Day 1 - Arrival day - Tuxcla Gutierrez
Arrival day and settling into hotel in Tuxcla Gutierrez
☾ Overnight in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
​​​
Día 2 –– Armando Zebadúa & Sima de las Cotorras
We begin the Chiapas portion of our journey with an early departure to Armando Zebadúa (≈900 m), a site of limestone outcrops and humid evergreen forest. This unique habitat is the stronghold of the elusive Nava’s Wren, alongside specialties such as Smoky-brown Woodpecker and Slate-colored Solitaire. Roadside mixed vegetation offers additional opportunities for Yellow-winged Tanager, Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, and other regional highlights. In the afternoon, we explore Sima de las Cotorras, a spectacular sinkhole where hundreds of Green Parakeets roost and swirl dramatically over the cliffs.
☾ Overnight in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
​
Target species: Nava’s Wren, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, Slate-colored Solitaire, Black-faced Grosbeak, Yellow-winged Tanager, Wedge-tailed Sabrewing, Green Shrike-Vireo, Fawn-throated Foliage-gleaner, Green Parakeet, Stripe-tailed Hummingbird
​
Día 3 - Cañón del Sumidero
A full day of birding in the magnificent Sumidero Canyon, both a natural reserve and one of Chiapas’ most iconic landscapes. Its steep cliffs, bamboo patches, and low forests provide habitat for specialties including Belted Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Russet-crowned Motmot, and Banded Wren. Stops at scenic viewpoints above 1,000 m offer both breathtaking views and productive birding.
☾ Overnight in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
​
Target species: Banded Wren, Streak-backed Oriole, Fan-tailed Warbler, Russet-crowned Motmot, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Red-breasted Chat, Bar-winged Oriole, Slender Sheartail, Belted Flycatcher
​
Día 4 - San Cristóbal de las Casas & Montetik Reserve
We continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas, a picturesque colonial town set at 2,200 m. Birding at the Montetik Natural Reserve (2,500 m) immerses us in a highland ecosystem typical of Guatemala and northern Central America. Highlights include the stunning Pink-headed Warbler, Unicolored Jay, and Blue-throated Motmot, as well as hummingbirds like Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem and Garnet-throated Hummingbird. Evening owling may provide chances for Bearded Screech-Owl.
☾ Overnight in San Cristóbal de las Casas
​
Target species: Unicolored Jay, Rufous-collared Robin, Pink-headed Warbler, Mountain Trogon, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, Red-faced Warbler, Rufous-browed Wren, Black-capped Swallow, Blue-throated Motmot, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Bearded Screech-Owl
Día 5– Naha Community & the Lacandon Jungle
An early drive brings us to Naha, a picturesque Lacandon village, where ancient traditions and conservation efforts come together. Surrounded by tranquil lagoons and dense rainforest, Naha offers one of the most immersive birding experiences in Chiapas.
We will explore the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, part of the greater Lacandon Jungle, whose evergreen forests share affinities with Central America. This is prime habitat for the Lovely Cotinga, Mayan Antthrush, and Nightingale Wren, along with colorful species like the White-winged Tanager and Chestnut-headed Oropendola. The forest also holds specialties of both highland and lowland ranges, including the Guatemalan Tyrannulet.
​
Night birding may reveal spectacular raptors such as Crested Owl and Black-and-white Owl, adding to the diversity of this extraordinary site.
☾ Overnight in Naha
​
Target species: Lovely Cotinga, Mayan Antthrush, Slaty-breasted Tinamou, Great Tinamou, Collared Trogon, Short-billed Pigeon, Black-faced Grosbeak, Nightingale Wren, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, White-winged Tanager, Green Shrike-Vireo, Crested Owl, Black-and-white Owl, Long-billed Starthroat, White-collared Manakin
Día 6 - Yaxchilan
The following morning, we will depart for Frontera Corozal. Along the way, we will visit Yaxchilan, an archaeological site accessible only by boat from Frontera Corozal. During the boat journey, guests may observe a variety of bird species, including the King Vulture, Tody Motmot, and White Hawk. Upon arrival at the site, visitors disembark to explore trails and open areas, surrounded by lush vegetation. This well-preserved location provides an exceptional experience for both history and nature enthusiasts.
​
☾ Overnight in Frontera Corosal
​
Target Species: Lovely Cotinga, Tody Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Dusky Antbird, Golden-hooded Tanager, White-whiskered Puffbird, Long-billed Hermit, Streak-headed and Wedge-billed Woodcreepers, Central American Pygmy-Owl, Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet, Cinnamon Becard, Purple-crowned Fairy, Royal Flycatcher.
Día 7 - Palenque
On this final day, we will focus on any remaining target species in the area, as well as other notable birds such as the Scarlet Macaw, White Hawk, Long-billed Hermit, Orange-billed Sparrow, and Northern Royal Flycatcher. Explore the surroundings of Palenque, where lush forests and archaeological ruins create an exceptional setting for birdwatching. Depending on the flight schedule, we can take advantage of these additional hours to observe more of the region’s diverse avifauna.
​
​☾ Overnight in Villahermosa
Target Species: Chestnut-colored and Black-cheeked Woodpeckers, Golden-hooded, Scarlet-rumped, and Crimson-collared Tanagers, Green Honeycreeper, White-collared Swift, Buff-throated Saltator, Stripe-throated and Long-billed Hermits, Scarlet Macaw, White Hawk, Orange-billed Sparrow, Northern Royal Flycatcher.
Día 8– Depature day
We transfer to Villahermosa airport for departures.
* This is one of many itineraries that we can organize. We specialize in personalized itineraries based on customers´wishes.
Interest in combining this trip with birding in Oaxaca? ​
Ask us for a Oaxaca / Chiapas itinerary.
​