Quinta Mazatlan Reviews

Enjoy the museum, guided nature Tours, watch birds and spend some quiet time. The trails are gentle and well-maintained. The staff is friendly and helpful.

We just returned from a birding trip in the Rio Grande Valley. Quinta Mazatlan is lovely. The historic estate is beautiful and the grounds are gorgeous with an abundance of birds. The chachalacas run into you on every trail.

I decided to go against the typical and I took my boyfriend here on a date. It is romantic, and really pretty, its McAllen's spot for someone that wants to have contact with the nature, bird watch, and walk in the trails!

La Quinta Mazatlan has wonderful nature tours that are really exciting for children ages 5-15. The grounds are just beautiful. We saw a lecture on reptiles one morning and the speaker brought a variety of animals for the audience to see. The admission cost is low and it's a truly a worthwhile educational experience.

Quinta is a small jewel in McAllen. It is an oasis of wildlife in the middle of an urban area. It is run exceptionally well. Everyone on the premises is friendly and extremely knowledgeable as to wildlife and plant life that is native to The Rio Grande Valley.

It has a beautiful 'garden' ( it's probably bigger for what i usually call a garden) with some nice trails. There are birds everywhere which is really nice

It's a very beautiful house and very well kept. It's a dream for bird watchers, but we went as a kid's nature day and we enjoyed it a lot. The trails were the best part for them, but also a small room with an exhibit of Mexican artisan-made toys kept them busy for a long while.

We went here looking for birds and did see a number. Things were so dry, that many of the plants looked to be in distress. The place had concrete canals in many places, however they were dry. I think after a good rain, this place would be amazing. One of the best things was the walk from the parking lot to the house. It was lined with blooming bougainvillea. Just beautiful.

By a chance visit to the library nearby I was informed about touring this historic hacienda and grounds. I thought this grand house which was completely refurbished was very lavish in decorations of Spanish heritage. It certainly opened my eyes to the beauty this place exhibits and also the surrounding acreage devoted to nature is very informative and sedentary to your inner spirit. I slowly meandered for 3 hours along the well-maintained paths just thinking and wondering about the environment. One enclave I sat and just admired the different bird species moving about in the trees and brush. Along the paths are filled with many different displays of wildlife indicative of this area in the past before man developed and took over the habitat. I want to return when the flowers and trees are out in full display and to resume my pleasant feeling in nature again in south Texas !

the gardens and house were delightful and unexpected in the heart of the city of McAllen. Very walkable trails that were mostly shaded and November was a perfect time to visit, right after Thanksgiving. House was very pretty and a piano used by Jefferson Davis was on display.

Our reason for visiting was to attend a wedding here at Quinta Mazatlan. It was a very nice venue for a wedding, but would also make for a nice visit when in the McAllen area. The wedding was out on the lawn adjacent to the mansion, with a very tasty dinner served poolside. Being August it was quite warm, but the evening breezes made for a lovely evening. Enjoyed the history and beauty of this old Spanish Adobe mansion. Will return on our next visit to McAllen to explore more of the grounds and very popular birding habitat.

We went to the Hector Astroga. Wildlife photographer speaker series. It was a disaster. The room was too small and the sound system was terrible. They used a portable speaker the ruined the presentation. The TV was too low and half of the crowd could not see the whole screen. Where was the planning? Plenty of space in other rooms and use a better sound system. Shame on your management!

We went to Quinta during the week to look around. The house is beautiful and the grounds were as well. The history is interesting. We saw many birds and a bunny! The sounds and sights are gorgeous. Many opportunities to take pictures!

Having lived in the area for years, I am embarrassed to say that I had never visited Quinta Mazatlan until recently. It is a beautiful and interesting place and the employees are very knowledable about the history of the compound. The home is historically interesting and the grounds are a true haven for birdwatchers. When we visited, tours were being given on the hour. Definitely worth the trip - the entry price is extremely reasonable and it can all be seen in an hour or so.

This is a beautiful, historic property just outside Weslaco, TX. The trails are easy, not terribly long, but wind through Texas vegetation and draw lots of birds. The home is beautiful and anyone who loves history will enjoy the stories. Bird feeders here are extremely well stocked and maintained all the time. I believe they charge $1 (for seniors) and it's well worth it!

I had only an hour here on a Saturday afternoon, but was able to see 19 bird species in scrubby thicket. Several working water features, but feeders appeared to be empty, would have liked to see hummingbirds. Will return sometime for morning birding. Excellent shop.

On this year's trip to McAllen, we searched the area for interesting places to see and this one popped up. We opted for the guided tour and were not disappointed. Our guide was very knowledgeable and walked us through the history of the property. Well worth it!

Quinta is an In town nature area near the airport. There is a small fee to enter. Limited free parking is available at the entrance. There are short easy walking trails. They host Vida Verde- (Earth day) a nice family event with a ropes course, climbing wall, animal demonstrations, magic show etc. On Thursday evenings they usually have a presentation. Saturday mornings you can volunteer your time to plant the trails. Everyone is friendly. I seem to view more wildlife in the mornings .

It was small but fun. A good place to spend a few hours learning about the outdoors in the RGV. Go there first then have a nice lunch with loved ones.

I love visiting this place. They have lots of good programs. The photography classes for children are my favorite.

for any fellow photographers, you can see everything here. And if you are looking for anything particular, the staff will help you find it.

This is a combination park and historical residence. The grounds are absolutely breathtaking. And the birds! So many birds! So many unique birds. When I visited in April 2019, there was a Crimson Collared Grosbeak hanging around and I got to see him. Many of the trees/bushes on the property are not overly tall, so you can see more birds. They also had a nesting Eastern Screech Owl with a baby. That was the highlight for me. I visited twice during my week in the LRGV and wish I had had time to go again. Highly recommended for birders and nature lovers.

everything you could want for birding/animal watching. only cost me 2 bucks to go!

This is a beautiful old mansion in the center of Mcallen. The house itself gives a good deal of history and is exciting to see if you are a history buff or like architecture. Also they have wild over growth and you can see many kinds of birds including Chachalacas. It's a great place to go walking.

We had an afternoon to fill, so decided to pay a visit to Quinta Mazatlan.
First off, the home itself is stunning, and full of beautiful antique furnishings.
We enjoyed the exhibit of Mexican Folk Art very much.
The grounds have nice walking paths, and many of the plantings are labeled so no need to guess at what you are seeing. Really beautiful place to visit, and if you are in the area we recommend you stop by.

This beautiful estate, surrounded by development offers a fine example of what a natural area and beautiful home in old McAlllen once was. The grounds are beautifully maintained with trails through a woodland with exquisite sculptures of animals that once roamed them.There are informative signs at each sculpture. There are beautiful plantings of colorful flowers, attracting butterflies as well, The mansion is well worth visiting as well. Definitely a place worth visiting with the bonus of interesting birdlife. Bring binoculars.

