3-Day Puerto Rico Endemic Birding Trail
Travel from San Juan to Puerto Rico’s west and southwest over three days, combining endemic-rich forest, dry coastal habitat and optional night birding.
About this tour
This three-day, two-night trail begins with an early San Juan pickup and works west through several ecological zones. Strategic stops on the first transfer can introduce eastern or lowland endemics before the route reaches La Parguera and the southwest, where dry habitat and evening birding add a different set of priorities.
Maricao’s mountain forest forms the core of the second day, bringing possibilities such as Elfin-woods Warbler together with Puerto Rican Tody, Woodpecker, Lizard-Cuckoo, Oriole, Emerald, Spindalis and Bullfinch. Southwest sessions can also seek Puerto Rican Nightjar and Yellow-shouldered Blackbird when season, access and conditions permit. The final morning provides one more western field period before the return to San Juan by mid-afternoon.
The published seasonal format runs from December through March and starts at USD 1,929 per person in a double room, based on a minimum of six birders, with a daily fuel charge added. Private dates and itinerary timing can be flexible. Hotel, meal and fuel prices must be reconfirmed with suppliers before booking, so the final written proposal is authoritative. Hilda leads as a certified local tour guide.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Puerto Rico.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
San Juan to the southwest
Leave the agreed San Juan-area pickup no later than 07:00 and bird selected stops while driving west. Continue into La Parguera and nearby southwest habitat for island endemics, with an evening search for night birds when conditions and timing allow.
Day 2
Maricao mountain forest
Start early for Maricao’s highland forest, concentrating on mountain endemics, hummingbirds and regional specialties. Stop duration follows bird activity; a further night-bird attempt is possible only when needed and feasible.
Day 3
Western morning and San Juan return
Use the early morning near the accommodation for remaining targets, then check out for a final western stop. The planned drive reaches San Juan in mid-afternoon, and onward flights should allow a suitable margin after that return.
Locations & map
- Southwest Puerto Rico endemic birding corridor - La Parguera, Guánica and Maricao Puerto Rico (The route crosses dry coastal habitat and wetter mountain forest; weather and access can change the sequence.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; the most suitable route and timing depend on season, access and current bird activity.
Included
- Two breakfasts - Included in the three-day package.
- Three picnic-style lunches - Included in the three-day package.
- Two dinners - Included in the three-day package.
- Guide, driver and transportation - Included for the guided route and San Juan-area pickup/drop-off.
- Two nights accommodation - One night in Guánica or La Parguera and one night in Maricao, subject to seasonal availability.
- Daily snacks and water - Included during the guided route.
Not included
- Travel insurance - Guests should arrange suitable cover.
- Personal expenses and services - Laundry, medicine, medical fees and other personal purchases are not included.
- Activities outside the itinerary - Optional or independently booked activities are not included.
- Daily fuel adjustment - A daily fuel adjustment is added and final supplier prices are reconfirmed.
Transport & stays
- Guided vehicle route Transportation, guide and driver are included for the three-day route. | Meet: San Juan-area pickup point confirmed before travel. | Pickup: Pickup/drop-off areas include SJU Airport, San Juan Port, Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde.
Accommodations
- Southwest Puerto Rico accommodation (days 1-2) Double room in the base price Subject to seasonal hotel availability
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can the dates or route be customized?
Yes. Private-tour dates and the sequence are flexible, subject to guide, hotel and supplier availability.
Is the listed price final?
The listed base rate applies to the 2026–2027 package. Fuel, hotel and meal costs are reconfirmed before booking, so the final written quotation may vary.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.