Tour Details

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

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 are passing 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 two nights at a modern beach hotel 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, with a 4300 foot elevation perfect for coffee-growing.

Bird and hike around the Texolo Waterfalls where Anna’s Eighty-eight butterflies abound amid local flora and Blue-hooded (Elegant) Euphonias, Common Bush-Tanagers and Roadside Hawks. In Coatepec’s Cerro de las Culebras Park find a surprising number of both local 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 in 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 - 6 Days

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY TO THE BEACH
7:00 am Depart from St Paul’s Church (Cardo #6). A detailed itinerary with maps and a sack breakfast will be provided at the start of the trip. Enjoy lunch* at a hacienda en route. Check into our hotel and relax or walk the beach. Meet in hotel lobby for dinner* at hotel restaurant.

DAY 2 - RAPTOR MIGRATION – BEACH AND ROOFTOP BIRDING
6:00 am Breakfast at hotel. Depart for birding at 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.

DAY 3 - RAPTOR MIGRATION, ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE, TRAVEL TO COATEPEC
6:30 am Breakfast at our hotel. Check out of 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 hotel. Rest or exploration of town. Meet in hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

DAY 4 - WATERFALLS, BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND COFFEE
6:30 am Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Texolo Waterfalls near Xico for hiking and bird watching. Lunch* at restaurant outside Coatepec. Private Engligh-language tour of El Museo del Café. Return to Coatepec to relax, shop, drink and buy more coffee or further explore town. Meet in hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

DAY 5 - BIRDWATCHING AT CULEBRAS, PRIVATE TOURS OF XALAPA BOTANICAL GARDEN
7:00 am Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Parque Culebras for bird watching. Lunch* at riverside seafood restaurant. Private English-language tour of Clavijero Botanical Garden in Xalapa. Return to Coatepec for free time. Meet in hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

DAY 6 - RETURN TO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE VIA TLAXCALA
7:30 am Breakfast at hotel. Pack and check out of hotel. Depart for San Miguel de Allende, with lunch* stop planned in Tlaxcala. Arrive in San Miguel de Allende across the street from St. Paul’s Church approximately 6:00 pm.

* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.

WHAT TO TAKE           Official ID your current Passport, Mexican residency ID (copies are fine)   Original INAPAM ID (if you have one)   Credit Cards, Debit card, Cash in Pesos for several days (Cash machines are not always available)   Active Cell Phone with charger   Bring sufficient funds for meals and beverages not included in trip cost    Water Bottle   Binoculars   Camera   Travel Flashlight    Hat   Sunblock    Sunglasses   Insect Repellent    Day Pack   Swim Suit and Flip Flops for the pool at first hotel   Sturdy shoes or boots for hiking   Light-weight Walking Shoes for town   Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts to protect from insects and sun   Packable rain-shell for day pack in the event the weather turns   A fleece garment or light jacket that can be used in case of chilly mornings or evenings   Simple comfortable clothing for day and evening wear   Pack your binoculars, toiletries and travel documents in your day pack for access while en route in van   A supply of Ziplock plastic storage bags can be handy for storing food to be used as snacks   Be sure to bring your own Kleenex and small change for bathroom fees   Personal prescription drugs   First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar for mild diarrhea, re-hydration powder, anti-motion-sickness pills if needed)