Very impressed that the City of Mcallen would own such a nice venue. A must see in McAllen.

If you go check out the tour schedule, they are free with your admission. While you can wander around on your own and see plenty the free tours are so informative. Our guide was extremely personable and shared a wealth of unique knowledge about the estate and the prior owners. The trails are easy and you will see many birds. I also enjoyed the fact that many of the trees, cacti, bushes are labeled. This was nice to learn the names of the things we have been seeing throughout the area.

The only active feeding station was as we walked thru the gate. It was a little disappointing that the other bird feeding stations were not tended to my liking but that's only me! Peanut butter is expensive and requires staff to keep the feeders stocked!
The well maintained trails, water features and infrastructure are are pleasure to behold.
The entry fee is well worth the lovely walk around the property. Very well done and lots of seating areas in the shade. Very popular location for photo shoots and celebratory events. Picnic tables and bistro tables for picnics and enjoying the quiet serenity. Thank you QM.

Historic adobe house, can even be rented for weddings and parties. Bronze representations of animals and birds along meandering paths. Photo opportunities abound. Especially if you are a bird lover.

This was really a different type of attraction. Its just a house, but its not really just a house. The grounds are just overgrown cacti, brMbles and thorn trees and bushes, but at the same time its so much more. This is a really difficult place to evaluate. I finally settled on 4 stars. It won't "wow" anyone. It is not amazing. However, it is quite interesting and definitely held my wife and my attention for over an hour. It is very evident this place is labor of love. A great deal of time and effort has gone into it. Cutting paths through the grounds had to be very difficult and complicated. They did a great job. The sculptures are cute. The learning areas are great. The main, adobe house is beautiful. I wish we would have been allowed to view more of it. This is a great way to spend an hour or two if you have the time. Not sure I would make it a destination, but it is very close to the airport and shopping mall.

Quinta Mazatlan is one of the largest Adobe buildings in Texas. Friday morning is the time to do the 'walk through history' tour. This is a guided tour through the home and the grounds which gives a good background of the people who built and lived in the house as well as of the house itself. ($2 adults, $1 seniors). The building is beautifully preserved and the details are stunning. Just looking at all the Mexican tiles can keep one busy for quite a while. In the entrance area is a very nice gift shop and you can sit and watch a video about the Valley. Throughout the garden are bird feeders and with a bit of luck there are kiskadees, orioles and green jays. I have always seen chachalacas.
This place is like a peaceful island in all the hustle and bustle around it.

The house had a whole room of colorful Mexican folk art; even the ceiling is covered! The birding trails are fantastic, and mostly in shade which is nice in the summer heat. There are informative signs and statues of wildlife along the trails and trees are marked with common and scientific names. Our only problem was that the trail map did not match the trails and there were no markers or signs at junctions. Otherwise, they were well maintained and smooth and we saw many bird species we had never seen before. The chachalacas let us walk right up to them!

Lovely, peaceful environment. Seems like lots of improvements are in the works. A natural environment is good, but with an area like this, I think it's a bit overgrown. The trail map was confusing as well. It's not a large area though, so you always eventually find you way. Looks like a great venue for a wedding.

We got to McAllen on Thursday late afternoon and looked for something to do. We found this place on Tripadvisor which shows that this place is closed at 5pm. Actually, Quinta Mazatlan closes at night and have a special event at 7:00-8:00 pm on Thursday night. Don't forget to walk around the property. They have very nice walking trails where you will find lots of birds and butterflies.

My husband and I really enjoyed this place. Nice place to take a relaxing stroll. We saw a few birds not many but I'm sure it was due to the time of year. I know lots of people visit there who are interested in birding. The grounds were nicely maintained and very clean. There were bathrooms in two locations, the main house and the Discovery center. The main house is beautiful. The tile work and fireplaces were my favorite. We also saw a young lady taking bridal photos. This would be an excellent location for an outdoor wedding. The admission fee was very reasonable as well. $2 for seniors and $3 for adults. I don't recall the children's. Sorry about that. If you're looking for a spot to get out and enjoy the nice weather, I highly recommend Quinta Mazatlan.

This is a beautiful place to visit. The landscaping is beautiful . I would recommend everyone to see this place.

This is a great place to walk and bird watching, the place is clean and you can walk and enjoy the trails. Also the old home is a nice place to know about this kind of old constructions and to enjoy some art related to nature. Staff real nice who explain about the things you people can do over there.

Words cannot describe the beauty of this Mansion. The garden, house and wild life is just to beautiful. The best part was the Hut picnic area. The landscape was just so wonderfully well kept. I would love to come visit in the Spring when the flowers are blooming.

We went to a presentation on King Ranch. It was very informative and we enjoyed it. The only problem was that there were so many people there that seating was inadequate.
We plan on visiting the grounds and other presentations they put on.

Been here several
Times, beautiful walking pathways. Bird watching etc
Clean and family friendly. Easily view in a day. Nice place to go once in a while.

A natural preserve in the center of a south Texas metro area, Quinta Mazatlan, allows one to see the natural environment before agriculture and cities ran over south Texas. The wild birds are amazingly tame. This is a required stop by birders because it often hosts at least one rare avian visitor from Mexico.

Great place to visit. Beautiful grounds that attract a lot of birds. We were also very impressed with the beautiful buildings and architecture.

Nice Place to visit ! Nice trails to walk watch birds and butterflies ! Building is beautiful and guide is knowledgeable and nice !!

We have been here a few times and we had a good time. Just remember to use bug spray otherwise you'll regret it. Anyway my boy loves to watch birds (unlike me when growing up I used to like shooting birds). Actually I like watching birds too now in my older age .. We live in San Antonio and we have lots of cool birds in the back yard, but this place blows our backyard away. We have seen lots of exotic birds - yellow, green, blue., small, large, loud, quiet, etc... You obviously have to be patient to see them. Anyway the place is cheap and If you like to bird watch this is a great option for you.

We loved visiting Quina Mazatlan and were glad we found this gem. Since we were there in February, the grounds had additional accents for Valentines Day -- very nice. There were signs along the way informing you about certain trees, animals native to the area and those that are endangered. We also saw lots of colorful birds at one of the feeding stations. The home itself is beautiful and so well maintained. One can only imagine living here for 30 years!

I went on May 2017, to a flamenco-piano concert. It's odd to think about flamenco without guitars but we decided to give it a shoot. The place is beautiful, nature all over, and the show was free. We had a really good time. The only down is the parking lot when it gets all crowded but other than that this place is full of beautiful surprises with activities for all the family.

We enjoyed touring the house and the little gardens. It was too hot for us to do the birding trails, but many others hiked them. We were delighted by all the monarch butterflies flying around us in the garden. This mansion is also used as a venue. Cute little gift shop with friendly staff. Wonderful video on the wildlife in the theater room.

