Overview

Join us for an extraordinary Travelian Birding Adventure in the stunning landscapes of Veracruz, Mexico—a haven for bird enthusiasts. This carefully curated tour explores the spectacular Raptor Migration, where thousands of birds, including Broad-winged Hawks and Ospreys, travel south through this vital ecological corridor each autumn in search of warmer climates.

Starting from the charming coastal town of Veracruz and moving through Chachalacas, you will experience a variety of habitats, from tranquil beaches to lush wetlands. At Juan Ángel Beach, keep an eye out for the elusive Mexican Sheartail, Squirrel Cuckoo, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and Yellow-breasted Chats, along with elegant shorebirds such as Long-billed Curlews and Black-bellied Plovers, as well as the striking Aplomado Falcon.

Enjoy three nights of relaxation at a modern beach hotel, where you can savor fresh seafood while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. You will also visit significant archaeological sites like Quiahuiztlan, which offer cultural insights and excellent opportunities for raptor observation.

Experience the breathtaking highlands of Perote, where you may spot Rufous-capped Brushfinch, Golden-browed Warbler, and the rare Red Warbler in the scenic Las Minas Canyon.

Culminating at the picturesque Papaloapan River in Tlacotalpan, this trip invites you to reflect on the beautiful blend of culture and nature.

Accompanied by Travelian’s expert guides, this small-group tour emphasizes comfort and safety, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of central Veracruz. Join us in discovering the unique ecosystems and rich avian life that make this region so special, merging the splendor of nature with unforgettable cultural experiences.

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY

Upon your arrival at Veracruz International Airport, a representative from Travelian Tours will be waiting for you outside the gate after you claim your baggage. Please look for a sign with your name and the Travelian Tours logo. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Boca del Río, Veracruz.

6:00 pm - Meet in the lobby of the hotel for briefing and program orientation.
7:00 pm - Welcome dinner at the restaurant of the hotel.

Included Meals: Welcome Dinner.
Overnight in Veracruz.

 

DAY 2 - RAPTOR MIGRATION – ROOFTOP BIRDINg and beach

In the morning, we’ll start by exploring the hotel grounds to look for migrant and resident bird species. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to Cardel, a fantastic spot to witness the raptor migration. After lunch*, we’ll travel to Chachalacas and settle into the accommodations at Hotel Artisan. Later in the afternoon, there will be an option to visit one of the count sites or enjoy birdwatching around the hotel. We'll meet at the restaurant of our hotel for our briefing, and then dinner* will be served at the hotel to wrap up the day.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Chachalacas.

 

DAY 3 - RAPTOR MIGRATION – ROOFTOP BIRDINg and beach

Our morning begins with a visit to Juan Ángel Beach, where we will search for the elusive Mexican Sheartail, alongside other fascinating avian species such as the Squirrel Cuckoo, Veracruz Wren, and Yellow-breasted Chats. The river mouth will offer opportunities to spot shorebirds and potential sightings of the striking Aplomado Falcons. Following lunch* in Cardel, we will ascend to the hotel rooftop to observe the raptor migration or proceed to Chichicaxtle, depending on the movement of the birds. We'll conclude the day with a restful evening at our beachfront hotel, with the day briefing and dinner* either at the restaurant of the hotel or at a nearby location.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Chachalacas.

 

DAY 4 - RAPTOR MIGRATION – ARCHEOLOGY, ROOFTOP BIRDINg and beach

We will begin the morning with a visit to La Mancha, exploring its shores for various bird species native to the region. Following this excursion, we’ll head to the Quiahuiztlan archeological site, known not only for their historical significance but also as an excellent spot for observing hawks in migration. After returning to the hotel for lunch*, we’ll take another opportunity to track the raptor migration, alternating between the areas of Cardel and Chichicaxtle based on bird activity. Alternatively, we may visit La Antigua for an enchanting boat ride to the river mouth. After the boat trip, dinner* will be served at La Antigua before we return to our hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Chachalacas.

 

DAY 5 - BIRDING AT MACUILTEPETL PARK - ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM IN XALAPA

Check out from our hotel in Chachalacas. We will depart early in the morning for Xalapa, starting the day with a visit to Macuiltepetl Park, an extinct volcano situated within the city. After enjoying lunch* at a nearby restaurant, the afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the stunning Anthropology Museum of Xalapa. Afterward, we will check into our accommodations, followed by our day briefing and dinner* at the restaurant of our hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Xalapa.

 

DAY 6 - highlands of veracruz and arid valley of perote

An early morning start will take us to the highlands, visiting Las Minas canyon, a very nice habitat with spectacular views of pine-oaks. Later in the morning, we will drive up to the Cofre de Perote area, reaching even higher altitudes, where the landscape is dominated by pines and fir trees. For lunch*, we will head to the city of Perote. Afterward, we will explore the arid valley of Perote, searching for desert-related bird species. Following an afternoon of birding, we will return to the city. Day briefing and dinner* will be this evening at the restaurant of our hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Xalapa.

 

DAY 7 - las barrancas and tlacotalpan

We will begin our day early, and start our descend toward the coastal flatlands, after a 2-hr. drive, we'll have an exciting visit to Las Barrancas. This area is home to a remarkable variety of species, including some unique ones that you can only encounter here. After enjoying lunch* in Tlacotalpan by the scenic Papaloapan River, we will proceed to drive to our hotel in the port of Veracruz, where we will be staying for the night. Briefing of the day and our farewell dinner will be the resturant of our hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Xalapa.

 

DAY 8 - travel day

This morning we will travel back home!

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.