light ITINERARY: 

Day 1 – Travel to Oaxaca, Mexico – January 30th
Please arrange flights to arrive at Oaxaca International Airport, where we will transfer you to our nearby hotel. (D)

Day 2 – Benito Juárez Eco-Touristic Center and Yagul Archaeological Site – Jan 31st
We will have an early start and depart our hotel and drive for around 90 minutes towards Presa Piedra Azul and the start our first morning of birding. This area consists of habitats such as mixed forests and riparian zones around several water bodies making it a great area for us to start. We will search for White-throated Towhee, Slate-throated Whitestart, Black-vented Oriole, Curve-billed Thrasher, Belted and Green Kingfisher and Lesser Goldfinch just to name a few. After birding this area for a while we will then move on to Benito Juarez village, where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After sampling the local cuisine, we will drive to the Eco-touristic centre for some more birding. The centre is surrounded by dense pine and oak forests at around 3,000 metres and is a prime habitat for a number of species. The Red Warbler is one of the main targets for the tour and this is one of our best opportunities to see this stunning Warbler. We will also look for other species like Dwarf Jay, Collared Towhee, White-eared and Garnet-throated Hummingbird and Rufous-capped Brush Finch. After exploring this area, we will move onto Yagul Archaeological site to continue our first full day of birding. This semi-arid region in Oaxaca features patches of xerophytic scrub vegetation interspersed with cacti and small trees and provides great shelter for a number of species we will be looking for. Some of the notable species include Grey-breasted Woodpecker, Boucard’s Wren, Beautiful Sheartail and White-tailed Hawk. It’s also a great place to observe Rufous-capped Warbler, which thrives in this habitat. After finishing up here we will drive to our hotel where we will check in and relax for a short time before having dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – La Cumbre Ixtepejí and Ex–Hacienda Aranjuez – Feb 01st
Day two in Oaxaca begins in the soft light of early morning, with coffee and cookies at the hotel before we set out into the Sierra Norte mountains. As the road climbs toward La Cumbre Ixtepejí, the rising sun filters through the trees, casting golden light on the forested slopes. We’ll make birding stops along the way, as the highland landscape slowly awakens around us. The cool air and drifting mist at La Cumbre create a magical setting for some of Mexico’s most captivating montane species. In these pine-oak forests, the tiny Bumblebee Hummingbirds zip through the undergrowth, while Aztec Thrushes move quietly in the canopy. The stunning Mountain Trogon often appears perched against the mossy trunks, and we’ll listen for the delicate calls of the Amethyst-throated Hummingbird and the elusive Dwarf Vireo. Other highland species may include Northern Tufted Flycatcher, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren and the vibrant Red Warbler, one of our main target birds which glows like a flame in the shadows. Keen eyes might also spot Steller’s Jay or hear the haunting song of the Brown-backed Solitaire echoing through the mist. The forest here is alive not only with birds but also with butterflies like the Two-tailed Swallowtail, Zebra Longwing, and Blue Morpho, adding flashes of colour to the trails. Mammals such as Mexican Gray Squirrel, White-nosed Coati, or even the shy Collared Peccary may make an appearance, especially in quieter moments. By midmorning, we’ll arrive at the Colibrí Restaurant, where breakfast is served with a view. The garden feeders attract a lively mix of hummingbirds and tanagers, so the birding continues right from the deck as we enjoy a warm meal surrounded by flowers, fluttering wings, and mountain air. We can see Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird and Rivoli’s Hummingbird, while other species coming to the fruit feeders and nearby forest edges include White-throated Towhee, Rufous-capped Brushfinch, Yellow-eyed Junco, Mexican Chickadee, Steller’s Jay, Curve-billed Thrasher and Grey Silky-flycatcher. The late morning drive back toward Oaxaca includes birding stops along the way, with time to pause for lunch and scan the changing landscape. In the afternoon, we head to Ex-Hacienda Aranjuez, a historic property nestled within semi-arid fields and farmland. The habitat shift brings a new cast of species: the brilliant Vermilion Flycatcher, Rufous-backed Robin, Oaxaca Sparrow, and White-collared Seedeater are often seen here, along with Canyon Towhee, Lark Sparrow, and Blue Grosbeak, while raptors like Zone-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel may patrol the skies overhead. In this open country, we might also encounter Armadillos, Cottontail Rabbits, or catch glimpses of White-tailed Deer grazing at the edges of the fields. Butterflies such as the Monarch, Queen, Painted Lady, and the tiny Western Pygmy-Blue add to the afternoon’s palette of colour. The day ends with a return to the hotel for a short rest before dinner—a chance to reflect on a full day of birding that spans misty cloud forests to sunlit valleys. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Monte Alban and Cabañas Puesta del Sol – Feb 02nd
