T H E   T E A M

Our Guides

Birds are my job, my hobby, and my passion.

Joel F. Ortega
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​Certified nature guide accredited by the Mexican government, with over 10 years of experience leading birdwatching tours across the Yucatán Peninsula. He guides in all of the region’s main birding areas, from the dry forests of the north to the reserves of the south and the coastal wetlands. As a wildlife biologist, he has contributed to numerous research and conservation projects, including studies on bird diversity in protected natural areas, nesting ecology, bioacoustics, and behavioral ecology. He is passionate about sustainable tourism and community development. Many of our tours collaborate with residents for food, lodging, and cultural guidance, supporting a model that benefits both nature and people.

 
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Sandra Mendiola

Biologist with deep knowledge of Yucatán’s ecosystems and species interactions. While she has 5 years of birding experience, Sandra brings a warm, friendly presence and a strong commitment to excellent service. She is our local expert for birding in and around Mérida, including urban parks, low forests, and coastal habitats — offering a rich variety of birdlife and landscapes just outside the city.​​

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Angel Castillo

Ángel is a true birding expert from the community of Xocén, near Valladolid. With deep knowledge of both low and tall forest habitats across the Yucatán Peninsula, he knows exactly where to find many of the region’s most iconic species. Known for his patience and sharp skills in identifying birds by sight and sound, Ángel ensures every outing is both productive and enjoyable. Proud of his Maya heritage, he enriches each tour with cultural insights, offering visitors a meaningful and authentic experience that goes beyond typical tourist routes.​​

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Lugo Castellanos
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Originally from Cancún, Lugo is an experienced nature guide with a strong focus on birdwatching and bird photography. Fluent in English, he leads tours throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as in Guatemala and Belize. With many years of guiding under his belt, Lugo combines expert identification skills with a passion for creating memorable experiences in the field. He is always committed to delivering top-quality service to birding enthusiasts.

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Eddy Ay Peña

Eddy holds a degree in Alternative Tourism and has been a certified local Maya guide since 2017. Based in the Riviera Maya, he specializes in birding tours throughout the region, particularly around Muyil and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. His experience spans the entire Yucatán Peninsula, offering everything from half-day outings to multi-day adventures. Eddy combines his local knowledge and professional training to provide enriching, nature-focused experiences for all kinds of birdwatchers.

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William Canto 

Willy is a biologist and certified federal guide with 15 years of experience in birdwatching and nature photography. He specializes in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and across the Yucatán Peninsula. With a strong background in conservation and environmental education, Willy is passionate about protecting the region’s unique ecosystems while sharing his knowledge with others. He is fluent in English and committed to providing insightful, high-quality experiences for all nature lovers.

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Ezequiel Cauich
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Ezequiel is a local guide from a community near Calakmul and a true expert on the rich biodiversity of the Campeche jungle. With over 16 years of experience observing the region’s birdlife, he has a remarkable ability to locate its most iconic species. For the past 11 years, he has also participated in an annual 45-day bird monitoring program, contributing valuable data to conservation efforts. Ezequiel’s deep knowledge and field expertise make him an exceptional guide for exploring one of Mexico’s most important tropical forests.

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Santiago, El Chino, Contreras

Based in the Río Lagartos area, Santiago is a highly experienced local birding guide with an impressive 22 years of leading tours for visitors from around the world. He is deeply knowledgeable about the birdlife and ecosystems of this unique region. Known for his kind nature, excellent service, and warm hospitality, Santiago’s expertise ensures every outing is both enriching and memorable for bird enthusiasts of all levels.