Took a private tour of the property before taking to the lush grounds for some birding. Such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, it's a gem!

We own two condos at the Fairway in McAllen (look for us on Trip Advisor) and we had invited our two nieces (ages 4 and 7) to spend the weekend. The fist day we spent too much time in the pool and decided to take the girls outside for a nature walk. We usually go to a local park or one of the nearby State parks. However, since the Quinta Mazatlan is only about a mile from the Fairway we decided to take them there. It was a nice partly cloudy day and just right for a short stroll. We saw birds, rabbits, turtles, and only a few other people. It is a very special place and fit the bill for two active nieces.

This is a very nice historic place with lots to see. There are birds, butterflies and tons of plants and flowers. There are many sculptures of native animals. It is a large place with lots to see. Very well presented.

Quinta Mazatlan offers such a great variety of programs throughout the year. They have excellent kid programs and offer a nice peaceful place to stroll and see nature. The Easter event is top notch. We go every year because the kids love it. They have so many things to do; arts and crafts, story telling, petting zoo, nature interactive, games and prizes, and some good food. This year they had a food truck that was delicious.

We've been there several times, this places is great for bird watching and walk on the trails, the personal is real hepful, great for kids!

Always impressed by the beautiful gardens and variety of birds in this hidden gem. The buildings are historical and there is a small gift shop with unique offerings. The lush vegetation is what keeps visitors coming back.

We visited Quinta Mazatlan for some birding while in McAllen, Texas. It is a very good urban oasis when you are looking for a way to escape the heat and the bustle of this border city. The history is very interesting and there are lots of nice gardens to explore but the birding is the best value.

Beautiful, well kept grounds. Lots of feeding areas with a variety of bird feed... so a large variety of birds. The building itself is also beautiful and well kept - some very nice architectural pictures available. In fact there was a photographer there when we went who was taking some professional formal pictures indoors.

This is a very interesting museum and the grounds around the adobe house are beautiful. What an asset to McAllen!

It is a beautiful area to walk and see the plants of the valley and the buildings are lovely. It really depends on what time of year that you go if you would like to see more birds.
Summer is REALLY hot (in the 100s) but spring and fall of course are much nicer.

If you like plants, birds, and butterflies, this is a very nice place to go. Easy to find, and nice paths for walking. I've been there many times, and will be taking visitors.

Just a lovely, lovely nature center. I attended a class on natural plant dyes and it was wonderful! I also did a brief walk around the property, it was so, sooo lovely. Definitely need to come check this place out!

It's a good place to go when you want to be outside with your children. You can explore the trails and if it gets too hot you can look inside the house/gift shop

Great to have such a interesting place to take visitors. I am a local guide and can always get great responses from my friends A must see in McAllen

The house was interesting to visit to see an original adobe home, but the grounds were fantastic. The previous owners created a sanctuary for native plants, water features and paths to explore the grounds. It was fun to see the many bronze statues of native animal species interspersed throughout the grounds. The ponds attracted a variety of birds. Definitely worth a stop. I wish they had a small refreshment area where you could purchase a drink and snack to enjoy on the grounds.

Watching the birds make for a wonderful day spent.

Very nice home and birding center. visit on Friday and get a free guided tour of this historic home. They also have a great gift shop. The site also hosts students for nature studies. The staff is very knowledgeable about the site and its surroundings.

The beauty, agriculture, animals, and art of this establishment is something one has to go and see. A+

Quinta Mazatlan is a great place for anyone to visit ..... even children should enjoy the grounds and birds. One of the World Birding Center sites, this is not just a park -- it's a 1930s estate in the middle of town with interesting architecture and history as well. Lots of tours (check the schedule) make for multiple visits. Loved it here!

Great birding spot with lots of feeders and trails wandering among the landscaped property. Charming house.

This is an amazing outdoor experience that highlights the local birds and plants in a way that is a natural and beautiful setting. The building itself is also a delight and should be experienced.

Employees are very helpful! It is a beautiful place to visit, relax and be with nature. If you like birds you will be able to see plenty.

an historical house with nice gardens. A good place to watch birds and very close to the airport. Restful and peaceful.

A must see in McAllen. Take time to walk the beautiful paths outside. Don't miss any details of the fascinating mansion and it's history.

This historic mansion has been renovated by the city of McAllen. Nice buildingas and grounds that promote urban wildlife. Good birding, and only 10 minutes from McAllen airport

As a birder and nature lover, I think this is one of my favorite places to visit. The organization that runs this beautiful oasis obviously values wildlife and nature - the placards along the trails are so insightful, pointing out not only the obvious thing to see but the entire ecosystem. The beautiful sculptures are like visiting an art museum - out in nature. The birding is top notch - not only did we see many of the Rio Grande Valley specialities (Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Jay, Kiskadees, Plain Chachalacas, Thrashers, and even cute little Javelinas in the brush), but got to see some special birds who happened to be there including a very vocal and beautiful Summer Tanager. I went back for a second visit because it gave me such a calming feeling just being in the environs. I know that had there not been an unanticipated winter cold snap, this would have been an amazing place to experience a variety of butterflies as well. I've already told many of my friends about the place and I fully intend to return on my next visit to the RGV - perhaps when warmer temperatures are more likely.

There are some interesting species but it does take some effort to get quality photos. The grounds are extensive and bushy and while the staff sets out hummingbird feeders there is a lack of seed feeders for the other species. With the exception of one area near the amphitheatre bird photography is dicey. The amphitheatre area has a water feature and some species do visit for baths etc. Overall I found the bird photography to be disappointing. In the area try Santa Ana NWR and further away (in migration season) the Convention Center grounds on South Padre Island. Similar experiences to the Mansion at Edinburgh Scenic wetlands.

The tour guide we had was very friendly and patient with kids. He was was very helpful and informative about the various bugs or insects we saw that Tuesday night. Will definitely take my son again.

We went with friends and walked through the gardens/trees. A lady connected with the facility spoke with us and answered our questions and pointed out some things we would have otherwise missed. We then toured the house and dreamed of what it would have been like to live here in its heyday. Takes you back to old world grandeur.

We went for birding and saw 14 species, including the major locals (kiskadee, green jay, golden-fronted woodpecker, clay-colored thrush) and a rare blue bunting. Great views at the many feeding stations, along with beautiful outdoor sculpture and visitor center.

We are interested in birds and nature but the historical house is a visitors center with original furnishings and a short film to be enjoyed. A great place for walking in a well designed garden to see a large variety of flowering plants, trees and sculptures. The 8 acre site has a system of short loops designed for easy walking. Photographers will enjoy this site.

They chose a bad area. It is always halt and sticky with mosquitos everywhere. They have ok service, I guess...

This mansion was bought by the city of McAllen and turned into a garden/bird-watching events center. I attended a dinner there and was blown away by the beauty of the place.

