OAXACA: Birds, Nature, Culture, Monte Alban Ruins, and Pacific Beaches

January 4 - January 15, 2014

In south Mexico's large state of Oaxaca varied biogeographic regions converge, fostering outstanding diversity and endemism in nature, birds and humanity. The broad hundred-mile long, 5,000 foot-high Valley of Oaxaca has been a melting pot for Mesoamerican cultures for over 5,000 years, with Olmec and Aztec to the north and Maya to the south. Many crops were developed here, including agaves for tequila, maize, and over 100 varieties of chilies. One of the world's richest cuisines reflects this long mixing of cultures and agricultural heritage. Within the Valley, the bordering Sierra Madre del Sur, and along the attractive Pacific coast we'll search for birds and enjoy nature in cool evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, arid cactus scrub, and mangrove-lined lagoons and beaches.

Spectacular species include Red Warblers, Dwarf and White-throated Magpie Jays, Bumblee and a dozen other hummers, Chestnut-sided Shrike-vireo, Slaty and Dwarf Vireos, Ocellated Thrasher, Gray-breasted Woodpecker, Citreoline and Mountain Trogons, Lesser Ground Cuckoo, Emerald Toucanet, Russet-crowned Motmot, ten orioles, including Spot-breasted and Black-vented, and Orange-breasted Bunting, among many others.

A relaxed tour with five nights at a delightful Oaxaca City hotel and four nights at a beautiful beach resort with cabins overlooking the Pacific, and one night in mountain cabins. One morning, a historian joins us to tour the Zapotec hilltop ruins of pyramids and palaces at famed Monte Alban, where from 500 BC to 750 AD corn, beans and squash sustained 40,000 people. Many Zapotecs today don vibrant traditional dress. In colonial Oaxaca City and surrounding villages, regional experts teach us about medicinal plants, weaving, pottery, carving, and a distinctive, tasty cuisine. Shopping possibilities abound and there will be ample Pacific swims. In addition to the natural and cultural wonders, a trip highlight will be our delightful and interesting lodgings, with warm hospitality, terrific views, and often with fine birds on the hotel grounds.

January 4 - January 15, 2014

GROUND COST:  $2765

LEADER: Mark Smith & Oaxacan Guides

LIMIT: 9

Birds of Oaxaca list