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Resplendent Quetzal

BIRDS OF THE MAYA EMPIRE

AN EPIC BIRD TOUR IN MEXICO 

Tuxtla Gutierrez to Villahermosa Feb 19-29, 2024

Max Price is $65,000 MXN including tour with experienced Ornithologist, biologist and cultural expert, all ground & boat transport, hotels, meals, activities and entrance fees.  Drinks + Drink Tips & discretionary tips are separate.

"Birds chirping around you is a beautiful realization that life is incredibly good. Let this sound be a gentle break in your routine.." - Hiral Nagda

Bienvenidos

The smoke-filled air of a chilly mountain town, and the signature of woven threads that identify ones village are part of what intrigues visitors who travel through these mystical and powerful landscapes.

Waking up in the shroud of a tranquil pine forest, and setting out to swim in mother earths pristine and natural fountains, the aroma of traditional cooking, and power of ancient stones that were placed by the hands of humankind more than one thousand years ago - these are some of the experiences of Chiapas.  

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS TOUR

  • Bird watch in nature reserves around San Cristobal de las Casas

  • Stay in the UNESCO protected Montebello Lakes Cloud Forest

  • Visit the Amber and Textile Museums in San Cristobal de las Casas

  • Visit authentic Maya villages to meet local weavers

  • Visit El Chiflon and Agua Azul Waterfalls

  • Bird watch at the ancient cities of Chinkultic, Tenam Puente and Palenque

  • Enjoy a fascinating lecture about invasive bird species in Mexico

Bienvenidos
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Quick Info

START:  Tuxtla-Gutierrez, Chiapas

FINISH:  Villahermosa, Tabasco

NIGHTS:  11 Nights / 12 Days

DATES:  Feb 19 —29, 2024

GROUP:  14 Guests

AGE:  40+ (Private for all ages)

DIFFICULTY:  Some hills & stairs

PRICE: $65,000 MXN

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Quick Info

Trip Itinerary

Monday February 19, 2024: Welcome to Mexico

Hotel:  Bela`s B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas

Please be in Tuxtla Gutierrez by 10 AM.  We will pick you up and Visit Canyon del Sumidero

Tuesday February 20, 2024: Weaving & Mysticism of the Maya

Hotel:  Bela`s B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas

Birding at the Orchid Reserve.  Visit Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula

Wednesday February 21, 2024 Early Bird Gets the Worm

Hotel:  Bela`s B&B, San Cristobal de las Casas

Bird watch at Gruta del Mamut & El Arcotete.  Visit Textile Collection and market

Thursday February 22, 2024:  UNESCO Protected Waters

Hotel:  Cabanas Junkolal Tziscao, Lake Tziscao

Pottery class in Amatenango.  Transfer to Lake Tziscao in Montebello Lake National Park

Friday February 23, 2024:  Search for the Elusive Quetzal

Hotel:  Cabanas Junkolal Tziscao, Lake Tziscao

Bird watch at the ancient city of Chinkultic in this beautiful cloud forest

Saturday February 24, 2024: Enchanting Waters of El Chiflon

Hotel:  Hotel Jardin de Tereza, Comitan

Bird watch at the ancient city of Tenam Puente.  Soak in the turquoise waters of El Chiflon.

Sunday February 25, 2024The Long and Winding Road

Hotel:  Finca Vallescondido, Selva Lacandona

Early morning departure for Agua Azul and Selva Lacandona

Monday February 26, 2024: Place of Black Stones

Hotel:  Finca Vallescondido, Selva Lacandona

Bird Watch in the local area and unwind at the beautiful lodge

Tuesday February 27, 2024Tomb of the Red Queen

Hotel:  Finca Vallescondido, Selva Lacandona

Early morning bird watching at the ancient city of Palenque

Wednesday February 28, 2024:  Colossal Olmec Heads

Hotel:  Sleep Inn Villahermosa

Early morning bird watching.  Transfer to Parque la Venta in Villahermosa

Thursday February 29, 2024:  Home Sweet Home

Fly from Villahermosa Airport

Optional tour for guests to stay an extra night and visit the ancient Maya city of Comalcalco

Regional Map

Trip Itinerary
Regional Map

Getting Here

If you would like to visit the iconic Canyon del Sumidero, please land at the Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport by 10 AM.  (Some guests are arriving 2 days early, while others are flying in very early through Mexico City that morning.)  There are  flights from Mexico City and Guadalajara that land at around 10 AM.  The 5 AM flight from Cancun also arrives at 10:20 AM, but is directed through Mexico City.  If you arrive a day early, you can get direct flights to Tuxtla from Cancun.  

