Guacamayas (Macaw) Sanctuary Bird Watching Tour​ & 300 acre Birdwatching Rancho

We will meet at 8 am in the heart of the Romantic Zone to travel in airconditioned SUV south along the scenic southern coast of the bay and then following the course of a beautiful river to reach the turn off on to a dirt road some 20 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.  This small dirt road will climb over a small mountain bringing us into a different forest zone of pine and scrub oaks which is the natural and preferred habitat for the endangered Guacamayas (Macaws.)  

Arriving at the sanctuary we will be met by our Mexican guide and resident at the sanctuary.  Each participant will be loaned a binocular to use during the visit.  (it is highly recommended that birder's bring their own binoculars and the second stop does not have loaners) We will be guided over approximately a mile of walking trails visiting different bird blinds situated with great views of preferred nesting sites of the Guacamayas.  

We will also climb their tower taking us above the tree canopy where we will have an amazing Vista of the entire canyon and watershed.  This (different then the one we arrived in)  canyon slopes down where this river empties at Yelapa into the bay some 25 miles in the distance.  

After departing the Sanctuary approximately 11:30am, we will travel to the historic village of El Tuito where we will have several options to choose from to enjoy lunch and walk the old plaza visiting a few shops and the city hall.  

We will then visit the beautiful Rancho Primavera to bird watch for several hours.  

Rancho Primavera offers 300 acres of birdwatching on varied terrain.  It has wooded hillsides with well-defined trails to follow.  It also has open meadows that are easily accessed as they are grazed by a number of farm animals such as horses and goats.  There are also a number of ponds and a lake that offer good opportunities for even more variety of birds.  Fruit trees are also present throughout the rancho.  There are restrooms for us to use but does not have any type of food service of store so make sure you pick up a snack and water on our lunch stop in El Tuito. 

We will depart El Tuito area about 4 pm for our return drive back to the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta.  ​

 ESSENTIALS

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• Walking Difficulty:  Moderate  (dirt hiking paths with hills)

• Meet at 8:00 AM in the heart of the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta (exact location and directions will be in your email confirmation after reserving.  ​

• Return approximately 5 PM

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, hat, and have snacks, water or other hydration. Also consider a sweater as some find the early mornings "cool" as the elevation is about 1500 feet in the mountains.  Bring bug spray especially for Rancho Primavera. 

• Bring an umbrella (rainy season June to October) and recommended for hot sunny days for personal shade.  We do not cancel when it rains, we celebrate - It is approximately  5 degrees  cooler during a rainstorm.  We may consider a cancellation in the event of a hurricane (or major storm as the 2 mile entrance road to the Macaw Sanctuary is dirt and requires a 4X4. (we may also consider just visiting Rancho Primavera as their dirt entrance road is flat (although depending on the amount of rain as we must cross a creek and it could be to high to cross during a storm)

• Lunch (not included) usually around 12:00 PM in El Tuito area.  

• Bring Pesos for shopping - many of the smaller merchants in the area do not accept cards.  

• Price is $129.50 USD per person plus tax.  Email us for reservation requests.  Includes admissions for Guacamaya Sanctuary and Rancho Primavera.  

• Optional private tour option starting at $599 USD plus tax for SUV up to 6 people.  Please email us at info(AT)puertovallartawalking.com

• Price does not include customary tip for the adventure leader.