Oaxaca ... Day of the Dead tour
October 26 - November 3 2026.
It will be possible to arrive a day early and pay for the extra night. If everyone arrives the day early we can start the tour birding full day on that day and have an extra day of local birding / sightseeing.
6 People have committed to go as of November 1 2025. There is still space. This trip will run
What sets this tour apart ...
Cost
Like Veracruz, Oaxaca is an endemic biodiversity hotspot in Mexico and the Americas. The range of mountains, and dry inter-mountain valleys offer unique habitats and birds. Its an area famous for its colorful villages and foods, and rich Myna heritage.
This tour is timed to coincide with el dia de los muertos, or day of the dead festivities. This is nothing like Halloween, but permeates society for several weeks. Altars, Katrinas, Pan de muerte, face paints, fancy dress and decorations are all part of the festivities.
$3,900 USD per person based on double occupancy. Single person supplement is $300 USD. As with the Veracruz tour this is a fundraiser for Pronatura Veracruz and all profits go to their River of raptor program.
Unfortunately this is an expensive time to visit due to the famous dia de los muertos celebrations and people come from all over Mexico to experience it.
What to expect
Relaxed birding is appropriate for all levels of birding experience from the newbies to experienced. Short hikes on easy trails … out of the sun for most of the walks. Typically breakfast about 6am, on the road by 06.45 and bird until lunch. Lunch is in restaurants for an hour or so and then bird in the afternoon ... Depends on location but most days we will be back by 6pm. Because there are two guides we can easily accommodate a slower pace and those who wish to spend more time taking photos. Also, expect great food. You may need to go on a diet before the trip
This tour is not all about the birds. We will also visit some of the archaeological sites and experience the day of the dead festivities for which this area is famous.
We will also celebrate the local food and the area is a world heritage area for its gastronomy. One restaurant we will visit requires a three month reservation in advance .. see it here.
Guides
There are two guides. Kashmir Wolf is our local guide. He runs the River of raptor program and there is no one better to give us insights into the local conservation programs in the area. He is fantastic birder and fluent in English.
Steve Dougill will also be the US guide accompanying the trip. Steve worked as a counter on the River of Raptors project in 2019 and has brought five previous trips to Mexico as well as travelling in Oaxaca.
Travel
Fly into, and out of Oaxaca City. There are firect flights here otherwise you will need to get a connecting flight in Mexico City. Really, the airport isn’t bad and I can give tips on how to navigate the arrival to find the connections area after clearing immigration. Typically baggage will be checked all the way through and after passport control follow signs for transfers. Mexico City terminal has various zones where the gates are located. If flying air mexico be prepared to pay extra on way home to check bags all the way to your destination (about $25)
Key US Departure Cities for Direct Flights:
Houston (IAH): A consistent gateway for direct flights to OAX.
Dallas (DFW): Another major U.S. hub with direct options.
Los Angeles (LAX): Offers direct routes to Oaxaca.
Airlines Offering Direct Flights:
American Airlines: A popular choice for flying to Oaxaca.
United Airlines: Provides routes from several cities, including Houston.
Aeromexico: Often partners with Delta for U.S. access to Oaxaca.
Other:
You will need a valid passport. It needs to be valid for the entire travel period and have two blank pages. It does NOT need to be valid for 6 months after the trip for US citizens.
For the tour, we use a 15-seater Sprinter van with Driver, USB charges and AC... or something similar. Everyone has a window seat. Water jug in back to fill water bottles
Weather
This is the perfect time to visit. In the Oaxaca city area it is dry and warm with little chance of rain and low humidity. Expect daytime temps in the low 80’s falling to the 50's at night. When we go up into the mountains expect slightly cooler temps. The coast will be slightly warmer but more so at night with an on-shore wind in the afternoons.
Accommodation
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Birding resources
E-bird hot spots
Monte Alban (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L282510)
Ixtepeji (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4283211)
Hueyapam (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L32245733)
Santa Maria Xadani (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L420497)
Tolistoque (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L615062)
Teotitlan del Valle Mitla (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L305858)
Jardín Botánico (https://ebird.org/checklist/S284629723)
Itinerary
October 26 - Arrive at Oaxaca International Airport (if everyone arrives the day before we get to go birding all day)
October 27 - Birding at Monte Albán (The archeological site) AM and enjoy the Oaxaca's downtown (Slaty Vireo and Golden)
October 28 - Birding at Ixtepeji and birding the afternoon at Huayapam (Dwarf Jay and Red Warbler, Giant Wren, Oaxaca Sparrow, Red-headed Tanager)
October 29 - Departure towards the Isthmus, Stopping on the way. A new highway has opened up meaning about a 4 hour travel time but we will make birding stops.
October 30- Birding at Santa Maria Xadani (Striped-headed Sparrow, Yellow-winged Cacique and Rosita's Bunting, Citreoline Trogon, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Sumichrast Sparrow
October 31 - Travel back to Oaxaca stopping on the way
November 1- Birding at Teotitlan del Valle (Dusky Hummingbird, Boucard's Wren, Happy Wren) and Visit Mitla archaeological site.
November 2 - Birding in the Botanical Garden AM, Festivities in downtown Oaxaca walk to see the altars and festivities in the afternoon / evening
November 3 - Departure from Oaxaca (if want to stay longer we can help arrange extra nights)
"My first birdwatching trip ever ... It was an experience I’ll never forget! Our guides, Steve & Kash made it even better with their deep avian knowledge, enthusiasm and friendly, relaxed attitude. Every moment was a new insight of the people, their culture, varied landscapes and the rich species diversity of the region."
Sonya Wilson. Las Vegas, Nevada
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