Our trips are designed for birders who want to see a wide variety of species and enjoy the journey along the way. We prioritize time in the field while maintaining a comfortable and enjoyable pace for all participants. Our tours are imbued with cultural elements of wherever we visit through the food, history, and time with local communities—to enrich your understanding of the region.

Solipaso is an owner-operated Mexican company, founded in 1998 and based in the colonial town of Álamos, Sonora. From our home base, we lead birding and natural history tours across Mexico.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required to enter and exit Mexico.

• If you're flying, your tourist visa (~$40 USD) is included in your airline ticket and issued on arrival.

• If you're crossing by land, we may stop for visas depending on the trip length.

• Visas are typically valid for 180 days and allow multiple entries.
  Keep your passport handy—you’ll need it again when exiting the country.

Group Size & Guides

We limit group size to 8–10 participants (unless otherwise arranged for private tours). This ensures a more personal experience, efficient birding, and more flexibility in the field.

Daily Rhythm

Birding is best at first light, especially in the tropics. Expect early starts, often with breakfast in the field or in the guide’s room.

• Lunches are a mix of picnics and local restaurants.

• Afternoons may include a break (siesta), then a return to the field until dusk.

• We balance active and more relaxed days to keep the trip comfortable and enjoyable.

Transportation

Most trips use 12- or 15-passenger vans (often Mercedes Sprinters), but we limit group size to allow extra space.

• Seating rotates daily to ensure all participants have a chance to sit in different view points.

• Some trips include 6+ hour drives, or dusty/muddy roads to reach remote habitats.

• On some routes, we use local transportation and drivers.

In-van Amenities

• A stocked cooler with soft drinks and beer.

• Plenty of purified water (no single-use bottles).

• Our popular snack basket.

• Planned comfort stops—and sometimes “natural” options in remote areas.

Accommodations

We seek out the most comfortable, unique, and locally owned accommodations available—often small family-run places off the tourist track. When options are limited, we still prioritize cleanliness, good service, and proximity to birding sites.

Meals & Beverages

We love food—and take pride in making it part of the experience. Whether it's a celebrated restaurant in Oaxaca or a hidden gem in the Sierra Madre, we make sure every meal is fresh, local, and memorable.

• You’ll usually order from the menu unless group size or kitchen limitations require a fixed selection.

• We choose restaurants for their cleanliness, service, and authentic cuisine.

• Drink preferences can be listed on your registration form—we’ll stock accordingly.

• Alcohol is not included, but can be paid separately at meals or tallied for payment at trip’s end.

• All meals are included in the trip price.

Health & Medical

• No special vaccinations are required for our destinations in Mexico.

• Please bring any personal medications and consult your doctor if you have specific health concerns.

• Let us know of any conditions that may require accommodation in advance.

Dress & Packing

• Birder-casual is the standard—for both the field and dinners.

• Some trips may call for slightly nicer attire at dinner (noted in trip materials).

• Dress in layers; long-sleeved, lightweight shirts and long pants are ideal.

• Check your packing list so you’re prepared for all conditions.

Bathrooms

When out in the field, bathroom facilities are rare. Be prepared to use nature.

• On the road, we seek out the cleanest available stops and are attentive to individual needs.

• Some rural facilities are basic, but we avoid poor conditions whenever possible.

Language

No Spanish required—but even a little goes a long way!

• Knowing a few phrases can enhance your experience and build rapport with locals.

• A pocket phrasebook or translation app is helpful—and often fun to use.

Photography

Photography is welcome, but bird visibility comes first.

• Please allow everyone to see the bird before moving in for a better angle or photo.

In the Field

We bird early, use playback sparingly, and spend maximum time in rich habitats.

• Picnic breakfasts or lunches are common to maximize time in nature.

• In some areas, guides provide early breakfast in their room before departure.

What’s Included in Your Trip

All-inclusive pricing covers:

• Lodging (double occupancy, unless paid single supplement)

• All meals and non-alcoholic drinks

• Ground transportation

• Guiding

• Tips for service staff throughout the trip
  (Guide gratuities are appreciated, but optional.)

✈️ Airfare to the gateway city is not included.

Expectations & Flexibility

Traveling in Mexico is full of charm—and surprises. Despite our planning, things may change due to weather, road conditions, or unexpected opportunities. We value adaptability, a sense of humor, and a spirit of adventure—they make every trip even more rewarding.