Mérida & the Northwest
4-Day Yucatán Birding Tour
The 4-Day Yucatán Birding Tour is a private, guided route with overnights planned in advance. Four days with early starts around two coastal reserves, Celestún and Río Lagartos, with a night in Mérida between them. Species depend on the season, and winter brings migrants. Send a quote request and we will adapt the days to your arrival and departure points.
4-Day Yucatán Birding Tour at a glance
Four days with early starts around two coastal reserves, Celestún and Río Lagartos, with a night in Mérida between them. Species depend on the season, and winter brings migrants.
The route uses 1 night in Celestún, 1 night in Mérida, 1 night in Río Lagartos. Travelers planning 4-day Yucatán birding tour package usually want this balance of sights and downtime.
- Celestún reserve
- Río Lagartos boat trip
- Dzibilchaltún
- Las Coloradas
Day-by-day itinerary
This is a sample day-by-day plan.
- Day 1: Mérida to Celestún (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Afternoon boat trip for flamingos and mangrove birds. Overnight in Celestún.
- Day 2: Dawn birding around the reserve, then back to Mérida (about 1 hour 30 minutes) with a stop at Dzibilchaltún. Overnight in Mérida.
- Day 3: Mérida to Río Lagartos (about 2 hours 45 minutes), afternoon boat trip. Overnight in Río Lagartos.
- Day 4: Dawn at the estuary, Las Coloradas viewpoint, then the transfer to Valladolid, Cancún or Mérida.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
- Local guide at the main archaeological sites
- Hotels for each night, as in the plan
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Not included: entrances, most meals, drinks, tips
Hotels
- Celestún: Simple beachfront guesthouses and small hotels; upscale options are limited
- Mérida: Restored colonial houses and boutique hotels in the Centro Histórico, larger hotels along Paseo de Montejo, and quiet courtyard stays in neighborhoods such as Santiago or Santa Lucía
- Río Lagartos: Waterfront guesthouses and small hotels; basic to mid-range, with few options
Prices & dates
Typical prices for the 4-Day Yucatán Birding Tour run from about $920 to $1320 per person, with two sharing a room and mid-range hotels. Departures are arranged on dates you choose.
| Option | Typical price (USD per person) |
|---|---|
| Two sharing, mid-range hotels | about $920 to $1320 |
| Two sharing, upscale hotels | about $1290 to $1980 |
| Solo traveler | Typically more per person; ask for a quote |
| Groups of 4 or more | Typically lower per person; ask for a quote |
Customize this tour
The 4-Day Yucatán Birding Tour is a starting point.
Common changes include:
- Add Uxmal for dry-forest birds
- Add Calakmul with an extension
- Change the order
- Slow the pace with extra nights
Similar tours
FAQs
How much does the 4-Day Yucatán Birding Tour cost?
Typical prices are about $920 to $1320 per person with two sharing, depending on hotels and season. Request a quote for your dates.
Can the tour start or end in Cancún or Mérida?
Yes. We can start or finish in either city, or at an airport, and adjust the route accordingly.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. The plan is a starting point, and you can add, drop or reorder stops.
What species can we see?
Flamingos and many herons and shorebirds are likely, and local birds such as the Yucatán jay and Yucatán wren may be seen. No sightings are promised.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from about November to April, is more comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
Want this trip planned for you?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We check availability with local guides and send back a price.