Oaxaca—often called the birdiest state in Mexico—offers an incredible variety of habitats and elevations, making it the richest region in the country for bird species. This 12-day journey explores one of its most rewarding corners, combining exceptional birding with unforgettable landscapes, food, and culture.
You’ll travel through five of Oaxaca’s premier birding regions, from the high Sierra Juárez to the Pacific coast, encountering regional treasures like Red Warbler, Blue Mockingbird, Rose-bellied Bunting, and—offshore—Pink-footed Shearwater and Black Storm-Petrel. Along the way, you’ll visit the vibrant cities of Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, and Huatulco, with a tranquil night in forest cabins in the Southern Sierra.
Cultural highlights include the ancient mountaintop ruins of Monte Albán and a visit to the weavers’ village of Teotitlán del Valle. And of course, you’ll experience Oaxaca’s legendary cuisine—especially its seven celebrated types of mole. This tour is rich in species, flavor, and spirit.
Please note that while the general itinerary is set, hotels and daily activities may slightly differ depending on circumstances.
You’ll arrive at Oaxaca City International Airport (OAX), where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner—an ideal opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travelers and get an overview of the days ahead.
After a hearty early breakfast, your journey into the Oaxaca Valley begins. You’ll explore the region’s distinctive thorn scrub habitat, where you’ll have excellent chances to spot Boucard’s Wren, Dusky Hummingbird, Gray-breasted Woodpecker, Bridled Sparrow, Black-vented Oriole, and Berylline Hummingbird. As midday approaches, enjoy a relaxing lunch and a cultural visit to the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, where you’ll see a traditional rug-making demonstration. Later, you’ll fit in a bit more birding before heading back to Oaxaca City.
Today takes you high into the Sierra Norte, climbing to elevations near 9,000 feet (2,740 meters). You'll bird in cool pine-oak forest—mornings here can dip into the 40s°F (4–9°C), so you’ll want a warm jacket. Expect to see mountain specialties like the Red Warbler, Dwarf Jay, Gray-barred Wren, and Collared Towhee, with possibilities for Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer and Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo. After lunch at a local mountain restaurant, enjoy some relaxed birding before returning to the comfort of your hotel in Oaxaca City.
With your coffee and breakfast taken care of, you’ll head north into oak scrub, one of the region’s best habitats for elusive endemics. Your targets today include the Ocellated Thrasher, Oaxaca Sparrow, Slaty Vireo, and Blue Mockingbird. After a scenic morning, you’ll break for lunch and then enjoy more time in the field, wrapping up with a relaxing dinner in the heart of Oaxaca’s charming downtown.
Today brings a unique combination of birding, cultural heritage, and travel. You’ll start the day with casual birding near Monte Albán, one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the region. Look for Rock and Canyon Wrens, as well as local orioles and hummingbirds. Once the site opens, you’ll explore its magnificent ruins, then continue on to lunch and a scenic five-hour drive (approx. 300 km) to the city of Tehuantepec.
This morning you’ll venture into thorn scrub in search of some of Mexico’s most iconic birds. Keep an eye out for the Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow, Rose-bellied Bunting, Orange-breasted Bunting, Stripe-headed Sparrow, and—with a bit of luck—the Lesser Ground-Cuckoo or even the Lesser Roadrunner. After lunch, enjoy a picturesque coastal drive as you make your way to the Pacific coast town of Huatulco.
Your day begins early in the lowland forests near Huatulco, a region rich in tropical biodiversity. You'll search for the Red-breasted Chat, Citreoline Trogon, Russet-crowned Motmot, Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Happy Wren, and Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird. As the heat rises into the 90s°F (32–35°C), you’ll take a restful midday break before heading back out for evening birding, followed by a delicious dinner.
Today you’ll enjoy a day at sea. After breakfast, board a boat for an offshore adventure—the continental shelf lies just 5–6 miles (8–10 kilometers) out, making this a prime opportunity for pelagic birding. You may spot Black and Least Storm-Petrels, Wedge-tailed, Galapagos, and Pink-footed Shearwaters, as well as Boobies, Jaegers, and other exciting seabirds. Later, relax over lunch at a nearby beach and then prepare for an evening outing to seek nocturnal species like Mottled Owl, Pacific Screech-Owl, and perhaps Buff-collared Nightjar or Pauraque.
After breakfast, head into the lush mountains north of Huatulco. Here, in tropical semi-deciduous forest and shade coffee plantations, you’ll search for regional endemics such as the Blue-capped Hummingbird, Red-headed Tanager, Wagler’s (Emerald) Toucanet, Gray-crowned Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Emerald, and the elusive Mexican Hermit. Enjoy a meal at a traditional coffee finca and continue birding as you return to your hotel.
Your day begins with early birding, with the chance to search for Collared Plovers and other coastal species. Then, settle in for a scenic four-hour drive from sea level up to 9,000 feet (2,740 meters) as you travel to the mountain town of San José del Pacífico. Along the way, take in the changing landscapes and habitats, with time for birding stops en route. On arrival, you’ll enjoy relaxed birding around your cabins in the cool pine forests.
Spend your final full day birding in the peaceful pine-oak forests near San José. You’ll look for highland specialties including Brown-backed Solitaire, Bumblebee Hummingbird, and Hooded Yellowthroat. If you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the secretive White-throated Jay. After lunch, begin your return journey to Oaxaca City for your final evening.
Departure day. You’ll be transferred to Oaxaca City International Airport for your flight home, full of memories and (hopefully) a long list of lifers.