This famed birding spot about 25 k north of Comala features a beautiful wooded lake, towering trees, and trails through shade-grown coffee as well as picnic tables and playgrounds. Cabins are also available for those staying for evening, night, or early morning birding. Since La Maria is a popular weekend spot, the best time for undisturbed birding is a weekday morning.
Some of the more interesting birds of La Maria have included Thicket Tinamou, Collared Forest-Falcon, Mexican Parotlet, Elegant Trogon, Bright-rumped Attila, Tufted Flycatcher, Masked Tityra, Russet Nightingale-Thrush, Slate-throated and Painted Redstarts, Fan-tailed Warbler, Red-headed Tanager, Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow, Yellow Grosbeak, and many others. Admission 10 pesos per person.
Busses run regularly from Comala to the very exclusive Hacienda San Antonio and the nearby town of El Becerrera. At the intersection of the highway with the road going right to La Maria and left into El Becerrera, go .6 miles through often birdy habit to the entrance of La Maria on the left.
The road leading to La Maria continues on several kilometers through semi-developed agricultural areas. Traffic is light so it is easy to stop and check the birds. As you approach the tiny town of Yerbabuena, keep right, going through a stone gate, and continue a couple of more miles. The road quickly gains elevation and goes through good forested habit until ending at a locked gate. Watch and listen for Elegant Trogon, plus Russet Nightingale-Thrush and White-throated Robin.