Mexico Nature Sketching Retreat -

Birds and Blossoms Nature Sketching Retreat in Mexico

Join us south-of-the-border for this relaxed nature-sketching vacation. We will focus on learning about and drawing the birds and tropical flora of this beautiful area of Pacific Mexico.

Dates: November 4-8th, 2019
Fee: $1,725 Single / $1,425 Double

DOWNLOAD 2019 ITINERARY

***CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE TRIP ITINERARY***

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Art instruction, complimented with the natural history and ecology of this fascinating region.
A full day at the famous Vallarta Botanical Gardens, rated by Trip Advisor as one of the “Top 5 things to do in the Puerto Vallarta area.”
Their beautifully landscaped grounds have extensive collections of native orchids, palms, tillandsia, tree ferns, tropical fruit trees, and a butterfly garden. We will enjoy lunch at their excellent restaurant, with dining on the deck overlooking the Horcones River and cooled by Sierra Madrean mountain breezes.
Accommodations at Rancho Primavera, a lovely private estate nestled among the oak woodlands of the southern Sierra Madre and just outside the 16th-century pueblo of El Tuito. Here we will sketch, stroll and birdwatch on this 200-acre ranch that supports over 215 species of birds, including parrots, trogons, cuckoos and several hummingbirds. Birds are easily viewed as they come to visit the many seed, fruit and nectar feeders right outside the veranda.
I donate $100 per person to support habitat conservation for locally endangered species.

ABOUT YOUR LEADER

You’ll study with professional naturalist, teaching artist, and biological illustrator, Christine Elder. Her experience as a freelance illustrator includes projects for organizations such as the National Park Service and the Botanical Society of America. Christine has been teaching people of all ages and ability levels to draw and paint nature’s wonders for over twenty years. Recently, Christine led bird sketching workshops at birding festivals in Jamaica and Mexico and is a frequent arts instructor in her home state of Oregon. Christine is running this retreat through the bird watching tour company Paradise Birding, for which she is a co-leader of tours with them, having traveled from Alaska to Florida, and to international destinations such as Italy, Honduras, Borneo, and the Caribbean. On this relaxed trip to Mexico, she will share her best secrets and techniques for sketching birds and blossoms in pencil, pen, and watercolor.

“Christine Elder has a refreshingly welcoming approach to teaching about birds through art that reflects her obvious passion for wildlife and conservation of our natural environment. Whether at her home in Oregon or visiting us deep in the tropics at the Vallarta Botanical Garden, she has a marvelous potential to connect people with birds in a rich and meaningful way”

– Neil Gerlowski, Executive Director, Vallarta Botanical Garden

“My every wish granted–from the racket of the dawn chorus to tasty home-cooked meals using local fare to Christine and Francisco’s professional guidance, fielding this newbie’s questions. Rancho Primavera– is a beautiful hideaway in rural Jalisco, hosted by Pat and Bonnie, a vivacious mother and daughter team who have lived at the Rancho for decades, I felt part of the family”

–Marion Davidson, participant on March 2017 trip

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Retreat fee includes: Airport transfers in a comfortable air-conditioned van; 4 nights lodging; 3 meals per day; snacks and bottled water, guiding and instruction; group activities; entrance fees; service-related gratuities; and some art supplies.

Not included: Airfare to Puerto Vallarta and any departure taxes; travel insurance; alcoholic beverages; personal items (such as telephone and laundry); and U.S. guide’s gratuity, which is never expected but always appreciated based on your satisfaction with our skills and service.

Tipping: Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers, and local guides) is included in your tour fee. However, if your leader or any local guides or staff have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip. We emphasize that such tips are not expected and are entirely optional.

Deposit: A $100 non-refundable deposit and enrollment form are required to hold your space on this trip.