Palenque

We begin just before sunrise, watching birds along the access road to the stunning Palenque archaeological ruins. Early highlights include Keel-billed Toucan, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Black-headed Trogon, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Montezuma's Oropendola and Collared Aracari.

Inside the park we explore the shadier forest trails, where targets include Orange-billed Sparrow, Red-capped Manakin, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Tody Motmot, Kentucky Warbler, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper and Chestnut-colored Woodpecker.

There's the option to enter the archaeological site if you haven't already, where we have chances at King Vulture, Double-toothed Kite and other soaring raptors.

We finish near our favourite hummingbird feeders, where it's possible to see White-necked Jacobin, White-bellied Emerald, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Long-billed Hermit, Wedge-tailed Sabrewing and Violet Sabrewing.

Target birds

Keel-billed ToucanBlack-cheeked WoodpeckerBlack-headed TrogonSlaty-tailed TrogonMontezuma's OropendolaCollared AracariOrange-billed SparrowRed-capped ManakinRufous-tailed JacamarTody MotmotKentucky WarblerTawny-winged WoodcreeperChestnut-colored WoodpeckerKing VultureDouble-toothed KiteWhite-necked JacobinWhite-bellied EmeraldEmerald-chinned HummingbirdLong-billed HermitWedge-tailed SabrewingViolet Sabrewing

From the field

A selection of birds from this route. Tap to enlarge.