Veracruz 2026
September 29 to October 8 2026
There is an optional extension to the Los Tuxlas rain forest area to the south from October 8 to October 12 (the 12th would be the date leaving for the airport).
1 Person has committed to go as of November 1 2025. We need 6
What sets this tour apart
Veracruz offers a unique wildlife experience where we will witness the largest raptor migration in the world. Set in a rural Caribbean we traverse the full range of habitats from coastal rain forest and mangrove swamps to the cloud forest and up to the high pine forests in search of the many endemics.
We connect and interact with the local raptor counters, a conservationist working with the hawk eagles, taken around a shade grown coffee plantation and are led by the biologist who runs the river of raptors program.
There are other sites in the Americas that offer large hawk migration. But nowhere else will you be supporting, and falling in love with, a non-profit that does so much for local conservation.
We see upwards of 300 bird species, experience hundreds of thousands of raptors and waterbirds, sample the best local food, and see a part of Mexico that is off the tourist path. And what is so cool … we have the inside scoop of where the migration is hot as soon as it starts to build … and we adapt and move to that place.
Cost
$3600 USD for double occupancy and $3,900 USD single occupancy.
The extension is $1200 USD for double occupancy and $1400 USD for single. We need four people to make this extension go.
From the brief research I've done, this price is quite a bit lower than other tours. This is because I take no fee but pass on the tour at cost that includes the donation . This is all inclusive for meals, hotels, transportation, pickup and drop off at airport, entrance fees, community fees, boat fees. It even includes modest alcohol consumption. The price does not include personal items, travel to Mexico or travel insurance or tips for the local Mexican guide and driver
About 1/2 of the cost of the tour goes directly to Pronatura Veracruz to fund their river of raptors program. The other part pays for hotels and food and the local guides.
Almost all people arrive a day early. The guides will be present to bird the day before locally. The hotel is right on the coast and it's fun birding the hotel grounds and beach. To arrange an extra night at hotel and hotel pickup the cost is $100. You will also be expected to pay for your meals during this extra time. Most people choose to include the extension as this offers a truly unforgettable experience
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. Chairs available at the hawk count locations. 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
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 Veracruz.
Depending on the number of people signing up, I hope to have Victor as our driver. He is a local resident of the village of Chichicaxtle where one of the count stations is.
Cultural Connections
Apart from birds there will be many opportunities to interact with the local villagers in the rural communities as well as staff members of Pronatura Veracruz. We will share a meal with the raptor counting staff at their house in the small pueblo of Chichicaxle. We will also meet with the Muller's on their shade grown coffee plantation and Braulio in Ruiz Cortínez for an expedition to try and see the Hawk Eagles.
Health & Safety
Mexico has had a bad rap concerning safety, especially with the Cartels. While certain regions are extremely dangerous we will be traveling in a very SAFE region which is very rural. There has been no recent history of any cartel activity in this region and the local communities are extremely friendly and hospitable.
There are mosquitoes in some areas but they are not bad. Bring long sleeved shirts and repellent. Dengue sometimes shows up but we will be in doors in the evenings. On most tours we have a couple of participants show mild stomach issues. Nothing serious.
Hotels and Food
Everyone loves the food. Fresh sea food is very common and the local mole is to die for. We can accommodate almost any dietary restrictions you may have and all restaurants are tried and tested. For the adventurous among you, we even stop at roadside stalls to sample coconuts cut in front of us, cane juice fresh from the fields and even exotic fruits grown in the villages
Standards are certainly less posh than in the US. Even 4 star hotels will have a few minor quirks where water from the shower may come onto the floor etc … Still, all hotels have AC, power outlets, are safe and clean, and have WIFI. We have a laundry service we can use half way through the tour. The hotels in the mountains do not have AC as it is not needed there. All hotels are comfortable and safe. Two of the hotels have swimming pools.
Weather and Clothes
The lowlands are hot and humid … In the 80’s during the day. Sometimes there is a cold front where temps will drop into the 70’s. In the higher elevations expect the early mornings to be a little chilly so bring a puffy and a sweater. It can be in the upper 40’s when we start and will reach upper 60’s and 70’s later in the day. Expect some rain. I suggest bringing an umbrella. In many cases we are able to adapt, and visit different locations based on rain. There is always some rain but it has never seriously affected the trip.
Travel
Fly to Veracruz (VER) International airport. The only direct flights from the US is United from Houston and American from Dallas. Otherwise, most flights will need a connection in Mexico City. 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)
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. Everyone has a window seat. Water jug in back to fill water bottles
Other ... Money and electricity etc
Normal US system. Not all hotels have the three prong socket though (for laptops) so it's useful to have a converter for those situations. All hotels have Wi-Fi… Some places are better than others.
The only money you will need is to pay for any meals if you stay an extra night at the hotel and any souvenirs you wish to purchase. Also expect to tip the local guide at least $10 USD per day per person and the driver $5 USD per day per person. The initial hotel accepts credit cards and most people use the ATM at the first hotel as the commission is very reasonable.
Birding resources
I will keep the ebird checklists for all sites visited during the tour and compile a trip report to share with all participants. I encourage people to add photos to the checklists. Both myself and Kash will have a scope. Bring one if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Merlin with the full Mexico pack (Veracruz state)
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America by Steve Howell and Sophie Webb.
Birds of Mexico and Central America (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) Paperback – July 23, 2006 by Ber Van Perlo.
A Field Guide to Mexican Birds: Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador (Peterson Field Guide) Paperback – January 1, 1999 by Edward L. Chalif.
Bird Links of some of the places we will visit on main tour
Links to previous trip reports
Itinerary
It is likely that the schedule may change a little when we are in the lowlands as we will go where the raptor migration is hot. This is a very brief itinerary. Look at the e-bird lists and my trip reports to really get an idea of the birds.
Day 1 (Friday September 29). Arrive and pick up from the airport. All meet for a supper (Boca del Rio). If everyone arrives a day early, we are able to use this extra day.
Day 2. Las Barrancas grasslands and coastal lagoons with boat trip through mangroves (Boca del Rio)
Day 3. Hawk Watch, afternoon boat trip at Antigua (Puente National)
Day 4. Hawk Watch, coastal area and dunes (Puente National)
Day 5. Quiahuiztlán, Mirimar and drive to Xalapa (Xalapa)
Day 6. Cofre de Perote (high elevation) and trans volcanic plane of los Humeros (Xalapa)
Day 7. las Minas and Parque Ecológico Macuiltépetl (mid-elevation forest) (Xalapa)
Day 8 local wild park in Xalapa in am. Xico waterfall in pm (Puente Nacional)
Day 9 Breakfast and morning at Coffee Plantation. Afternoon hawk watch (Boca del Rio)
Day 10 (8 October). Breakfast and ride to the airport.
If doing the extension
Day 10 (8 October) travel to rain forest via coastal lagoons
Day 11 lowland rain forest
Day 12 Ruiz cortinez and mist forest
Day 13 Eyipantla waterfall and travel back to Veracruz
Day 14 (Oct 12 ) breakfast and leave for airport
"Steve’s passion for birds was manifested as an infectious enthusiasm and in his joy getting us on birds in bins and scope as quickly as possible. Always attuned to our needs and wants, Steve’s fluency in Spanish added to our understanding and appreciation of the local culture. If you bird with Steve you’ll make a good friend but most of all, prepare to have fun!
Davis Vick. Terrebonne, Oregon
Create Your Own Website With Webador