San Blas: World capital of wetland birds 2 days / 1 night trip
SAN BLAS is located about 3.5 hours north from Vallarta, in the 1700´s it was the most important port of the Mexican Pacific coast when the Spaniards still ruled over Mexico.
Today San Blas is a quiet fishing village and is best known for being the most popular destination for Birding in Mexico. On a relatively small area we can find over 300 different bird species and at least 25 Mexican endemics.
The wetlands, estuaries and mangrove lagoons of this area are probably the widest in Mexico and the most significant to be birded with hundreds of migratory birds plus the local species.
Usually the most exciting collection of species comes from these environments such as Elegant Quail, Rufous-Bellied Chachalaca, Crested Guan, Mexican Blue-Rumped, Parrotlets, Orange-fronted Parakeets, Lilac-Crowned Parrots, Citreoline and Elegant Trogons, to name a few.
A real must at San Blas is the river boat excursion to La Tovara mangroves. You´ll be able to see Rufous-necked Wood-rail, Puaraquees, Purple Gallinules, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, and Northern Potoo, Northern Jacanas, Mangrove Warbler and Vireo, the impressive Boat-billed Heron nesting and lots of Green Kingfishers.
At last but not least there are higher elevation specialties at a pine and oak forest about one hour away from San Blas. On the way there one can be rewarded with sightseeing’s of Military or Green Macaws flying by wooded canyons. Mountain forests that include wild orchids. Epiphites and Bromeliads are suitable for species such as White-Striped Woodcreeper, Red-headed Tanager, Grey-Collared Becard, Colima Pygmy-Owl, even the rarest and elusive Solitary Eagle and the tiny Bumblebee Hummingbirds.
Itinerary / Day One
• 6:00 am - Pick up in Ecotours downtown (Ignacio L. Vallarta #243)
• 6:30 am - Pick up in Ecotours Marina Vallarta (Proa Loc. 20)
• 9:00 am - Birding at La Bajada, deciduos forest.
• 12:00 pm -Arrival to Miramar hotel. Check in and Lunch.
• 4:00 pm - Visit to La Tovara mangroves
• 7:00 pm - Dinner
Itinerary / Day Two
• 6:00 am - Depart to Mirador del Aguila in search for Macaws. Proceed to Cerro de San Juan oak forest, birding for more Mexican endemics
• 12:00 pm - Picnic style lunch in route
• 4:00 pm - Return to Puerto Vallarta
Bird Checklist
PRICE PER PERSON
Adults $350 USD Kids $290 USD (4 to 11 years old)
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