THE YUCATAN PENINSULA

Northern coast, Cozumel Is., Calakmul ruins

This tour begins and ends in Mérida, where we will explore the coastal habitats and tropical dry forests of the northern Yucatán Peninsula. From there, we will cross by ferry to Cozumel, home to several endemic birds and a variety of Caribbean specialties.

The southern Yucatán Peninsula is equally remarkable for its vast tropical forests and exceptional biodiversity. The itinerary also includes visits to the renowned Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and the impressive Calakmul archaeological ruins, one of the most important ancient Maya sites in Mexico. These areas provide outstanding opportunities for birding, wildlife observation, and experiencing the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Northern coast: Progreso, and Ria Lagartos

Habitat: dry forest, mangroves.

Target species:

• Mexican Sheartail 

• Yucatan Wren 

• Yucatan Gnatcatcher 

• Orange Oriole 

• American Flamingo 

• American Pygmy Kingfisher

• Yucatan Nightjar

• Yucatan Jay

• Zenaida Dove 

• Black-throated Bobwhite 

• Turquoise-browed Motmot

Cozumel Island

Habitat: dry forest

Target species:

• Cozumel vireo 

• Yucatan Vireo

• Cozumel Emerald 

• White-crowned Pigeon 

• Caribbean Dove 

• Western Spindalis

• Black Catbird 

• Caribbean Elaenia

• Smooth-billed Ani

Felipe Carrillo Puerto 

Habitat: Selva media 

Target species:

• Yucatan Flycatcher 

• Yucatan Woodpecker 

• Gray-headed Kite

• Tawny-crowned Greenlet 

• Long-billed Gnatwren 

• Stub-tailed Spadebill

• Tawny-winged Woodcreeper

• Yucatan Poorwill

Calakmul ruins

Habitat: tropical forest

Target species:

• Ocellated Turkey

• Great Curassow 

• Lesson’s Motmot 

• Rudy Woodcreeper

• Northern-barred Woodcreeper 

• Mayan Anthrush 

• Northern Bentbill 

• Royal Flycatcher 

• Gray-throated Chat 

• Ornate Hawk-Eagle 

• King Vulture

• Smoky-brown Woodpecker 

Duration:
This itinerary requires a minimum of 7 days to fully explore the diverse habitats of the Yucatán Peninsula and Cozumel.

Recommended Season:
The best time for this tour is from October through April, avoiding the hottest and most humid months of the year.

Many of the endemic species targeted on this tour are restricted to the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and to Cozumel Island. In addition, numerous other target species are shared with northern Central America, giving the region a distinctive Neotropical avifauna.

Arrival / Departure Location:
Mérida — Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport.