9-Day Yucatan Peninsula Birding Trip
A 9-day Yucatan Peninsula birding trip covering Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Rio Lagartos, Merida, Campeche, Calakmul, Bacalar and Cozumel.
About this tour
Cross the Yucatan Peninsula on a nine-day route through its main forest, wetland, coastal and island birding regions. From Cancún and Puerto Morelos, the journey continues through Valladolid, Río Lagartos, Mérida and Campeche before reaching Calakmul, Bacalar and Cozumel.
Daily birding moves from northern endemics and mangrove species to the taller southern forests. The route may produce Yucatan Flycatcher, Mexican Sheartail, Yucatan Wren, American Flamingo, Sungrebe, Ocellated Turkey, Keel-billed Toucan and Cozumel’s island specialties, among many others. The official program describes an opportunity for roughly 240 species, but totals and individual sightings are never guaranteed.
Boat travel, archaeological settings and an optional bat-cave visit add variety to the field sessions. Airport and ferry timing, accommodation, access and the final daily sequence are confirmed for the chosen departure. Some days involve substantial road travel between distant birding areas.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Mexico.
Birds you can spot
Celeus castaneus
target
Cynanthus forficatus
target
Vireo bairdi
target
Arremonops chloronotus
target
Leptotila plumbeiceps
target
Granatellus sallaei
target
Ramphastos sulfuratus
target
Momotus lessonii
target
Doricha eliza
target
Jacana spinosa
target
Meleagris ocellata
target
Icterus auratus
target
Ceratopipra mentalis
target
Piranga roseogularis
target
Aramides albiventris
target
Heliornis fulica
target
Amazona albifrons
target
Notharchus hyperrhynchus
target
Colinus nigrogularis
target
Myiarchus yucatanensis
target
Campylorhynchus yucatanicus
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Cancun Airport to Puerto Morelos
Airport pickup, transfer to Puerto Morelos and optional evening birding for nocturnal targets.
Day 2
Puerto Morelos to Valladolid
Bird Puerto Morelos Reserve for Yucatan Flycatcher, Green-backed Sparrow, Orange Oriole, Rose-throated Tanager and many forest birds.
Day 3
Valladolid to Rio Lagartos
Bird near Valladolid, then continue to Rio Lagartos via Kikil and other productive stops.
Day 4
Rio Lagartos to Merida
Bird coastal dune and mangrove habitats for restricted-range species, flamingos and wetland birds.
Day 5
Merida to Campeche
Drive to Campeche with birding stops south of Merida and near Campeche city.
Day 6
Calakmul and bat cave
Full-day birding at Calakmul Reserve and the archaeological zone, followed by the bat cave spectacle if conditions allow.
Day 7
Hormiguero, Kohunlich and Bacalar
Bird Hormiguero lagoons and archaeological area, then Kohunlich for forest species before continuing to Bacalar.
Day 8
Cozumel Island
Ferry to Cozumel and bird forest, mangroves and coastal dunes for Cozumel Emerald, Cozumel Vireo and island specialties.
Day 9
Airport drop-off
Optional final birding near Cancun depending on flight time, then airport transfer.
Locations & map
- Cancun - Yucatan Peninsula Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula birding habitat; final route depends on season and access.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Scheduled or custom private departures; dates and availability to confirm with Sandra.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Multi-day birding guide service - Guided birding throughout the Yucatan Peninsula route, subject to final confirmation.
- Custom route planning - Route can be adapted around target birds, dates, pace and logistics.
- International flights and travel insurance - Not included.
- Final accommodation, meals, entrance fees, boat fees and transport costs - Confirmed in Sandra's final quotation.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle / local transport as quoted Vehicle, boat and entrance logistics are confirmed in Sandra's final quotation. | Meet: Cancun Airport or the confirmed starting point. | Pickup: Pickup and transport logistics to be confirmed after inquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Are prices and dates final?
No. BirdWatch will forward the enquiry to Sandra so she can confirm current availability, price, route, inclusions and logistics.
Can the tour focus on my target birds?
Yes. Send your target list with the enquiry and Sandra can advise which sites and timing are most suitable.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.