Harboring about ten percent of Earth’s biodiversity, Mexico is one of the most biologically rich countries in the world. During this natural adventure, we’ll explore and learn about some of that richness as we travel through the valley of Oaxaca, the bordering sierras, and the lovely Pacific coast.

Tropical deciduous forest, shade-grown coffee plantations, the lush evergreen forests of the Sierra Norte and the Sierra Madre del Sur, mangroves, beaches, and the arid scrub of the Oaxaca valley make up the varied sites we’ll visit as we enjoy the birds, natural history, and culture of southern Mexico.  During our journey, we’ll experience fantastic birding as we search for species such as dwarf jay, red warbler, bumblebee hummingbird, mountain and citreoline trogons, white-throated magpie jay, ocellated thrasher, Oaxaca sparrow, gray-breasted woodpecker, gray- barred wren, russet-crowned motmot, spot-breasted oriole, and many others.  We’ll also tour the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, visit a master weaver in Teotitlan del Valle, tour the Oaxacan Cultural Museum, enjoy a boat trip through a gorgeous mangrove estuary, and spend an unforgettable day with Seasons of My Heart Cooking School as we tour the Mercado Abastos, enjoy a superb lecture on regional farming, culture and cuisine, and savor a delicious lunch.

In addition to the natural wonders, a major trip highlight will be the unique and superb lodging situations.  All have warm hospitality and terrific views, and some have great birding right outside your front door. Oaxaca also has the best and most interesting food of any Latin American trip we do.

Led by naturalist and bird guide Mark Pretti and local guide Benito Hernandez.