 

When we depart, you can fly from Villahermosa in the morning, but if you would like to stay and visit Comalcalco to see this intriguing ancient Maya city, please book your flight after 3 PM so we have time to get you to the airport for check-in. 

 

Questions?  Please contact us for more information.

Getting Here
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Tour Considerations

Altitude:  San Cristobal de las Casas is seated at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7217 feet), which requires a period of adjustment for some guests who reside at sea level.  If you get tired on our walking tour in the city, please don´t hesitate to let us know you need to rest.  We can arrange a taxi back to the hotel for you, or ask the group if they are also ready for a break so you may rest.

Tour Difficulty:  Other than altitude, we will approach some inclines and terraced archaeological sites with uneven steps, and muddy trails.  If mobility is an issue for you, please contact us to discuss which tours you may want an alternate activity for.

Insects etc:  In Selva Lacandona, there are tarantulas, scorpions and venemous snakes present.  These do not generally pose a risk to tourists, but it is wise to stay cognizant of your surroundings, and watch your step.  Long sleeves and full length pants are recommended in the jungle, despite the hot weather, due to the insects.  This also helps reduce risk of sunburn.

Photography:  Photographs are prohibited in the church of San Juan Chamula, but permitted during our other tours. If you are taking close-up photos of local people, please ask their permission first.  

Respect Fellow Travelers:  Being punctual is incredibly important for keeping our schedule fluid.  Traffic can delay our guides and you, but please make an effort to be early, rather than late.  If you have a complaint about the tour, please wait until you can take your tour leader aside to discuss your issue. 

 

Read the Itinerary:  It is important that guests read the itinerary and pay attention to verbal instructions.  Please be mindful of your team leaders and fellow travellers by paying attention.  Often, we spend too much time answering text messages and questions that are already detailed in the itinerary.  We will have hard copies for you, when you arrive, so you can keep it handy.   We will also do a recap in the evening, to remind you of the next days activities.  

Food:  Corn is the staple of Mexican cuisine, and vegetarian options are limited.  If you have allergies or specific food preferences, please drop us a note.

What to Bring:  We highly recommend a hat with brim or visor, sunscreen, bug repellant, sun glasses and a refillable water bottle.

Footwear:  A pair of lightweight and sturdy hiking boots are recommended for hiking trails, especially in the jungle where we anticipate mud on the trails.  A change of shoes is wonderful to change into at night.

Clothing:  Long pants and sleeves are recommended for the jungle.  Pack extra socks for nightly comfort.  

Walking/Hiking Sticks:  We recommend collapsible walking poles if you have trouble with your knees.  These will be useful for waterfall parks and archaeological sites.

Flexibility:  Traffic can change our logistics without a moments notice.  Please expect to be flexible, and understand that the traffic situation is beyond our control (as is the weather).

Weather:  Please be equipped with an umbrella, poncho, and sturdy footware.  During the day, it can reach warm temperatures, while at night it is chilly, so having layers is advised.

Tour Considerations
Article of Interest
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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

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FROM OUR BLOG

Moon Goddess of the Maya World - The Appropriation of Ixchel

By Jennifer Bjarnason

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FROM OUR BLOG

The Legendary Quetzalcoatl:  From the Olmec to the Mexica

By Jennifer Bjarnason

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FROM OUR BLOG

La Reina de Selva - The Adventures of Trudi Duby Blom

By Jennifer Bjarnason

FAQ`S

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is this tour?  We will enjoy light hiking with guests from middle aged to elderly.  You need full mobility and balance, but do not necessarily need to be athletic or move quickly.  With two guides, we can divide our group so everyone can move at their own pace. 