The mansion is opened to tourists to discover. The grounds are beautiful. The event was great. I highly recommend this as the capstone of your event.

The old house is interesting. McAllen does not have a lot to offer, so if you have limited time, go here first. Note the doors, and incredible tile work throughout the house. The grounds are very beautiful, lots of birds, etc. nice walk, take it

Located close to the McAllen Airport in south McAllen, Quinta Mazatlan is an urban oasis. A nature program is presented every Thursday evening. Several weekday mornings sponsored nature walks are available. There are miles of woodland trails on the property as well as a restored mansion. A stone sitting area is situated on the property where one can sit and watch the birds and butterflies flit and flutter among the feeders. A must go to place when visiting the Rio Grande Valley.

Went to event. Such a beautiful place for any occasion. Located in the heart of McAllen, it is a delightful, unexpected oasis.

Went to this place at the end of May. Could only see some very large, very loud birds. The gardens are pretty and the walking trails are a welcome respite from the over-commercialized area surrounding but my guess is, we would have more bird sightings if we had timed this in fall or earlier spring. The Discovery Center was closed and the tour of the main house did not take more than about 15 minutes. Still, for a $2 entrance fee, the gardens/walking trail are still worth the price of admissions - birds or no birds.

If one is interested in Spanish Colonial architecture, history, and, in this case, the local flora and fauna, the Quinta Mazatlan is well worth the visit. The house is fantastic, the grounds with their native growth, and of course the birds and butterflies. Being a camera and a "long" lens.

A must for those who want a contact with nature, this little refuge is peaceful, they open until sunset and sometimes even later, the trails are very well kept, you can hear all kinds of birds and if you are lucky you get to see and take pictures of them too. On the other hand the historic building offers different kinds of shows and exhibition, you get to learn more of the history and whereabouts of our climate and terrain. They also offer lots of activities for toddlers, kids, adult and family! they always busy hosting events, workshops and speakers. Perfect for families and students.

If you are a bird entusiast this is the place for you. You can sit and watch the birds or you can walk its trails and have fun while exercising. Hard to believe this place is right by the airport and near the mall.

Quinta Mazatlán is great for any event or just for taking nature strolls. You feel like like you are out of the city in some beautiful hiking trail. It is a wonderful place to take children to learn about different birds, plants, or trees.

Nice blend of history, architecture, and nature. Expect to spend an hour or so. Lots of photographic opportunities amongst the mansion, the flowers, and the chacalacas

Best photo shoot location! Time stands still at Quinta Mazatlan my child looked like a princess next to the piano and the entire home. Just priceless location!

This place is amazing - good for all ages. Fabulous nature trails among manicured nature. Lots of unusual birds - they also have feeder stations to help in sighting birds. The have a full speaker program and guided tours too. The architecture of the visitor center area is beautiful,. Nice gift shop area and bathrooms. Definitely check it out!

Every time I visit this Beautiful LARGE Adobe House it brings peace and quiet to me. There is so much to see within the house. Usually an art exhibit is placed in what would have been the huge master bedroom. Every Thursday evening from October to April there are nature talks at 6:00 P.M. These are given by specialists in their specific area of nature....butterflies, birds, bears, plants, trees, etc. The gardends are wonderful. Tucked in the busy city. This is known as a great birding area of the Rio Grande Valley. Be sue to give yourself at least 1 1/2 hours to spend time inside and out-of-doors.

Great field trip experience for my special needs students. We have elected this to be our annual field trip. The students are able to be outside with binoculars to view various birds, butterflies and animals. The staff is very accommodating to our needs. It is wheelchair accessible. It is our favorite place!

I visit this two to three times a years.
They have many birds that pass thru to photo.
If you have not see the old home it's worth a visit.

Tips for going to this exhibit, you better know Spanish.. I was born here in McAllen 67 years ago. Please don't play the rascist card, I have more Hispanic friends than whites. The whole exhibit was in Spanish. Seriously.. I saw many people wanting their money back. I was being patient thinking there might be an English program. 😠 My 5 year old grandson from Florida : what are they saying & where are we? 😞☹️😤

Went for a wedding event and loved it, the outdoors decor and ambiance is a totally different and lovely experience. We had a great time and I highly recommend it if you are planning your event!

We went here specifically to see a particular bird (who eluded us) but we were pleasantly surprised at all the garden paths and sculptors. The signs are very educational. Great little oasis we will be glad to visit again. If you are a birder this is a must see stop - go early!

We stopped by as they are part of the World Birding Center in the Rio Grande Valley. The grounds are very attractive and provide a great opportunity to observe local birds. We found the staff to be very helpful in guiding us where to go.

This is a fantastic city park. It is located near the airport off of 10th St., it is easy to drive past the little brown sign pointing down Sunset Ave. There are several bird feeding locations throughout the property, a historic Spanish house, and educational centers. They have walks and speakers periodically, so check their website for fun events. It is a great place to sit and enjoy the scenery.

My 3 year old son and I enjoyed attending the "Buckets of Fun" activities that they held on Thursdays. The property is beautiful and worth the trip.

MAGICAL!
This place is absolutely AMAZING.
A LITERAL OASIS IN THE HEART OF THE CITY.
Went on a solo walk and tour of the mansion and explored the grounds...It was so relaxing and a memorable experience. Will definitely return.

The house and grounds are beautiful. Walk through the many rooms and enjoy the decor. The grounds are beautiful and well kept.

This nature park offers easy to walk trails with many plants to view. There is an old adobe mansion on the grounds which is also a nice place to visit. For $2 it is a good value.

If you are looking for something to do and see in McAllen you really should consider visiting Quinta Mazatlan! The house is a neat slice of Texas history and the surrounding grounds give you a great example of the native flora and fauna. If visiting in the summer try to make it in the morning as it can be quite hot in the afternoon.

If you are an avid birder do not visit here expecting much. This is by far and away the smallest of the "World" Birding centers in the Valley. And while small doesn't always equate with poor birding, it does in this case. While the property is pretty and the mansion is interesting, it is not a birding site any more than any typically well-maintained and forested yard in the Valley. More than anything, McAllen's poor record for maintaining native flora throughout the city (due to poorly regulated and unplanned development) makes this small remnant of native trees all the more unique. Unfortunately, most people that visit this place want a convenient, quick and easy (read little walking and effort as possible) to "see the wildlife." Kudos to the management's attempt at education and outreach activities for kids, but besides that and the above mentioned qualities, spend your valuable time at the larger, more representative, and bird-rich sites - particularly Estero Llano Grande, Laguna Atascosa, and Resca de La Palma in Brownsville. The diversity and abundance of birds is typically much greater in the eastern side of the LRGV anyway.

This is a beautiful restored historic home with a lovely garden full of birds. We returned several times.

