Wildlife viewing in Mexico (?)
 

Hi all, I was wondering where in Mexico that has a wildlife sanctuary (reserve) and is within easy reach of an international airport. I'd also like to do a little bird watching, esp. would love to see some toucans, etc.

Please give me suggestions on where to visit in Mexico. Thanks, Greg

One option for birding is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. I could be wrong, but I think your chances of seeing a toucan there are limited.

A good guidebook should prove useful -- perhaps the <i>Moon Guide</i>.

Sian Kaan is a great overall birding location but it is not a jungle location where you would expect to see toucans.

Better for that would be Chiapas especially rainforest areas like Palenque and Yaxchima/Bonampak. Closest int'l airport there I believe is Villahermosa in Tabasco. There is a flight from Mexico City to Palenque as well.

I forgot to mention Calakmul, where I actually saw a toucan some years ago, but I don't think it's convenient to any airports.

http://thejungleplace.com/
Spider monkey sanctuary, books up a few months in advance, outside of Chemuyil, south of Akumal.
There is also a fairly new Akumal Monkey Sanctuary in the pueblo.
Have only seen toucans in Costa Rica.

At Barra de Potosi is a large lagoon filled with wild life including heron, spoonbills, Egrets, Osprey and may other birds. Also Caymans galore up to nearly 20'. A good chance to see in open water (not the lagoon) passing whales.
There are kayaks for rent at this small dirt road fishing village just outside Zihuatanejo with a half a dozen beach cafes & a number of small hotels. With a almost 10 miles of mostly empty beach lots of solitude.
Crowded on weekends & holidays with Mexican nationals but very peaceful most week days.

Thanks for the replies. I think I need to refocus and look into Belize or Panama instead. Greg

Lots of good birding fairly close to both of those international airports, especially Panama. Keel-billed toucans a regular sighting in both countries.

Take a look at Costa Rica as well - the wildlife viewing is excellent.