Birdwatching in the picturesque mountain town of El Tuito and nearby Rancho Primavera, one hour from Puerto Vallarta.
Located about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta, El Tuito is a charming mountain town nestled in the green landscapes of Cabo Corrientes. With its cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and relaxed atmosphere, El Tuito offers a glimpse into the character of a traditional Mexican town while providing an exceptional setting for birdwatching. The mountains surrounding El Tuito form an important transition zone for bird species from western and southern Mexico. Several species reach their northernmost range in this region, making it a particularly interesting destination for birdwatchers. The area's temperate climate and diverse vegetation—including pine, oak, walnut, and fruit trees—provide food and shelter for a remarkable variety of birds. Depending on the season and conditions, we may encounter species such as Yellow Grosbeaks, Blue Mockingbirds, Elegant Trogons, Citreoline Trogons, and the endemic Flammulated Flycatcher. About 3 kilometers from El Tuito lies Rancho Primavera, another excellent birdwatching site. Its approximately 200 acres are managed for the conservation and restoration of local flora and fauna. Native trees have been restored throughout the property, creating habitat for dozens of bird species, including parrots, cuckoos, hummingbirds, buntings, and kingfishers. This experience combines birdwatching in the Sierra Madre with a visit to the traditional town of El Tuito and a glimpse into local conservation efforts at Rancho Primavera.
“Cynthia is so talented! We were on the Sierra Madre Highland Birds and El Tuito tour, and we happened to get Cynthia again as our guide. Last time we went was August of 2022 so it was great to get a January experience. It was a lovely tour and a great way to see areas south of Puerto Vallarta that I wouldn't be able to easily see otherwise.”
5 months ago
“We did 2 birding tours, the Sierra Madre/El Tuito and the Military Macaw Sanctuary. We thoroughly enjoyed both, Cynthia and Michael were great guides, and each tour offered something a little different. I would say the Macaw Sanctuary tour is a little more ideal to bird photographers. Pick up and drop off was super convenient, both guides took us great places for lunch, and we will definitely do another excursion with Ecotours when we return.”
18 months ago
“We went on the El Tuito : birds of the Southern Sierra tour in February. It was excellent! Our guide Michael was extremely knowledgeable and was able to find us many birds. He was a perfect guide for this tour! The stop at the bakery in the morning was wonderful. Michael kept a list of the birds we saw that day and shared it with us. We spent a fair bit of time at Rancho Primavera Bird Sanctuary. It is truly an amazing place! The stop in El Tuito was fun and the snacks (we purchased our own lunch) at the local Mexican restaurant were fantastic! Would highly recommend this tour!”
31 months ago
birdingwithjVerified
“I'm a very experienced birder so I've never needed a birding guide, but I didn't have much time to bird on this trip, and I didn't have a car so I decided to do a guided tour. I saw about 130 total species and got 70 new species for myself. Michael was my guide and genuinely I would've gotten half the species if I tried to do this alone. He's extremely knowledgeable about exact locations of target species, and he actually cared whether or not I got the species that I was hoping for. He definitely went beyond any obligation he had to help me find some difficult species and that is obviously a consequence of his passion for birding. Highly highly recommend ecotours Vallarta for beginners and advanced birders alike.”
32 months ago
KalRose65Verified
Seattle, Washington
“This is my third time going on this specific excursion and I would return again. It is a fantastic opportunity to see striking birds that you will not see in the city of PV. In addition to the stunning birds we saw out in the "wild," the private wildlife and bird sanctuary near El Tuito is a very special place with over 265+ species of birds. The tour leaders are very knowledgeable and are very invested in ensuring you see as many interesting birds as possible. I highly recommend Ecotours. This is my 8th excursion with them and it never disappoints. Don't miss this tour! Take your bug spray, sun lotion and a hat and enjoy!”
21 months ago
Pioneer55780796954Verified
“This was the Sierra Madre Highlands and El Tuito birding tour. Guide Michael was excellent - fun, informative, patient, sensitive, a good communicator and a good driver. He knew all the special places to look for birds. He shared his vast knowledge, enthusiasm and love for nature.”
23 months ago
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