The walking trails are easy to navigate and the signage and bronze statues of animals are very nice. The sounds of the birds were great and lots of people taking photographs. The house, Quinta Mazatlan, is an historic adobe house built in the 1930's with the original tiles on the windowsills and furniture inside. What I liked most about the house was the fact you could touch the furniture because most places I've visited have everything roped off! One room was so colorful with everything handmade in a Spanish, Mexican theme. Really pretty.

Definitely recommend! The trail was really nice and a relaxing romantic getaway... Took lots of pics :-)

I had only one day in McAllen and I am so glad that we picked this awesome birding center to spend a few hours. Very relaxing stroll around the trails and saw some beautiful birds.

The grounds are pretty, and offer good birds to look at. The mansion is interesting to visit, and they have a great gift shop.
I went at the end of the day and the feeding stations were depleted, no birds—so go early in the day, or look at the feeding schedule and time your visit accordingly.

Quinta Mazatlan started as a home in the 1930's in the wilderness of south Texas outside the city limits of McAllen. Thankfully, people and the city realized it was a treasure as the city encroached. The adobe mansion with its fascinating history is worth finding off S. 10th St. It's also a birding center. The staff offers programs throughout the winter from history to edible plants to birds and butterflies. Don't miss it! Admission and programs are very affordable. We paid $2 each for a private tour and program.

You are used that many things to do are closed on Monday. But one of the things you could do on Sunday with Kids, friends and visitors is even closed on Sunday, too.
Hey, its the only day you can really spend with the family without driving so far....!!!

The place is so nice and lovely. Not big, but definitely worth it. Nature and architecture well combined.
I would like to give 5 points, but the Sunday-closed-thing let me remove two, the nice staff there let me add one back...

This is a bird sanctuary/ garden in the middle of McAllen. There are hummingbirds and all types of local birds and many desert plants. The area is quite wooded and has several paths to walk along in the shade. I went on a very hot day but I was pretty comfortable walking around. The house has some special exhibits and a store as well as the information center. All in all it was an enjoyable afternoon. I would say that the site could use some refreshments or food as I would have liked to sit and eat there.

You are in McAllen and you like nature this place is nice small walk nature trails! And they have excellent guid ! Very knowledgeable and helpful!

We spend the early months in this area and this is always a must. We go at least once. It is a pleasant green place with lots of birds. Visitors fees keep this wonderful place alive, it is almost reason enough to go. We enjoy the clean clear pathways and the many metal sculpture throughout the area. There is also a small area where a video of the area and its inhabitants is continually running. Just go!

Well maintained, friendly staff and great nature photo opportunities. Many different bird species and butterflies can be seen.

This is a place that is very organized and very clean, it make you feel welcome. My experience was very pleasant and will love to go again.

A little oasis in the city that is home to a variety of native birds and migratory birds. They have a lot of nature activities for kids. Great place for the whole family.

Good bird watching area. Was a great place to watch green jays ,kiskadee And many other types of birds!

I had a quick walk around the grounds and will look forward to going back on my next trip to Mission.
For $3, it's a great escape from all the shopping centers.

This is a great place to bring the kids and enjoy some of the magnificent birding that South Trxas has to offer without leaving town. Quinta offers easy trails and wonderful water features. I recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to maximize on periods of heavy bird activity. Once you see it for yourself, you will return. Also provides a great venue to experience beautiful butterflies and abundant small wildlife.

This was a great tour. Very enjoyable. Great learning experience. The staff is very knowledgeable and approachable. Questions are encouraged along with discussion. Quiet, friendly atmosphere. Most pleasant.

Beautiful old house built in the Spanish theme. Offer guided tours through the gardens which have lots of butterflies when they head south or north.

If you are looking for a place to walk and enjoy nature while you're in McAllen Texas, I would recommend the Quinta Mazatlan. There were plenty of trails to walk and a lot of nature to see. The home as well as the grounds are very well kept, lots of wildlife to see. Great place to pause and relax and slow the pace.

My little granddaughter 14 months had a blast walking on her on and discovering nature...beautiful place, close by..♡

We visited Quinta Mazatlan while we were in McAllen. There is a $3 per person entry fee, but it is well worth it. Read the history of the mansion and the grounds. It is exciting. The inside of the mansion/ house is well managed. Most of the rooms have fireplaces of different styles. The clamshell fireplace is fascinating. I love the substantial doors found throughout the house, especially the rough-hewn doors with some wear and tear on them. I made my wife pose in front of the dutch doors. You can exit the house through several doors to the courtyard with the pools. We spent some time walking the paths and looking at the foliage and animals, especially the birds. We ventured further, but it was close to 100 degrees, and we were not well prepared for outside activities.
Informative signs throughout the walking trails provide greater details about the foliage and fauna. Currently, the theme is heroes with - there are comic books, Marvel, and other heroes listed along with first responders, military, and health care workers. When we return, we will come when the weather is cooler.

A beautiful mansion surrounded by lush tropical foliage and nice hiking trails. Loads of butterflies and birds could be seen this time of the year. A very comprehensive movie was available in the lobby which discussed various as aspects of this wonderful place. The staff was very friendly and helpful both inside the lobby and outside in the garden. A must see!

We loved birding at Quinta Mazatlan. The variety of birds was wonderful. They had staff on hand to help us find specialty birds that we were looking for. The estate home was a nice gift shop.

A hidden Gem. Great for families also for photography.
Plenty of birds and the small flowing creeks and ponds attracted plenty of birds that we were able to photograph at a pretty close range.
The store has very nice "stuff" for children. One can also listen to various videos about the place.

This old hacienda is so authentic and beautiful! I love the gorgeous wooden doors! The grounds are amazing and worth at least one visit!

A grand, old refurbished adobe mansion from the turn of the century with beautiful gardens and grounds well appointed to attract the local sub-tropical bird population.

I agree with all the other reviews in that Quinta Mazatlan is a gem hidden almost in the middle of downtown McAllen, texas. If you like bird watching, or just want a peaceful and shady escape from the South Texas sun, this is the place for you! The property is not large, has lots of places to sit down, and can be easily explored in a few hours, which makes it very friendly to to anyone who may be mobility impaired.

I'm not sure what all this facility offers, but it is an obvious great choice for a wedding or reception.

Majestic house with beautiful pictures and old furniture...Beautiful paths, rocks, water, birds...I felt relaxed and in peace...The place is great and the price is great...I loved it.

I loved the place and the house is beautiful. My daughter had a photo shoot there and the pictures there were amazing. The place is just gorgeous.

We heard about this park fr one of the rangers at Bentsen st pk. It wasn’t on my city map. It was really nice-lots of birds, unique sculptures of different wild life & a great little gift shop. A hidden gem. Worth a 2hr visit.

Quintana Mazatlán is one of those hidden gems in McAllen, make sure you go through every single path. There are some nice statues of animals and along the paths are small signs with info about the specific plant in the area.

