03 Mar 2025 - 08 Mar 2025 (6 days)
USD2,995 - 2 Spaces Available on this guaranteed departure
Tour Leader: Robert Wilcox
06 Mar 2026 - 11 Mar 2026 (6 days)
USD3,100 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Lev Frid
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD3,100 * GBP2,475 * EUR2,978 * AUD4,774
Can be linked with: Mexico - Oaxaca 2026
Our Veracruz & Eastern Sierras Extension takes in some of the major highlights of the Lower Gulf of Mexico, covering the towns of Xalapa for such delights as Strickland’s Woodpecker, Rufous-naped Wren, Mexican Sheartail, and the elusive Bearded Wood Partridge before heading to Tuxtepec and Valle Nacional for Sumichrast’s Wren, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, White-faced Quail-Dove, the incredibly rare Dwarf Jay, and Red Warbler.
Strickland's Woodpecker; Mexican Sheartail; Canivet’s Emerald; Bearded Wood Partridge; Sumichrast’s, Rufous-naped & White-bellied Wrens; Slate-colored Solitaire; Long-billed Thrasher; White-naped Brushfinch; Bronze-winged Woodpecker; Azure-crowned Hummingbird; Wedge-tailed Sabrewing; Blue-capped & Lesson’s Motmots; Gartered Trogon; Ornate Hawk-Eagle; Emerald-chinned & Stripe-tailed Hummingbirds; Barred Parakeet; Black-faced Antthrush; Azure-hooded & Unicolored Jays; Blue-crowned Chlorophonia; Berylline Hummingbird; Dwarf Jay (rare)
semi-deciduous tropical forest, shade grown coffee, subtropical cloud forest, pine oak forest, volcanic slopes, wetlands
hot with varying levels of humidity, can get chilly at higher elevations
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
moderate to comfortable
comfortable
easy birding with some tough species
good to excellent
"We are pleased to report on our recent Rockjumper birding adventure after spending four weeks (March 22 - April 17) exploring many of Mexico’s best birding sites during back-to-back trips to the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas. We were guided by Rockjumper’s Adam Walleyn and his local contact, Eric. Adam guided us in previous trips to Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Cuba, Jamaica and Dominican Republic, and we have always been impressed by his worldwide birding expertise and his knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, all wildlife. Eric (a Mexican, living in Oaxaca, and fluent in English) has intimate knowledge of literally every bird species that resides in or migrates through Mexico - over 900 species. We slept well and ate extravagantly. Our drivers did an outstanding job of driving safely and minimizing the discomforts of numerous speed bumps and potholes. We birded in a diversity of landscapes that varied from sea level (during a morning coastal/pelagic cruise), to a mangrove forest, to desert scrub and to cloud forests where elevations were over 8000 feet. The highlight of our trip was, of course, the wildlife. We recorded a total of almost 500 bird species during the three trips - 20 of those were heard only. But with Eric’s guidance we had an exceptional opportunity to absorb Mexican culture. We visited ancient stone ruins, enjoyed delicious meals in small village homes (fincas) of farmers and coffee growers, and were pleased to view the products of skilled woodworkers and potters. Adam and Eric did their best to ensure that everyone in our diverse group saw every bird that we encountered. Everyday we were amazed by their skill in spotting and hearing birds and getting their scopes on the birds so that all could see. Their warmth and passion were felt and appreciated by all. We never felt threatened or insecure during our month-long trip. Mask wearing in Mexico is a law with near 100% compliance, including outdoors (our group complied when outside the van). We had no heath issues associated with food and drinks. "
Our trip, a long time in the waiting, was nothing short of a triumph. David led us again with passion, interest and focus. Jorge, our local guide. and his wife Amy who joined us were a triumph leading us to, and putting us on many many lifers. The travel arrangements were well made, the hotels were comfortable and the meals copious. Our first trip to Mexico will most certainly not be our last. Roll on the Yucatan!
David was brilliant, as usual, and the Mexican guides were also exceptional, making for a really good tour. Great country, fabulous birds, would like to go back.
Thanks again to the team at the office for setting up this trip. It was a great success. Adams experience as a guide really showed through. He was very knowledgeable regarding birds and other wildlife and also handled all the logistics smoothly. The local guides were extremely skilled brothers and were a great addition to the group. The accommodations and food were excellent. I will be using Rockjumper again in the future.
Mexico - Chiapas 2023 - April 2023
Mexico - Oaxaca 2023 - March 2023
Mexico - Veracruz & Eastern Sierras Extension 2023 - March 2023
Mexico - Yucatan Extension 2023 - March 2023
Mexico - Chiapas 2022 - April 2022
Mexico - Browne 2022 - April 2022
Mexico - Oaxaca 2022 - March 2022
Mexico - Veracruz & Eastern Sierras Extension 2022 - March 2022
Mexico - Oaxaca 2018 - April 2018
Mexico - Starr - Yucatan Extension 2016 - March 2016