The day begins at 5:30 a.m. with coffee and cookies to ease into the morning before checking out and heading to Monte Albán, a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above the central valleys of Oaxaca. After a short drive, we begin birding along Monte Albán’s Ecological Trail, where dry forests and shrublands stretch across the hillsides, offering prime habitat for standout species like the Ocellated Thrasher, Blue Mockingbird, and Pileated Flycatcher. The area also hosts the striking Slaty Vireo, the vibrant Elegant Euphonia, and, in winter, a mix of migratory visitors including Warbling Vireo and Townsend’s Warbler. After a rewarding morning on the trail, breakfast is served near the park, with time to relax and take in the valley views. From there, we continue toward Cabañas Puesta del Sol, a scenic drive of about three and a half hours, with a stop for lunch to break up the journey. Upon arrival and check-in, the gardens surrounding the cabins offer a gentle introduction to the local birdlife—Bumblebee Hummingbirds flit among the flowers, Blue Jays call from the treetops, and the elusive Northern Pygmy-Owl may be spotted perched quietly in the shade. The evening offers a chance to rest and recharge before gathering for dinner and reflecting on the day’s discoveries. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – San José del Pacífico – Feb 03rd
The day starts with some casual birding around the hotel grounds before breakfast. It’s a great chance to get familiar with the local habitat and catch early risers as they move through the gardens and nearby trees. Species often seen here include Bumblebee Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Rufous-capped Brush Finch, and Blue Jay, along with the occasional Northern Pygmy-Owl perched quietly in the shade. You might also spot Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Slate-throated Whitestart, Golden-browed Warbler, and Social Flycatcher as the morning activity picks up. After breakfast, we head toward El Manzanal, making birding stops along the way. The drive takes us through the Sierra Norte’s pine-oak forests, a region known for its strong mix of endemic and migratory species. Both the area around Cabañas Puesta del Sol and the El Manzanal Road offer excellent birding opportunities. We’ll be looking for standout species like the Red Warbler, White-throated Towhee, Grey-barred Wren, and Golden Vireo, along with others such as Olive Warbler, Brown-backed Solitaire, Steller’s Jay, and Collared Towhee. The mix of forest edge, thick brush, and open patches gives us a good range of habitats to work with. After lunch, we’ll continue birding around the lodge. The trails and gardens offer a slower pace but still plenty of chances to pick up new species and some interesting butterflies, before we settle in for dinner and review the day’s highlights. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – San José del Pacífico – Finca don Gabriel – Feb 04th 
After a final morning’s birding around the lodge grounds, where we can look for the cheerful Happy Wren, Golden-crowned Warbler, and dazzling Blue-capped Hummingbird flitting through the foliage alongside Slate-throated Redstart, Rufous-capped Brushfinch, and Mountain Trogon, we will set off towards Finca La Soledad, arriving just in time for lunch. While here we could spot a few highland specialties like the fiery Red-headed Tanager, elusive Golden Vireo, and striking Grey-crowned Woodpecker, plus Collared Towhee, Green-striped Brushfinch, and Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo. Next, we will drive to Pluma de Oro and our lodge, set amidst cloud forest, pine-oak woodlands, and native gardens. The lush grounds not only attract a dazzling array of birds but also host a rich variety of other life – from fluttering Nymphalid butterflies like Adelpha, Caligo, and Heliconius species, to mammals such as Grey Fox, Mexican Cottontail, and the elusive Collared Peccary. And some nice reptiles like Oaxacan Alligator Lizard and Mountain Horned Lizard may be spotted basking on sunlit rocks or darting through leaf litter. From our lodge Finca Don Gabriel, which offers a gateway to the biodiverse Pluma de Oro del Sur, we will spend the late afternoon looking for the secretive Blue Mockingbird, Brown-backed Solitaire, and a trio of hummingbirds including the shimmering Amethyst-throated Hummingbird, the brilliant Garnet-throated Hummingbird, and the tiny, iridescent Bumblebee Hummingbird. As dusk settles, we will listen for Middle American Screech-Owl, and Northern Pygmy-Owl, and with some luck maybe Fulvous Owl and Whiskered Screech-Owl calling from the canopy. