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE, TRAVEL TO COATEPEC

6:30 am Breakfast at our hotel. Check out of the hotel and depart for Cansaburros Raptor Banding Station, where we'll have a private guided visit. Return to Cardel for lunch* and more observation of the Raptor Migration there or at Chichicaxtle. Depart for Coatepec and check into the hotel. Rest or exploration of the town. Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Coatepec.

 

DAY 4 - WATERFALLS, BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND COFFEE

6:30 am Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Texolo Waterfalls near Xico for hiking and birding. Lunch* at a restaurant outside Coatepec. Private English-language tour of El Museo del Café. Return to Coatepec to relax, shop, drink, and buy more coffee or further explore the town. Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Coatepec.

 

DAY 5 - BIRDING AT CULEBRAS, PRIVATE TOURS OF XALAPA BOTANICAL GARDEN

7:00 am Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Parque Culebras for bird watching. Lunch* at a nearby restaurant. Private English-language tour of Clavijero Botanical Garden in Xalapa. Return to Coatepec for free time. Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Coatepec.

 

DAY 6 - RETURN TO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE VIA TLAXCALA

7:30 am Breakfast. Pack and check out of the hotel. Depart for San Miguel de Allende, with lunch* stop planned in Tlaxcala.
Arrive in San Miguel de Allende at approximately 6:00 pm.

Included Meals: Breakfast.

* This itinerary is subject to changes without prior notification.
* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.

Our updated list of Recommended Items to Bring is available here.