Veracruz, Mexico: River of Raptors
September 29-October 10, 2022​

Witness the largest raptor migration on Earth! Observers count 4-6 million raptors each fall, with two dozen species counted from two independent observation points in central Veracruz, Mexico. As these majestic birds migrate south they are funneled into a narrow bottleneck between the Sierra Madre Orientale Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to enjoying the spectacular (and unforgettable!) raptor and waterbird migrations, we shall explore Veracruz's remarkable diversity of habitats and bird species, from coastal wetlands to mountain pine forests and tropical lowlands. Up to 275 bird species are observed on this 12-day birding extravaganza! This tour also includes visits to ancient cultural sites (as well as the renown anthropology museum in Xalapa).

Birding the Choco-Andes Region of NW Ecuador (with Amazon Extension)  
February 27-March 9, 2023 (Ext. March 9-14, 2023) 

Visit and bird the stunning diversity of Ecuador, where almost half the species of hummingbirds found in the world live. Total species of birds in Ecuador exceed 1,700. We'll concentrate our birding in the clous forests and high Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. Each area offers exceptional, diverse birding experiences, where birding often can be frenetic. There are too many target species to list. This is truly a birder's paradise!

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Costa Rica Birding Hotspots
Februry 10-25, 2023

Travel to a country that is a must on any birder's bucket list. We'll visit varied habitats, from lowland tropical rainforests to high elevation cloud forests. Target birds include the spectacular Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird,and Keel-billed Toucan among many others. The trip concludes with three days of relaxation on the Pacific Coast at Manuel Antonio.

Eastern Panama's Darien (and Pipeline Rd.)
(Dates in Spring 2023 or 2024 to be determined)

Merlin Tours is currently working with the Canopy Family to put together a 9-night, all-inclusive birding package to explore the Darién region of eastern Panama. The Darien, as this eastern-most region of Panama is called, is perhaps the most diverse and species-rich region of Central America. Long coveted by avid birders as an impenetrable haven for rare species, this region is now readily accessible by a highway extending through the spine of Panama into the heart of this bird-rich land.

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(There are presently safety concerns throughout the region, hence we have suspended our plans to schedule a birding tour to the Darien until the situation becomes safe for our clients. Full details of this tour will be posted as soon as the situation is resolved.}