Chiapas Neotropical Raptor Tour
And The Maya World
A specialized birding expedition through the Lacandon Rainforest in search of some of Mexico’s most impressive Neotropical raptors, we pursue an astonishing 45 Neotropical raptors, from the colossal Crested Eagle and three Hawk-Eagles to the dashing Orange-breasted Falcon — and expect 300+ species overall.
Chiapas is one of the most extraordinary birding destinations in Mesoamerica. This journey explores the Lacandon Rainforest and other key landscapes of southeastern Mexico, where tropical biodiversity, the ancient Maya world, and community-based conservation initiatives come together in a powerful nature and cultural experience.
The Lacandon Rainforest marks the northernmost range for many tropical species, making it one of the best regions in Mexico to search for rainforest birds, Neotropical raptors, cotingas, macaws, toucans, motmots, owls, and other emblematic species. Part of the experience takes place among ancient Maya archaeological sites, jungle rivers, lagoons, community trails, and protected natural areas.
This tour focuses on the search for raptors such as hawk-eagles, falcons, kites, hawks, and vultures of the tropical forest, while also highlighting other iconic birds of the Lacandon region and southern Chiapas. It is an ideal route for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and travelers looking for a deep tropical expedition with a strong conservation focus.
Duration:
15 days / 14 nights.
Trip Start:
Reception at Villahermosa International Airport.
Trip End:
Departure from Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, Chiapas.
Type of Experience:
Specialized birding, Neotropical raptor watching, nature photography, tropical rainforest exploration, Maya archaeology, jungle rivers, lakes, local communities, and community-based conservation.
45 Target Species of Raptors:
King Vulture, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Hook-billed Kite, Gray-headed Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Black-Hawk Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Crested Eagle*, Harpy Eagle*, Sharp-shinned Hawk, White-breasted Hawk, Bicolored Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Harrier, Double-toothed Kite, Plumbeous Kite, Crane Hawk, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Common-black Hawk, Great-black Hawk, Road-sided Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, White-Hawk, Gray Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Laughing Falcon, Collared-forest Falcon, Barred-collared Falcon, Crested Caracara, American Kestrel, Merlin, Aplomado Falcon, Bat Falcon, Orange-breasted Falcon* and Peregrine Falcon.
*Very hard to seen but there are recent records in the region
Other Highlight Species:
Great Tinamou, Crested Guan, Highland Guan, Great Potoo, Green-throated Mountain-gem, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, Wine-throated Hummingbird, Slender Sheartail, Jabiru, Sungrebe, Bearded Screech-Owl, Crested Owl, Black-and-white Owl, Spectacled Owl, Tawny-collared Nightjar, Resplendent Quetzal, Mountain Trogon, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Tody Motmot, Blue-throated Motmot, Russet-crowned Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, White-whiskered Puffbird, Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Collared Aracari, Keel-billed Toucan, Scarlet Macaw, Orange-fronted Parakeet, Brown-hooded Parrot, Yellow-headed Amazon, Mealy Amazon, Guatemalan Flicker, Strong-billed & Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Guatemalan Tyrannulet, Belted Flycatcher, Northern Royal Flycatcher, Red-capped & White-collared Manakin, Lovely Cotinga, Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, Black-throated Jay, Unicolored Jay, Black-capped Swallow, Banded Wren, Grass Wren, Rufous-browed Wren, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Rufous-collared Robin, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Hooded Grosbeak, Black-capped Siskin, Montezuma Oropendola, Bar-winged Oriole, Golden-cheeked & Pink-headed Warbler.
Main Ecosystems:
Humid tropical rainforest, jungle rivers, lagoons, wetlands, marshes, archaeological sites surrounded by forest, community-managed forests, karst landscapes, lake systems, and mountain forests in southern Chiapas.
Trip Highlights:
– Birding among the Maya ruins of Palenque.
– Exploration of wetlands and marshes in the La Libertad region.
– Searches for raptors and nocturnal birds in Nahá and Metzabok.
– Field days in community-managed territories of the Lacandon Rainforest.
– Visit to Yaxchilán, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites of the Maya world.
– Birding from observation towers and rainforest trails in the Lacandon region.
– Exploration of the Tzendales River and rainforest landscapes connected to the Usumacinta system.
– Transition toward Lagos de Montebello, Las Nubes, and archaeological sites of southern Chiapas.
– Local guide support and direct contribution to community-based conservation initiatives.
Arrival at Villahermosa International Airport and transfer to the Palenque region. General introduction to the journey and first opportunities to observe raptors and tropical birds.
Exploration of the Palenque Archaeological Zone and the wetlands of La Libertad, searching for species associated with rainforest, water bodies, and open landscapes.
Transfer to Nahá and Metzabok, two key areas of the Lacandon Rainforest. Night outing to search for owls, nightjars, and other nocturnal species.
Full field day in Nahá and surrounding areas, focused on rainforest raptors such as hawk-eagles, White Hawk, and other tropical species.
Additional morning birding in Nahá and transfer to Lacanjá, in the heart of the Lacandon Rainforest.
Bonampak Natural Monuments (morning) & Lacanjá (afternoon)
Visit to Yaxchilán and rainforest birding. Transfer to Canto de la Selva.
Exploration of the Lacantun & Tzendales River and surrounding rainforest, searching for Gray-headed Kite, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, King Vulture, Scarlet Macaws, and other jungle birds.
Canto de la Selva — deep rainforest focused on uncommon raptors, and tropical rainforest species.
Tamandúa & Las Nubes; up to Lagos de Montebello
Exploration of Lagos de Montebello, Las Peñitas, and Chinkultic, searching for raptors and birds associated with open areas, forest edges, lakes, and highland landscapes.
Visit to Tenam Puente and transfer to San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Montetik & Moxviquil (San Cristóbal highlands)s.
Cañón del Sumidero; farewell dinner at El Secreto.
Transfer to Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport for departure.
Activity Level:
Moderate to demanding. This journey includes early morning departures, long road transfers, tropical rainforest walks, humid trails, strategic observation points, possible boat rides, and warm field conditions. It is recommended for travelers who are comfortable with active days in remote tropical environments.
Ideal For:
Experienced birdwatchers, nature photographers, naturalists, raptor enthusiasts, birding clubs, private groups, researchers, and travelers seeking an in-depth expedition through the Lacandon Rainforest.
Included:
Lodging throughout the journey, meals according to the program, ground transportation, specialized guides, local guide support, entrance fees to sites and reserves, interpretive activities, operational logistics, and gratuities for included services.
Not Included:
Domestic or international flights. Services not specified, personal expenses, or special activities must be confirmed according to the final version of the program.
Conservation Focus:
This journey promotes responsible birding tourism in the Lacandon Rainforest and southern Chiapas, supporting local communities, community guides, and initiatives that help protect the natural and cultural heritage of one of Mexico’s most important tropical regions.