An attractive, well-maintained 1930's adobe estate that preserves native plants and animals of the Rio Grande Valley. A strong educational emphasis is readily apparent with videos in the visitor center and sculptures throughout the manicured grounds. Birds (Plain Chachalaca, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed and Curve-billed Thrasher, migrating warblers - including a Tropical Parula) were there when I visited in early November. A peaceful place!

This place is great to move slowly and not far to see and photograph a variety of birds like Chachalaca, various woodpeckers, and Whistling Ducks, to mention just a few.

Great place for birders and families alike. Historical, beautiful, and the trail themes and programs are great for kids.

This historic home and nature preserve is right in Mcallen Tx. The grounds are beautiful, tropical, and have nature walks with representative brass statues of animal life that was, and /or is, native to the area. There are bird feeding stations which are popular with birdwatchers. The feeding times are posted in the office. The very mexican style home is beautiful, and it and the adobe cottage are fascinating. There is a discovery center.School groups have field trips here. There is a gift shop. This place is well worth a few hour visit.

I love birding and history and this place combined the two. I could have spent more than the three hours that I did if the temperature had not been in the 90s. The 22 minute video on birds at Quinta Mazatlan is excellent. I purchased a copy at the gift shop to bring home. The 1930s historic home is amazing to tour. The trails are easy and you never know what you may find around the next curve. To add to the enjoyment are wildlife sculptures scattered around with informative facts located on a separate sign. I watched small children delight in seeing a whiptail scurry across the path or see a turtle sunning on a log. The kids were really having a great time. This is one of the smaller World Birding Centers in the Rio Grande Valley but definitely one of my favorites. I appreciated the smaller size and being able to go at your own speed and not be dependent on the schedule of a tram. Admission of $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors was very reasonable for all there was to see and do. Very accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Quinta Mazatlan is special in so many ways, beginning with conservation of wildlife, fauna and the exotic array of birds it attracts which makes it the perfect venue for any event. Absolutely exquisite!

Besides being a World Birding Site, Quinta Mazatlan is a city-owned facility with an interesting history (tours available), extensive grounds, and many bronze wildlife sculptures. Well worth a visit. Inexpensive entrance and tour fee; free coffee!

This is worth a visit. The grounds are well maintained and they have a butterfly garden area too. One of the staff was very knowledgeable about the grounds and the plants. She pointed out several variety and asked if we had seen a certain tree by the fountain. We had not so walked back to look at this amazing tree. They also had a nice little gift shop.

What a wonderful and relaxing morning! Anyone visiting McAllen should consider touring Quinta Mazatlan. The staff was very helpful and provided a map of the birding area. Walking the trails was very relaxing, with birds, flowers and cacti throughout. The historical mansion was beautiful to see. Very reasonable admission. Visit early in the day during the hot summer months.

This property used to be a prime destination for birders in the Rio Grande Valley. We always loved spending an hour or two there. The staff has indeed kept up trails nicely, installed new water features, and is now working on expanding into an adjacent grassy area. However, the main feeding station does not have the number of feeders as in the past, and the ones still remaining are filled once in the morning, and by afternoon there is nothing left, so there are no birds. Also, as the groundskeeper told us, the park relies on donations of oranges from a local benefactor, and this had not yet happened, so there were no oranges to attract orioles and warblers. Birders can help by bringing a bag of oranges, which are available on roadside stands. An interesting and pleasing addition to the woodland is the array of bronze animals, life size, that you come upon as you wander around.

Yes, I liked it, the climate is warm, dry, everywhere there is air conditioning, only when you walk on the street do you feel hot, near the hotel were all the good stores, I went on foot, but to walk there you have to have a car or You can ride an Uber, they are not expensive!!! I bought a lot and didn't spend as much, like in restaurants and they aren't expensive either, a lot of Mexican food and the best thing is that everyone speaks Spanish!

Well done with emphasis on conservation and education Grounds have numerous sculptures of local wildlife with information carved into a stone nearby. Great for birdwatching or just relaxing. The preserved house and furnishings are also nice.

An unexpected haven of reality and nature in between the concrete malls etc. It is laid out well, not too big and the staff are knowledgeable and enthousiasts. Probably best to go in the morning when the birds are out.

Very nice place, and interesting. You can learn alot here. Or take a quite walk around and sit and just watch the birds.
We have been 3/4 times over the 4 years. Great for families

On our last day in McAllen, we visited Quinta Mazatlan. We visited at 8:00 , when they open, and because it would be cooler. The staff is outstanding! This place is amazing! The home is BEAUTIFUL! The trails are easy to walk, and we saw so many birds, chacalacas, a group of green jays sitting at the palm condos, hummingbirds, doves to name a few. We saw several small rabbits, squirrels. This is a peaceful spot, it was shady and cool (early in the morning). While walking on the trails you forget you're in town, and as close as you are to the airport you don't hear any noise. Please go visit Quinta Mazatlan. The small entrance fee you pay is more than worth it. This is a gem in McAllen.

Great place to visit if you need some fresh air. The main house was amazing! I went for a small hike around the nature trails. It's great to have a place to get a way and lose track of time.

Quinta Mazatlan is an easy walk around and a great place to bird. It's peaceful and quiet. The birds are plentiful and always a joy to watch.

This is an historic Spanish-style mansion and grounds owned by the city of McAllen, open to visitors daily. It surrounded by well-kept, native vegetation and walking paths, and the mansion itself is loaded with elegant colonial furniture, decorations, and historical exhibits. It also has a separate nature education center. It is especially good for those who like to bird-watch, because there are multiple bird and hummingbird feeders next to an outdoor seating area. Resident Chachalacas, Paraugues, Great Kiskadees, Green Jays, Curve-billed Thrashers, and many other species found mostly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley are common, along with several kinds of Hummingbirds, a resident Eastern Screech Owl, and migrating song birds. Well worth a visit.

We went here for birding and found most of the water features including the small pond to be dry. Hence there were many fewer birds than we had expected to see. The house itself is interesting due to its architecture and history, but I would not go back unless I had first verified that the water features are working and I would ask what species have been seen of late.

For birds, there's no reason to go here. The gardens are beautiful, as is the old house. But if your looking for "birdy" places, this one is not worth the fee. In the McAllen/Weslaco area, Estero Llano Grande park, and Santa Ana NWR are MUCH better.

We enjoyed hours walking the grounds. Highlights were seeing a number of chachalacas, red-winged blackbirds and green jays. It was disappointing not to see more butterflies (saw a few tiny butterflies), but I guess that has to do with the time of year. The bronze statues throughout were great replicas and info stones described the animals nicely.

The artwork was my favorite part. Bright colored art and lovely bronze wildlife sculptures. I was disappointed that only a few areas of the mansiwere open to walk thru. But worth the small fee.