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Pluma de Oro – Juchitán de Zaragoza – Feb 05th 
This morning we will transfer to Café Pluma Oro del Sur for coffee and cookies before birding begins. This highland site, nestled in the Sierra Madre foothills, offers a refreshing contrast to coastal habitats, with cool pine-oak forests, misty ravines, and flowering understory that attract a dazzling array of montane specialties. Among the highlights are the Oaxaca Hummingbird, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, and Long-tailed Wood-Partridge, a shy endemic often heard before seen. The forest canopy may reveal the Dwarf Jay, Red-headed Tanager, and Golden Vireo, while the dense mid-story hosts Rufous-capped Brushfinch, Golden-crowned Warbler, and the charismatic Happy Wren. Early morning is prime time for elusive species like the Middle American Screech-Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and the rarely seen Slaty Vireo, a regional endemic with a haunting song. The area also supports Grey-crowned Woodpecker, Blue Mockingbird, and Mountain Trogon, while flowering trees may attract Amethyst-throated Hummingbird and White-eared Hummingbird. With luck, you might glimpse a Grey-barred Wren, Olive Warbler, or even a Spotted Wren, each adding to the highland allure. We will then transfer to Juchitán, where a boxed lunch will be served before a short birding session. Then we continue to Laguna Superior and Santa María Xadani, two prime birding spots offering a dramatic shift in habitat and species. Laguna Superior is a vast coastal lagoon bordered by mangroves and mudflats, ideal for waterbird enthusiasts. Expect flocks of American White Pelican, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, and Roseate Spoonbill, alongside Northern Jacana, Reddish Egret, and Mangrove Warbler. Shorebird diversity is high, with Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Collared Plover, and Black Skimmer among the highlights. The mangroves may also conceal Mangrove Cuckoo, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, and Common Pauraque, while Magnificent Frigatebirds and Laughing Gulls patrol the skies. Santa María Xadani features tropical deciduous forest and coastal scrub, rich in songbirds and raptors. Key species include the Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and the striking White-throated Magpie-Jay. This area also supports Double-striped Thick-Knee, West Mexican Chachalaca, and Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, making it a hotspot for regional endemics and dry forest specialists. After two hours of excellent birding, we continue toward our hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Ojo de Agua – Huatulco – Feb 06th 
At dawn, after coffee and cookies, you’ll set out for Tolistoque Ojo de Agua, a biodiverse site about an hour from Huatulco that blends riparian corridors with semi-arid scrublands. This mosaic of habitats supports an exciting mix of regional specialties, including the elusive Lesser Roadrunner, Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow, Citreoline Trogon, Orange-fronted Parakeet, and the striking Rose-bellied Bunting, a stunning bird high on our target list. Along shaded trails and near water sources, we may also encounter the Colima Pygmy-Owl, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Stripe-headed Sparrow, Green Kingfisher, Blue Grosbeak, and Yellow-throated Warbler. The dry thickets and open ground attract Northern Bobwhite and Rufous-naped Wren, while butterflies like the Blue Morpho and Zebra Longwing drift through the understory. Rarer and highly sought-after species include the Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, Russet-crowned Motmot, Golden-crowned Emerald, Northern Potoo, and Buff-collared Nightjar, each adding a layer of excitement for seasoned birders. You might also glimpse the White-throated Magpie-Jay, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, or hear the haunting