Our Mexican adventure will begin with an afternoon arrival into Morelia. From there we'll drive through the highlands to Patzcuaro, where we stay for the first five nights of the tour.

This is the day that we are most likely to explore the property of Jose Cacho, who owns one of the largest avocado plantations in the world. There are many habitats and a nice variety of birds including Acorn Woodpecker, White-striped Woodcreeper, Brown-backed Solitaire, and a chance for Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, as we found in 2004. We will be treated to a wonderful barbeque and some local music.

We have wonderful meals and hospitality everywhere we go.

--Mary Jo Mulcahy

Today's highlights include breathtaking views of Lake Patzcuaro and a three-hour boat ride on the nearby canals for aquatic species including Northern Jacana, Sora, Least and American Bitterns, Wilson's Snipe, and the endemic Black-polled Yellowthroat. One year we also found both King and Virginia Rails. After a nice lunch we'll bird and explore the ruins of the former Tarascan Indian capital Tzintzuntzan that means 'Place of Hummingbirds'. We will visit the nearby straw market and be treated to a wonderful dinner.

Today's destination is Eduardo Ruiz National Park, with its beautiful gardens, river, and waterfalls. Some past highlights have included White-throated Robin, Mountain Pygmy-Owl, and the endemic Happy Wren and Pileated Flycatcher. On the return trip we'll visit the pyramids of Tingambato and climb the Temple of the Moon, which is great for hawk watching. Birding near the ancient ruins is pleasant and invariably quite productive. Along the way we will see many typical older homes with adobe walls and red tile rooftops.

We will drive to the top of 10,500-foot Cerro Burro, then bird our way down the cobble road. Just a few of the wonderful birds that we may see include Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Gray-barred Wren, Crescent-chested Warbler, Red Warbler, Golden-browed Warbler, and Mountain Trogon. One year we watched three Long-tailed Wood-Partridges cross the road in front of us! In the afternoon there will be a chance to visit coppersmith shops in Santa Clara del Cobre, then continue birding in and around Patzcuaro. We will visit the home of a personal friend of Marilyn's at Lake Zirahuen, where there are beautiful gardens and a lovely view of the lake. We'll be treated to refreshments and lots of great birding opportunities, including a good hummingbird show at the feeders. Our final night in Patzcuaro.

We'll have more local activities, birding, and seeing the sights on a drive around Lake Patzcuaro. We often find White-tailed Kite, Scott's Oriole, White-faced Ibis, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and thousands upon thousands of ducks. After lunch we'll pack the van and move to Morelia, where we spend two nights at Jose's exquisite bed & breakfast and colonial mansion.

Today we will travel to Mirador Mil Cumbres at an elevation of 9000+ feet. Highland possibilities include Mountain Trogon, Tufted Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Mexican Chickadee, and a variety of hummingbirds and warblers. But our emphasis will be on the spectacle of MILLIONS of Monarch Butterflies at a winter sanctuary. This is one of the most incredible spectacles of the natural world, and a day that none of us will soon forget. We'll return for our second night in Morelia and our final night of the tour.

There may be time to explore the town and its architecture, plus look for a few more of the local birds before we arrive at the Morelia Airport for our flights home. WHAT A TOUR!

Bob Schutsky, leader of numerous tropical tours, will lead your Mexican Holiday Tour to Michoacan. Bob has led this same tour many previous times. Our hostess and driver, Marilyn Mayo, is highly knowledgeable of the history, architecture, artisans, and craftsmen of the region.

$2195 per person from Morelia, Mexico. Single accommodations are available for an extra charge of $395.

Expert guide service, all ground transportation within Mexico, ALL meals, lodging for seven nights, entrance fees, and boat ride. ALL tips are also included in the tour fee, except for anything that you may wish to give to your boat captain, hostess, and tour leader.
Does not include the cost of departure tax, alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature, and airfare to and from Morelia. Upon your request our travel agent will arrange your air transportation to insure that we all arrive in Morelia at about the same time. This will give you the most efficient and economical air travel possible, with the added security of knowing that our agent is available through a 24-hour toll-free number to assist you in the event of interrupted travel for any reason.

A $500 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is due 20 September 2008. Please register early so that we can arrange flights and secure your spot on the tour.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 90 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $100 service fee. With 30-90 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.