Be ready to be impressed both by the gardens and the interior of the Spanish style hacienda and all this in the middle of a bustling city. Well done Quinta Mazatlan.

The place is a big camp house with a couple of trials and sculptures along the way. Its a great place for birdwatching, weddings and other social events. It is open to the public

Rustic but well maintained. As all who visit or live in South Texas know, summers here are very hot. The trails here are mostly shaded and the scenery is quite pretty. They offer different family oriented activities.

A really lovely place for city events and/or a romantic stroll in the evening during early Spring or late Fall.
an old restored home that showcases a Spanish hacienda.

I spent around 3 hours at Quinta Mazatlan on a Sat morning. I walked from my hotel to the grounds-for reference I stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites. Very easy walk. While it was early spring and the trees were just starting to bud out-the grounds were lovely. Due to the migratory patterns of birds I glimpsed birds Id never seen before. The trails are cut through the native vegetation and the signs along the paths are educational and interesting. For kids and the kid in all of us, one of the trails currently features Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax." The book is presented along the course of the trail and I now see it in a new light-conservation mixed into the great imagination and rhymes of Dr.Seuss. Another highlight for me was the sculpture. Throughout the gardens/trails there are incredible lifelike sculptures of the native animals to the region. The house is a spectacular architectural and design treasure. If you are as obsessed with design elements as I am you will love this home. For $3.00 you can't beat the price. Would definitely go again.

This was a great place tucked away in the city of McAllen to walk about on trails and observe birds and local vegetation. Be sure to check out the house and other features on the grounds.

This was a great birding stop for us. The staff were especially helpful in pointing out the trails and where best to look. Admission fee was well worth the $2. The sculptures along the trails were superb and the trails were very well maintained. Go to the feeding stations for the best views of the birds.

The Spanish style architecture was very interesting, and we were there during a wedding, so were serenaded with music as we walked past the front lawn.

A place to enjoy nature without leaving the city, nicely design gardens with beautiful sculptures. <3

The grounds feature a beautifully restored home from a bygone era which is, alone, worth the visit but with it's birding trail and special programs it is a perfect short excursion for birders and naturalist.

We arrived a little before 5 pm for the wedding of a very dear young woman & her prince charming. This venue is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding and that's exactly what they had. It's lush and green and there were no mosquitos! The only draw back was the uneven areas making walking a little difficult for older folks. There is a water feature in the middle of the common outdoor area making it a must to keep your eyes on small children. I highly recommend this place for outdoor events.

The lecturers are very knowledgeable about the history of the buildings and the native plants. Quiet, serene, well kept.

We visited this McAllen wing of the World Birding Center last weekend. Admission is only $2. The trails are not well marked but we finally found the 'amphiteater' adjacent to a feeding station and saw several interesting birds including a clay-coloured robin, several chachalacas, green jays, black-crested titmouse, kiskadees, etc. The grounds are lovely with labels on many of the trees and shrubs. There are also sculptures of local animals (i.e. ocelot, golden-fronted woodpecker, etc.). The adobe estate house is very grand and open for self-guided tours. This is not to be missed.

The gardens and house were very pretty and well maintained. Great place for anyone that loves to birdwatch. Our kids ages 6,8, and 12 were not overly interested so we didn't stay long. Would have probably spent more time looking around without the kids.

We found Quinta Mazatlan on trip adviser, lived up to all the positive reviews. My wife and I enjoyed the quite peaceful place. The mansion is a beautiful adobe structure. Walkways lead you through the area. We saw many different birds, and S.Texas vegetation. We learned about different birds from a morning walk with John, the resident bird expert. All the workers were friendly and helpful. Price is very inexpensive. We will be going back for enjoyable bird watching.

The grounds are well kept and this is a nice place to go birding without traveling to a park or more rural area. I didn't go inside any of the buildings so can't comment on them.

Awesome outdoor experience for all ages! In the heart of South Texas with plenty of local native artwork definitely a must see if your in the area!

We went to Quinta Mazatlan on a sunny and cool day. What a treat! The 1930's country estate and its grounds are beautiful. It is an intimate place but offers great birding and relaxing walks. There are bronze statues throughout the place that featured valley specialities such as the Altamira Oriole, the Plain Chachalaca, Javelina, Horned Lizard and the Texas Tortoise and others that made the gardens and trails special. The small pond is next to the Discovery Center. Right across the fence is a golf course, and we saw a lot of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. They seem to be making a new trail with a "creek". We tried to see the Green Parrots that have been seen at the new trail, but it was too early in the day. Next time we will go on Thu night when the place opens till late.

We visit the RGV area during the winter and try to always stop by the Quinta Mazatlan property. They feature guest speakers during the week. Our favorite is a first-class photographer of wildlife scenes. He displays and explains how he captures fascinating poses of all types of birds and water fowl.

The home has beautiful tile work both inside and outside. Park rangers give outside birding tours around the grounds. Many plants and trees are labeled, too. Check their online events calendar for special tours and festive events.

I went there to see if I could photograph the Groove-billed Ani and the Chachalaca and BINGO I got great photographs of both. I love the canopy covered trails and the pond stream area is awesome to find inside city limits. Refreshings!

Well kept property catering to birdwatchers! Would visit again. Feeders full, trails nice, wonderful gift shop.

I have attended many events at Quinta. Just great! The Christmas Concert was a wonderful experience. Great facility. Great management.

An historic mansion of an early settler of the McAllen area - a beautiful and unique home - Spanish style. Interpretation programs available on an established schedule or at other times for groups. Small group of trails through the property provide views of birds and butterflies.

Highly recommend this gorgeous experience to all, young & old alike! The hacienda is spectacular and the grounds and activities are worth visiting!

Quinta Mazatlán is an old estate that the city has acquired, now used for meetings and events. The grounds are fabulously maintained with local native plants, and the grounds are one of the nine venues of the World Birding Center.

WE wandered the birding area on a slightly rainy/misty day and had the place to our selves and the birds.
Nicely done. Areas to sit and view birds, some picnic area and lovely sculptures along the way.

I always enjoy touring the historical home and try to do a few of trails when possible. I have also been there for evening educational presentations.

Recently took my Canadian tour group to visit Quinta Mazatlan. We arranged a private tour for a one hour tour with tea after. The tour was interesting and we learned a lot about the medicial properties of the local plants. The other tour offered gave a history of the property. Both tours are given on set days for the public, check the website for times and dates. The gardens are very easy to walk, we had one lady with a walker and she managed fine. There are lots of places to sit and observe the birds and wildlife and two feeding stations with lots of seating. We saw a number of birds. There are numerous wildlife art sculptures throughout the park. Take the time to explore the house and make sure to visit the master bedroom and bath. I won't spoil the surprise but it worth the time. Excellent place to visit allow a couple hours. Early morning is good not to hot and lots of birds. Bring binoculars if you have them and a bottle of water. On the weekends and holidays there are numerous family programmes available. The admission is a few dollars.
There is a small gift shop.

