The Best Birdwatching Destinations in Latin America, and Mexico’s Potential to Become a Regional Leader

Latin America is one of the most exciting continents for birdwatching. Its mix of tropical rainforests, mountains, cloud forests, coastal wetlands, and deserts creates a mosaic of habitats that hosts one of the highest concentrations of birdlife on the planet. This is why countries like Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Brazil consistently appear on international lists of must-visit destinations for birdwatchers. Yet there is another country with extraordinary biodiversity, a strategic location, and enormous potential still waiting to be fully recognized: Mexico.

Leading Birdwatching Destinations in Latin America

Colombia is, without a doubt, the global reference point. With nearly 2,000 recorded species, more than any other nation, Colombia has positioned itself as a leader thanks to a clear strategy that combines biodiversity, tourism infrastructure, and international promotion. Its Andes, Amazon Basin, and Caribbean coastline offer an unmatched range of possibilities for birdwatchers.

Peru and Ecuador also stand out for their diversity and their well-established birding routes. Specialized lodges, relatively easy access to contrasting ecosystems, and the presence of highly trained guides have strengthened their global reputation.

Costa Rica, despite its small size, is one of the most organized countries when it comes to nature tourism. Its long-term investment in ecotourism, the quality of its national parks, and its ease of travel make it a particularly friendly destination for birders of all levels.

Mexico: A Biodiversity Giant Still Emerging as a Birding Destination

With more than 1,100 bird species, highly varied ecosystems, and a unique position between the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, Mexico has everything it needs to be among the top birdwatching destinations in the hemisphere. From the deserts of the north to the jungles of Chiapas, the mountains of Oaxaca, the mangroves of the Yucatán Peninsula, and the temperate forests of the central highlands, Mexico’s ornithological richness rivals that of the leading countries.

So why does Mexico still not occupy a more visible place on the world birdwatching map?

Historically, the answer lies in the absence of a national strategy focused on bird tourism. For many years, the development of birdwatching in Mexico has depended almost entirely on private initiative: bird enthusiasts, specialized agencies, independent guides, photographers, civil associations, community-based projects, and private reserves run by local organizations. They have created routes, trained new guides, promoted entire regions, and helped showcase the country’s natural wealth internationally.

This grassroots momentum has been essential. Thanks to these efforts, regions such as the Yucatán Peninsula, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Veracruz are now recognized among international birders, even without robust government promotion.

A Positive Shift: The Government Begins to Recognize the Potential of Bird Tourism

In recent years, however, an important shift has begun. The federal government and several state governments are increasingly recognizing that bird tourism is not only a recreational activity but also a powerful conservation tool and a real economic opportunity for rural communities.

• More and more public programs now support

• Training for local guides

• Creation or improvement of trails

• Basic ecotourism infrastructure

• Community projects that link conservation with income

• Promotion of nature tourism at national and international fairs

This collaboration among the private sector, local communities, and government can generate economic resilience, reduce pressure on ecosystems, and strengthen the sense of identity and pride in natural and cultural heritage.

Mexico Has Everything It Takes to Be Among the Best

If the country continues investing in conservation, empowering local communities, professionalizing the sector, and developing a clear international identity as a nature destination, Mexico can not only join the list of Latin America’s top birding destinations, it can become a model of how sustainable tourism can protect biodiversity and improve lives.

The future of birdwatching tourism in Mexico is promising. And those of us who love birds, from guides to tour operators to local communities, will continue to play a key role in this growth.