BIRDING | Hacienda Chichen

One of the reasons why you should stay

definitively is our birding

"Long ago, The Great Spirit Guard of the Maya World, Halach-Uinic’s will was law. One day he grew tired of the constant fighting among the birds, so he gather them to announced that the birds must choose a King to keep peace…”

And so goes the ancient Maya legend about the King of Birds: the Quetzal, an important symbol to ancient Maya people meaning “precious and sacred.” It is incorporated in Maya Quiche mythology in the figure of Gucumatz, Kukulkan in the Yucatec Maya, and Quetzalcoatl for the Aztecs. So it is no surprise this bird was considered divine in Mesoamerica."

By Isabel Gutierrez

Anthropologist and Maya Scholar

Birding helps you connect with nature because it is non-seasonal; you can enjoy the experience any time while you visit Hacienda Chichen Resort. A highly recommended activity for guests of all ages, even if your have never done it ! Birding will inspire you and awaken your sensitivity and enjoyment of nature, helps you understand the importance of green living practices and support wildlife habitat conservation. If you are a seasoned birder, you will be amazed at the amount of bird species you can observe in our Maya Jungle and Bird Refuge! So bring your pair of binoculars and get ready for a memorable treat.

Here are some of those birds photographed by delighted guests, like Keenan Sanders, a young guest at Hacienda Chichen Resort. You too could start your bird photo collection, just spending time within our gardens and grounds, so come stay with us for a few days. Treat yourself with the revitalizing experience of strolling at your own pace amongst the exotic flora and fauna found in our gardens and Nature Reserve. Our property is filled with exquisite bird sightings, Colonial and Maya heritage, uncovered Maya temples and enchanting natural beauty. Plus, as a guest you have the added comfort of using our garden's entrance to Chichen Itza archaeological zone, a true luxury for those that love to avoid long lines and waits to visit the site.

“Our birding guide was amazing, we were able to photograph a pygmy owl without disturbing him at all…”

Guest :Cindy & Keenan Sanders

Hacienda Chichen's Maya Jungle Reserve and gardens are the perfect refuge for wildlife and those who wish to observe nature will want to spend a relaxing time exploring our vast land. Our Green Spa hotel is a bird and other creatures haven. We protect all creatures and safeguard many endemic species. Check our bird list here. From October to May, this green hotel's gardens are at the peak of their bird population, with migratory birds nesting in our garden's robust trees. At this Eco-Spa Retreat our wildlife residents will keep you busy observing their uniqueness and beauty while rejoicing your soul with their singing.

"A perfect place to photograph rarely documented & unusual birds species in Yucatan..."

By Barbara MacKinnon,
Regional eBird's Data Reviewer

One of the greatest joys, for professional or amateur birding in Yucatan is to photograph the grace and beautiful elegance of a Toh bird resting on a perch; an unusual sighting even in the Yucatan, but truly common at Hacienda Chichen's lush jungle gardens, nature paths and Bird Refuge. Relax in your hammock overlooking our gardens and delight as birds fly by such as the Melodious Black or Altamira Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Yucatan Jay, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Keel-billed Toucan or a great Laughing Falcon when building a nest within yard of your guest-room cottage. We invite you to rejoice in life's little treasures, refresh your mind and spirit with the delightful sight and sounds of our hundred of butterflies and over 150 bird species. Do some fabulous herping and nature photographing, bring your family and friends... fill your vacation with delightful memories.

“Really relaxing place to listen birds singing around you...”

Guest: Stacey B.

At the Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge and Maya Jungle Reserve in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, guests and visitors alike marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature's wildlife. Take a visual tour now of our Maya flora (plants) and Maya fauna (animals) and imagine what a great vacation you can enjoy at Hacienda Chichen, which is Yucatan's ideal bird-watching for both aficionado and professional birders. The bellow "Full Bird List" is grouped in a manner that most bird lovers will understand rather than in a scientific family format; should you observe at the Hacienda Chichen Resort an additional family or species not mentioned here, please contact us to include it; plus, if you can send your photo it will be great, thanks!

Birding lovers will be amazed at Hacienda Chichen's private Maya Jungle and the amount of bird species found here.

Guest: Carla Zarza

1/10

DID YOU KNOW: Kukulkan is the Feathered Serpent Deity of ancient Mayan people, associated with rulership, agriculture, language and the sky. In Chichen Itza, one of the most important ancient cities of Mesoamerica, you find the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid, a majestic architectural achievement declared in 2007 as one of the 7th. Wonders of the World.

Yucatan Bird Guide: list of birds found at Hacienda Chichen Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico Anis and Cuckoos Bunting Birds Cardinals & Grosbeak Currasows and Guans Doves and Pigeon Egret Euphonia and Finches Falcons & Caracaras Flycatchers Galliforms Crackles and Cowbirds Gnatcatchers and Grassquits Hawks and Goatsucker Birds Humming Birds Jay Birds Motmot Birds Mocking Birds Orioles Owl Birds Parrots Quails Swallows and Thrushes Tanagers Tityra and Bacaard Tucans Turkey Trogons Vireos Warblers Woodpeckers and Woodcreepers Yucatan Endemic Birds Black-birds