General Information | General Information |
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TRAVEL TO MEXICO PRONATURA STATEMENT – NOTICE It is unfortunate that Mexico is suffering violence taking place in the northern states, mainly the border states, due to the war among the drug cartels that operate in Mexico. In recent dates there has been highlighted in the US news all about this sad situation. The US government had issued travel warnings for those planning to come to Mexico, specially during the spring brake season. It is fortunate that this is just happening in specific states of Mexico and not in the Veracruz state, which is located in the south of the country. As a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and tour outfitter for many years, Pronatura Veracruz assure all tour participants of the River of Raptors, that all the state of Veracruz, visiting sites, hotel and restaurants that we visit during the tour are well chosen and guarantee full satisfaction and safety for our guests. Pronatura Veracruz has as a first priority the safety and well being of all our tour participants and tour leaders. As in every year, due to political instability, unpredictable natural phenomena or any other situation that could put our guests at risk, we will not hesitate to take the appropriate measures to assure the well being of our visitors. In the case of cancelling a tour due to such unpredictable situations, the proper refunds according to our cancellation policies will take effect. Please feel free to contact the Pronatura`s tour coordinator for any questions and further information you may want to ask regarding this issue. Sincerely, Eduardo Martínez Leyva, Tourism for Conservation Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Telephone in Mexico: 228.816.9679 Pronatura Veracruz Office.
Group Size: The group size is limited to 8-10 guests. For groups greater than 10, a minimum of 14 guests will be required in order to optimize transportation sitting space. Weather and Tour Conditions
Current weather conditions click here Our VRR birding tours include a variety of conditions and a diverse itinerary. Tour participants should be prepared for a moderate amount of physical activity, early morning activities, and full days. Our daily activities generally include an early breakfast before going for a relatively short drive into the field for several hours of birding. When in Cardel for the raptor migration, we then return for mid-day hawk-migration watching and lunch. In the afternoon, we generally return to the field after the hawks slow down. When in the mountains near Xalapa, we often stay out in the field for the entire day. Dinner is then in a restaurant near the hotel, when we usually compile our bird list. Meals are often in restaurants, but we sometimes take pack lunches or breakfasts into the field. The conditions at each site vary but generally we walk on good roads or trails, without much elevation change. We generally rest often and/or we are near the vehicle where one can rest and find refreshments. The majority of the residents of this part of Mexico speak little to no English. The Pronatura Veracruz tour guides all speak fluent English and Spanish; therefore participants will not need to speak Spanish. In general the people of Veracruz can be characterized as being exceptionally friendly and will appreciate even the most rudimentary attempts to communicate in Spanish with them. Immunizations/Health
Additionally, standard precautions should be taken when ordering and eating meals. However, all restaurants where we visit during the tours have been inspected for sanitary conditions by PV staff, and these are restaurants where we have been going to for years. Keep in mind that the Mexicans also do not drink the tap water, so generally all drinking water and ice served at restaurants is purified. COST AND RESERVATIONS VRR-9 Days
COST AND RESERVATIONS VRR-12 Days
Above costs are all-inclusive from Veracruz International Airport, but do not include international air travel from and to the participant’s home city. Included are in-country transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with driver, local guide, hotels in Veracruz and on extension, all meals, snacks, and tips at meals, entrance fees, and a boat trip. Not included are alcoholic drinks, personal items, and extra optional tips for hotels, drivers, and guides. The trip is dependent on a minimum number of participants; in the event of trip cancellation, participants will receive a full refund.
Registration, Deposits and Final Payment In order to reserve a tour, a deposit of 30% of total tour cost must be made 90 days prior to tour departure date.The balance of payment is due 30 days prior to tour departure date. Deposit and final payments can be made with a check or wire transfer - we cannot accept credit card payment. Check payment: send checks payable to Pronatura A.C. and mail to: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary The Veracruz Project P.O. Box 73 Kempton, PA 19529-0073 Please be sure to write "Veracruz Project" on the memo line of the check. The contribution to (Name of Organization) should be sent when the final payment is made. Please send a check made out to Audubon Society to:
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Pronatura is a Mexican non-profit organization whose mission is the conservation of flora, fauna and priority ecosystems promoting society's development in harmony with nature. Through several years of conducting birding, nature appreciation and cultural tours in Veracruz, Pronatura specialized trips our trip packages will include: 
Weather along the coastal birding sites can be quite hot and humid during the daytime hours with temperatures reaching into the high eighties and up to 90-95° F during this time of year. In the highlands outside of Xalapa the weather is quite cooler and less humid where daytime temperatures could dip down to the cool 50's at this time of year. As the VRR occurs at the end of the rainy season we will not encounter rain every day and when it does rain it often lasts for only a portion of the day. Tropical storms and even hurricanes are also a possibility at this time of year, but the Yucatan peninsula usually shields Veracruz from the worst effects of such storms. 
The pace of the entire group varies from tour to tour, but we always attempt to cater to the group’s different interest level and abilities. We also include several visits to cultural and/or archaeological sites within the itinerary in order to enrich the tour experience. Weather conditions can very considerably. Tour participant should be prepared for very warm weather along the coast, and milder conditions in the mountains, to possibly cold and rainy conditions in the higher elevations. Participants are encouraged to bring with them binoculars and appropriate bird field guides, and a spotting scope if they have one—the field guides and scopes can always be left behind at the hotels if desired. 
Generally this area of Mexico and Veracruz where we will be traveling is free from most serious “tropical” diseases, but we recommend that you consult your local CDC (Center for Disease Control) concerning recommended immunizations and/or preventative regimes for travel in south-central eastern Mexico. Up to date tetanus is recommended. For the very cautious, especially those who might be unusually susceptible or otherwise at risk, cholera and typhoid vaccinations along with gamma globulin shots might he advisable. In order to avoid digestive and intestinal problems, purified water will be available throughout the tour. One should avoid consumption of all tap water, including while brushing your teeth. 
Meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner on all full days during tour. For the arrival and departure days of the tour, meals will not be provided for those participants arriving into Veracruz via Houston—(with approximate arrival time at about 10:30 pm and departure time at about 07:30 am). In cases where the complete tour will be arriving or departing at different hours, meals will be provided accordingly, however an additional charge to the tour will be assessed accordingly in those cases. Individuals that decide--on their own--to arrive or depart at different hours will not be provided separate meals. Meals do not include alcoholic beverages, any meals outside of normal meal times, room service, and any snacks and refreshments unless provided for by PV. Primarily meals are taken in local restaurants, however at times pack lunches or breakfasts may be taken in the field. Unless otherwise requested, participants will be expected to lodge in double occupancy hotel rooms with two beds. If a roommate is not specifically requested, a suitable roommate will be assigned. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be assigned a single room, and a Single Supplement Surcharge will be assessed. If a tour participant specifically requests a Single Room Supplement, a $250.00 charge will be applied and a single room will be provided throughout the tour. 
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