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BIRD WATCHING 
SKY GUARDIANS OF MAYAB

Merida, Izamal & Ticul, Yucatan Mexico 

March 16 - 23, 2025

7 Nights / 8 Days

$40,000 MXN

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Please Note:  If you would like to explore Merida before the tour, please contact us about the hotels if you would like to stay in the same lodgings to avoid an extra move.​

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR

This birding adventure combines archaeology and nature into an eclectic birding journey that begins and ends in the colonial city of Merida.

 

Due to the coastal location, we will begin our tour with a boat ride through the petrified mangroves of Celestun to see the flamingos, among other shorebirds including roseate spoonbills, Neo-tropical cormorants, tiger and great herons, pelicans and more. Retreating to the inland archaeological sites offers us a chance to observe the smaller birds of this region, such as the precious and beautiful turquoise browed motmots, and more.

 

We will swim in cenotes, explore Maya ceramics, meet the artisans of Becal who weave fine jipijapa hats in caves, and explore some lesser known archaeology sites alongside Chichen-Itza and Uxmal.

 

This is a unique approach to travel in Yucatan that will appeal to curious minds who love to learn and explore.  Please don't worry if you are a novice birder - this adventure is perfect for everyone because we combine most of our birding with other interests, such as archaeology and swimming. 

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If you would like to explore the beautiful city of Merida and her surrounding region, we can add on an introductory tour, or extend your stay.  This would allow you to visit Chichen Itza, Izamal, and depending on your thirst, could even conclude with a special bird sanctuary near Cancun, with your return flight from there.

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCES?

We will spend two nights in the colonial city of Merida, where we are scheduled for a luxurious meal.  We begin our birding adventure in Celestun with a boat ride through the mangroves to view seabirds, among them the whimsical flamingos.  From there, we will head east of Merida to the Pueblo Magic yellow city of Izamal to spend time exploring the famous ex-convent, swimming in pristine cenotes and birding at archaeology sites.  The archaeological sites of the region we will visit are some of the finest examples of Maya architecture, featuring exceptional anthropomorphic veneers that represent the cosmos.  

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The jipijapa hats of Becal are finely woven in caves and you will  learn about the process and enjoy a weaving demonstration.  These hats are the closest to a Panama Hat one can find outside of Panama, as they are woven from the same plant material with a weave that can be rolled-up for travel, without breaking.  (The inexpensive hats cannot be rolled, but the finer pieces are made for squishing into your suitcase).  We will also discuss the history of how these hats came to be a staple of this small Maya village.  

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We will stay in lovely hotels and one luxury property where we can truly unwind in the evenings and enjoy living in a part of Yucatan's pomp and circumstance.​

GET EDUCATED WHILE YOU TRAVEL

Our tour through Yucatan is scheduled with a fascinating licensed National Guide of Mexico who is currently completing his degree in History, and has also completed several extensive courses about Maya Archaeology.  We will also travel with an experienced Ornithologist who is currently completing his PhD at the University of Morelia, with a special interest in invasive bird species of Mexico.  We will enjoy an educational lecture about birds while on tour, and many interesting insights throughout our travels about the Maya culture and archaeology styles.

HOW DOES THIS TOUR BENEFIT LOCALS?

We are always eager to support local artisans and projects in the regions we visit, and this tour is no exception.  Between our birding adventure near Valladolid, our boat ride through the petrified mangroves of Celestun, our visit to the ceramic artists in Ticul and hat weavers in Becal, this tour brings economy to the local people.  We work with a licensed national guide who is local, as well as a local ornithologist who is currently completely his PhD.  Though not always 100% possible, we strive to stay in locally owned or boutique hotels with local character, rather than large corporate structures that are owned by offshore shareholders.  Please contact us if you have any questions.

WHAT HAVE OTHER GUESTS SAID?

Please Note:  Our company was registered as Soul of Mexico Tours in 2018, but was Trademarked by someone unscrupulous in 2023.  We changed our company name to Copper Moon Travels in April 2023.

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Please Note:  We do not have any reviews for this particular trip, but are posting reviews from a birding trip we took with Adrian and Jaime in February 2024 and a tour that went though southern Campeche in March 2024.  

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From Karin 2024
 

Copper Moon Travels offers a personal whirlwind tour of Chiapas. Jaime, our guide, was always willing to answer any question where on liberation theology, Zapatistas, Mayan culture to the contemporary use of soap operas by Mexican politicians. Adrian, our ornithologist, was able to spot a bird in a crack, over 115 species on our trip. Tony was an excellent cheerful driver throughout the trip. And lastly Jen, generous and a master curator of experiences: from lakes and waterfalls that seemed like hallucinations; to Sergio’s eccentric museum with his collection of indigenous clothing in San Cristobal; to an undeveloped Mayan city with trees sprouting from its temples. Jen infused the tour throughout with her enthusiasm and local knowledge.

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From Taylor 2024

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The Birds of the Mayan Empire was a fabulous trip! Adrian, a top-notch ornithologist, provided us with sitings I would have certainly missed. He has a quick, keen eye and was very knowledgeable about the 100+ different birds we saw!
Jaime, who had brought his font of knowledge about Mexican history on a previous trip I was on with Copper Moon Travels, did not disappoint. I left with a solid foundation about Mayan history and an interest to build on it. He also introduced us to various ways to get vitamin T...very important when traveling in Mexico.
Jennifer did a great job with meals, accommodations, museums and inserting other points of interest.(artisan visits and beautiful swimming opportunities in azure rivers) My second trip with Copper Moon Travels has me looking ahead for more trips with them.

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From Susan 2024

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Jen arranged the most awesome tour. It was filled with history, culture, archaeology, and nature. It went from a city, through the jungle ruins of the Maya and ended up on the Mexican Caribbean. There were lots of incredible and unique shopping opportunities and everyday had activities that kept everyone engaged. Jen does wonderful job of managing all the details.​​

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To read more reviews, please click here.  We also have some reviews on Trip Advisor, which we are trying to grow.  If you come on tour with us, please consider leaving us a review, as they are so crucial for small businesses like ours!

PRICE INCLUSIONS & RESERVATIONS

The tour price of $40,000 MXN includes your hotel based on shared accommodation for 2.  The single supplement for this tour is $14,200 MXN if you are travelling solo.  Please let us know if you would like a roommate, and we will try to match you with someone.

Breakfasts are included.  One Dinner is included.  All other meals are separate.

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All private ground transportation is included with professional driver.

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Boat ride through Celestun Mangroves included

 

Guided tours with Ornithologist and Cultural/Archaeology/History expert included.

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All entrance fees and activities for cenotes and archaeological sites are included

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Tips for your team leaders are discretionary and appreciated.

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Cave Weavers of Becal - An Ecuadorian Tradition in Mexico

 

 

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The Intelligence of Birds - Bird Watching in Chiapas

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CONTACT US

Contact:  Jennifer Bjarnason

Email:  coppermoontravels@protonmail.com

WhatsApp / Text:  +52 443 639 2782

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