Dates and Cost

March 4-10, 2012
$1850 ($375 single supplement)

Images

About This Trip

There is so much to see in Chiapas that we have divided the state into two separate itineraries, which can be combined for a thorough exploration of the state. This shorter itinerary concentrates on the very localized Mexican endemics of the Pacific coast and Central valley, and species that are limited to extreme southern Mexico.

Chiapas has enormous variety, with fascinating geology, natural wonders, ancient civilizations and modern indigenous people. The land is defined by five distinct regions, which are best described as long narrow bands of different altitudes that run somewhat parallel to the coast. On this trip, we visit two of these regions. The hot and fertile Pacific coastal plains, known as El Soconusco, were once covered in dense forest but are now predominantly agricultural. Jutting up from the coast is the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, home to the state’s highest peak, Volcan Tacana. On the northern slope and inland of this dramatic mountain range lays the Rio Grijalva Valley, also called the Central Depression, where the state capital and the famous Sumidero Canyon are found. Forty percent of Mexico’s animal species and over 10,000 plant species can be found in this rich state. Chiapas is also home to a large number of indigenous people, and the entire state is permeated with a strong pre-Hispanic heritage, which is reflected in the regional cuisine and rich crafts.

This tour starts in the humid foothills of the industrious town of Tapachula, where we bird in the deciduous forest as well as the coffee plantations that lie in the shadow of the looming Volcan Tacana. Some of our targets are Rufous-collared Robin, Pink-headed Warbler, Blue-crowned Chlorophonia, Yellow-winged Tanager, Pervost’s Ground-sparrow and Black-capped and Black-headed Siskin, as well as many hummingbird species. As we travel up the Pacific coast, we’ll stop along the way in the lowland fields and mangroves of Punta Arista. Here, we should find the formidable Giant Wren, White-bellied Chachalaca, Pacific Parakeet, Citreoline Trogon, Russet-crowned Motmot and Yellow-winged Cacique. The area is also the wintering ground for thousands of shore and water birds, as well as mobs of migrant Warblers in the mangroves.

In the area around Arriaga, at the eastern edge of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, we spend some time in the arid oak forests in the foothills, where our big target is Rosita’s (Rose-bellied) Bunting. We then head inland to Tuxtla Gutierrez, where we visit Sumidero Canyon, one of the most impressive geologic features in North America, with sheer 3,000 foot limestone cliffs. In the dry tropical forest at the rim of the Canyon, we find Green Parakeet, Green-fronted Hummingbird, Belted and Flamulated Flycatcher, Blue and White Mockingbird, Fan-tailed Warbler and Red-breasted Chat. Our trip ends in the state’s biggest and most modern city, Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Accommodations

Throughout this trip we stay at the best lodging available in each place that meets the needs of our trip and our standards of quality. Although none are fancy, they are all comfortable and clean. The food throughout the trip is great, varying from traditional Mexican cuisine to regional Chiapas specialties.

This tour can be combined with our longer itinerary, Highlands, Lacandon Jungle and Palenque, for a very thorough study of the birds of Chiapas.

To book your trip or for more information, please contact us by email or call 888-383-0062.