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Bird watching with Zihuatanejo´s foremost biologist

The area around Ixtapa (Nahuatl: land of white sand) is composed mainly of swamps and minor lakes, as well as a river outlet into the Pacific ocean, and is heavily populated by over 320 species of birds, 2 kinds of iguanas as well as crocodiles and other reptiles. About half of the bird species we can observe as year round residents, while the other half migrates to the area during the winter months or early spring. We will be looking for colorful species, such as the “White Throated Magpie-Jay” (Calocitta Formosa), the “Yellow-Winged Cacique” (Cacicus melanicterus) and the “Citreoline Trogon” (Trogon citreolus), among others. The flora is just as varied and the biologist in charge of the small safari will gladly explain it in detail to the interested listener.

Meet your guide at the crocodile pit, where you can observe (besides the crocodiles) turtles, iguanas and mangrove birds. From there it’s a 2½ mile walk through the Ecological park “Aztlan”, observing many of the most representative birds and plants of the region, including ecosystems such as the tropical dry forest, the tropical semi-deciduous forest and the mangrove.

Around 6.30 PM, just around the time of the sunset, you are ready to return to the hotel, or spend a little more time in Ixtapa, for example at one of the Marina waterfront restaurants for an evening cocktail.

Note: We suggest you depart from the hotel (or downtown Zihuatanejo) shortly after 3.00 PM. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes. Take along sunscreen, a hat and mosquito protection. The cost includes the binoculars and purified drinking water.