Is Chiapas safe?  Chiapas has a history of various petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and robbery.  We recommend dressing-down, refraining from flashing electronics around, and if you are really nervous, carry a second (fake) wallet with a tiny amount of cash and some expired cards.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water?  Not in Chiapas, no.  Please use bottled water for teeth-cleaning, and stick to cooked meals (including veggies) when possible.  If you are eating fruit, wash it first, even if it has a peel.  If in doubt, refrain! 

How can I prevent stomach bugs?  We recommend a daily dose of Yakult, which is a probiotic drink available everywhere in Mexico.  Just ask us, and we help you!

What will the weather be like?  We expect dry weather in the highlands, and some daily rainfall in the jungle.  That said, November is not high-season for rain in either location, but the jungle does get more rain.  Please be prepared.

Can I return to Tuxtla Gutierrez for my return flight?  You can return on February 29, 2024 with our guides, but you will get to the city around midnight.  This will be a very long day.  

How are the bugs?  Our worst insects on this trip are mosquitos.  There are also tarantulas, scorpions, whiptails (non-venemous) and countless others.  Please note - there are also venemous snakes in this region, so we must always take care to watch where we step. 

Any other questions?  Please visit our main FAQ`s Page or write to us with your questions!

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Price & Inclusions

The price is based on cost sharing:

11-12 Guests:  $55,000 MXN

10-11 Guests: $60,000 MXN

9-10 Guests:  $65,000 MXN

Drinks, Drink Tips, and other discretionary tips for your guides and housekeeping services are not included.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

  • All Ground Transportation

  • All Activities & Entrance Fees

  • All Hotels (Based on double occupancy)

  • All Meals (Drinks + Drink Tips Separate)

  • All Entrance Fees

Reserve or Cancel

We require a 25% non-refundable deposit to confirm your tour.

The full non-refundable balance is due 2 months before your tour starts.

We do not refund your deposit or balance unless we (or you) are able to find someone to take your place.  In that event, we still subtract our banking fees if we are able to make a refund possible.

Payment Methods

WISE

We accept payment through WISE. If you do not have a WISE account, it takes 4 simple steps.  Some accounts will take 2-3 days to be verified, as WISE has excellent security in place.  It is recommended to download the WISE App on your phone, as it is easier to use and verify from.

 

1)  Create an Account: Please click on the link below for a one-time discounted transaction:

 

 https://wise.com/invite/dic/jenniferb907

2)  You need to enter your banking information and valid photo ID.  The bank information is the same that you would give to anyone sending you a wire transfer.  It does not give anyone access to your account, but allows WISE to connect with your bank.

3)  Once your account is set-up, you will need to transfer money into the account from your bank.  Wise operates like a bank account, but it is an excellent service for international wire transfers because their fees are low, conversion rate is excellent, and you can send money in any currency.  As their rates are guaranteed, we can request the correct amount in Pesos, which you will receive (and pay) in your own country currency.   Unlike traditional wire transfers through chartered banks, a wire transfer through WISE is sent immediately.  If you are paying with a credit card, the transaction can take a couple of days.

4)  Once the account is set up and loaded with money, we will send you a "request" for the amount due.  We request this amount in pesos, but it will automatically convert to your

currency at an excellent exchange rate.

If you normally pay high banking fees to use ATM`s and POS transactions, order a WISE Visa-Debit card.  You will receive a physical card in the mail within 2-3 weeks.  This card can be used to withdraw money from your account, using any international ATM, for a small fee.  If you use your WISE Visa-Debit in stores, restaurants, etc, you pay zero fees. 

STRIPE

We accept payments through Stripe.  Please use the Payment Link below to confirm your reservation

VENMO & ZELLE

Unfortunately Venmo & Zelle are only available for US citizens or bank account holders, so we are unable to use these services.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact us for more information!

Price & Inclusions
Reserve or Cancel
Payment Methods
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QUESTIONS?

PLEASE CONTACT US

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