Photo Gallery
Photos by Rich Hoyer unless otherwise noted
The dramatic ruins of Monte Alban…
Photo: Gavin Bieber
…where we will seek the unobtrusive Pileated Flycatcher…
…or the stunning Slaty Vireo.
Photo: Garrison Doctor
In addition to the ruins, one cultural experience not to be missed in Oaxaca is the Night of the Radishes, December 23, where incredible displays constructed from carved radishes…
Photo: Gavin Bieber
…and beautifully dyed corn-husk figures are on display in the town square.
Photo: Gavin Bieber
Oaxaca City is impressive in its own right, with a vibrant history and a very active downtown core. Here at night is the main cathedral near the town square, whose central courtyard plays host to a wide array of Christmas festivities.
Photo: Gavin Bieber
Another cultural experience is the fabulous food of Oaxaca: here the local snack, chapulines (grasshoppers) with fresh guacamole on a tortilla chip…
…while many prefer the dinners in the varied restaurants downtown…
…or shopping for some of the wonderful crafts that have made the Oaxaca Valley famous, such as these Zapotec rugs.
Photo: Gavin Bieber
Our picnic meals are often in beautiful surroundings, such as this view from La Cumbre during a picnic breakfast. The surrounding pine-oak forest is home to many specialties, including Dwarf Jay and Gray Silky-flycatcher.
Photo: Gavin Bieber
Our four-day side trip to Tuxtepec takes us through lush cloud forests of the Sierra de Juárez…
Photo: Kim Risen
…where treats such as this confiding female Collared Trogon await…
Photo: Garrison Doctor
…and then down into the tropical lowlands, where we become mesmerized by the diversity and abundance of birds.
We’ll finish the tour back in the drier eastern Oaxaca Valley at the peaceful and birdy ruins of Yagul…
…where families of Boucard’s Wren are easily found on the cactus-clad hillsides…
…and the surprisingly beautiful Bridled Sparrow makes its home.
On the last day, we visit a few more cultural highlights, such as the impressive ruins and bustling market at Mitla…
…and the awe-inspiring and truly massive El Tule tree.
Photo: Gavin Bieber