call of the Grey Hawk overhead. Reptiles such as Spiny-tailed Iguanas and possibly armadillos add to the morning’s wildlife diversity. After returning to our hotel for check-out, our journey continues toward Crucecita Huatulco, with a lunch stop en route. Just 20 minutes beyond, Canal Tangolunda offers another rewarding birding session in a mix of tropical dry forest and riparian zones. Here, Cinnamon and Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds flit among flowers, while Mexican Caciques, Golden-cheeked Woodpeckers, Orange-breasted Buntings, and White-fronted Parrots compete for our attention. We will also keep watch for Elegant Trogons, Squirrel Cuckoos, and Groove-billed Anis, as well as waterbirds like the Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, and Black-necked Stilt. With luck, you might spot a Boat-billed Heron tucked in the mangroves or a Magnificent Frigatebird soaring overhead. With more chances for Citreoline Trogon and White-throated Magpie-Jay, we also get another shot at Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, a secretive skulker of dry thickets, or the West Mexican Chachalaca, endemic to the region. After two hours of birding, you’ll return to AM Hotel y Plaza by early evening for check-in, a short rest, and dinner—capping off another bird rich day. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Pelagic Trip – Huatulco National Park – Feb 07th
We begin the day early once again with fresh coffee and cookies to fuel up before a short transfer to the marina, where we’ll board a boat for a 5-hour pelagic birding excursion off the coast of Huatulco National Park. This stretch of Pacific Ocean is known for its rich marine biodiversity and offers excellent opportunities to spot offshore species such as Red-necked Phalarope, Black Tern, Galapagos Shearwater, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Nazca Booby, Cocos Booby, Pomarine Jaeger, Magnificent Frigatebird and the elusive Tahiti Petrel. Depending on conditions, we may also encounter Brown Booby, Masked Booby, Sabine’s Gull, and even marine mammals like Spinner Dolphins, Humpback Whales, or Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Occasionally there are even sightings of Storm-Petrels, including Leach’s Storm-Petrel and Black Storm-Petrel. Around 11:30, we return to Huatulco for a relaxing lunch in town. We will then head back into Huatulco National Park for the afternoons birding. This park is one of the most ecologically diverse areas on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, encompassing tropical dry forests, riparian zones, coastal scrub, and mangrove estuaries. These varied habitats support an impressive array of birdlife and an interesting variety of other wildlife and support over 320 bird species, including 13 endemics. During our exploration, we’ll seek out regional specialties such as the Citreoline Trogon, Orange-breasted Bunting, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Flammulated Flycatcher, Red-breasted Chat, Rufous-backed Robin, Olive Sparrow, Banded Wren, Mangrove Swallow, and Nutting’s Flycatcher. The charismatic Russet-crowned Motmot, with its pendulum-like tail, is often a highlight, and we may also encounter Elegant Trogon, Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Blue Mockingbird, Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird, Green-breasted Mango, Cinnamon Hummingbird and Lineated Woodpecker among others. Among the wetter areas and mangroves we can find Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Reddish Egret, Boat-billed Heron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Least Grebe, Northern Jacana, Purple Gallinule, and American Coot.  As we continue to explore this wonderful park we will also keep a look out for other creatures such as Green Iguanas, Spiny-tailed Iguanas, and Boa Constrictors, as well as mammals including White-nosed Coatis, Armadillos, and occasionally Grey Foxes. The flora is equally captivating, with flowering trees like Bursera, Ceiba, and Tabebuia adding bursts of colour to the landscape. After this we will transfer to a comfortable hotel where we can enjoy our farewell dinner and go through our wildlife checklist to revise the wonderful things we’ve seen and incredible memories gained. 
Night Huatulco. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Huatulco – End of Tour – February 08th
On our last morning, we will wake up early with coffee and cookies and head to Huatulco National Park for about four hours of birding. It will then be time to return to the hotel for check out and transfer to Bahías de Huatulco Airport, where our tour will conclude. (B)