A beautiful place to visit. Good for kids or if you feel like taking a nice scenic walk. I just wish they would offer more fun events for families.

This fairly small reserve has many feeders attractive to birds and was very pleasant to walk around. The person at the desk was knowledgable abut where we could find a rare bird we were seeking, the tropical parula, which we did find. There are some signs describing the local trees and plants along the trails. It is a very relaxing and rather beautiful site, very close to the airport at McAllen.

While Quinta Mazatlan doesn't date back to centuries past is does date back almost 100 years. The house itself was nice and well maintained. while we were there someone was taking quinceaña photos to take advantage of the rustic yet elegant feel of the mansion. we especially liked the grounds which was comprised of many smaller paths or trails to walk along and enjoy an early spring day. it was perfect for a leisurely stroll even though they were in full seasonal cleanup mode. stop in and support this local treasure with a nominal $3 entrance fee. well worth it

We enjoyed our visit to Quinta Mazatlan. The house is historic and interesting, but the real gem is the grounds. Well marked trails with sculptures and signage hidden throughout allow the walker to discover and learn about the ecosystem in the area.

Amazing property and story going back to construction in the early 1900s to today. Beautiful adobe mansion renovated by the last
private owner, then sold to the City of McAllen. Now 20 acres, part of
the World Birding Center.

The main house was beautiful as we expected, and the courtyard was perfect for a special occasion. But we did not not anticipate the paths outside the the main house to be as well done as they were. There are lots of sculptures of animals along the nature trail that would be fun for children to discover. Don't overlook this area - we almost did.

Quinta is a Natura Center that's great for all ages mainly because it's not overwhelming in size, is well shaded and you can spot more than a handful of native birds on any day of the year. We love taking the kids to the Center as it's easy for them to spot Chachalacas, rabbits and butterflies without needing to have a keen eye for the same. The Center also offers great educational programs and the fees for the same is very affordable.

What an awesome place! Went there to photograph birds and butterflies and was really blown away by the beauty of the grounds. Inca doves were so cute!

We visited in November and the weather was cool and wet but we still enjoyed the experience. We were part of a group and were given a brief tour and history lesson about this unique home. One room is filled with amazing, colorful Mexican Folk Art.The nature trails are well marked with signs and information about the numerous variety of plants and animals. Bronze sculptures of native birds and animals can be found all along the trails.The region is in the migration path of multiple birds and butterflies and we saw several on our visit.Very interesting and enjoyable.

We enjoyed our short escape to this lovely house and gardens. A pleasant and peaceful escape for a relaxing stroll. It’s a good idea to bring your bug spray, as you would anywhere else shaded and green like this in the valley. The sculptures of local wildlife sprinkled about with associated explanations were fun.

This world birding center also has a beautiful mansion with architecture and art, as well as sculpture and beautiful have to walk on it's a little weak in the water habitat but it does have a pond and some streams man-made outstanding birdwatching I highly recommend you get by and see this one more than once only problem I have is it closed Sunday and Monday they lock the gates and you can't get anywhere near it other than that it's outstanding

Quinta Mazatlan was built in 1935 as a country retreat, but the city of McAllen, Tx has surrounded it with urban sprawl. Still, its 5 acres serve as a quiet retreat where you can see the effective use of Spanish Colonial architecture in a fascinating design. The beauties of the house are matched by the variety of birds you may see in the acreage surrounding it. Many species have been recorded as folks walked the gentle, groomed trails through the thorny scrub native to the area. Butterflies are also attracted to the flora of the gardens. Feeders attract even more birds and there are benches placed at strategic locations. Lots of opportunity to rest, talk, watch and enjoy nature even while you're surrounded by the city.

This place has lovely facilities, groomed trails and birds dripping from the trees. We had gimme Clay-colored Thrush all over the place. You can wander the trails and see many kinds of birds. And back in the trails you have a nice bit of shade. They have some feeding stations set up that we heard were hopping in the morning. They also had some drips set up that really bring in the birds during the dryer weather. We highly recommend it.

wonderful house, grounds and sculptures placed throughout the shaded trails, go early before it gets really hot

We visited a few weeks ago and enjoyed the whole trip. We were looking for something different to do and had always wanted to visit Quinta mazatlan. Upon getting there we observed the unique architecture of the building and of course, nature. We sat down to hear about different types of rocks and we even broke a rock in half to discover what the inside looks like. We had a wonderful day!

Bronze statues of wild life were lovely even though we did not see many bird; trees and catcus are marked and the hacienda and story boards were an enjoyable glimpse back in time

Every Tuesday from October through April, they host a songbird stroll. On December 22, I was the only guest. The guide identified 26 different species in the 90 minute stroll. Some of the more interesting were Plain Chachalaca, Caracara, Inca Dove, Pauraque, Kiskadee, Geen Jay, Thrashers, Pine Warbler, The adobe house is also quite pleasant to visit.

This a Great Attraction for the Young and Old at Heart we took our Grand Children ages from 1-3 years old and our Young Teenage Son 13years old and we all had a Great Time. Lots of space to walk around and see Nature at its Finest from One of a kind Birds only found in our Native South Texas and Beautiful Butterflies that travel from all around the World. The customer experience was great as well as the entire staff they are very helpful and knowledgeable about all the surroundings that a Seasoned Bird Watcher would be delighted to enjoy. They also have special days when the staff have hands on attractions for every age to enjoy and to have a good time and also learn something special about Nature. We all need a Special Nature Place like this in their city.

We visited Quinta Mazatlan on a Friday afternoon. The place was very quiet, the day was windy and cool. The architecture and tile work in the Casa was beautiful. We walked around the grounds and sat in the bird watching area. We saw many birds we had never seen before. It is a very tranquil place.

This is a beautiful, wonderful place to stroll through and see all the wildlife and lovely gardens. They have many interesting and educational events for the whole family.

Definitely a must see while in McAllen, Texas! Check www.mcallencvb.com for guides to visit the area.

The trails were easy to navigate. The sculptures along the way would make it fun for those visiting with children. There are many pleasant sitting areas. Some really nice items in the gift shop. The staff we encountered were attentive and helpful. You will learn a bit of history and encounter various wildlife depending on the time of your visit. A little treasure in the midst of McAllen.

We had a blast at my cousins birthday party. It's a beautiful place to have a family gathering at any time.

We loved the "buckets of fun" activities they had on Thursdays. My toddler and I would pack a picnic and have lunch after the activities. Beautiful gardens and trails.

Quinta Mazatlan is a unique place. There are numerous walking trails through native habitat. Chachalacas abound...plus you will have the opportunity to see many other birds that are not seen in other parts of the country. The old mansion is very interesting and there are a number of displays of mexican art. The facility offers education programs and has a low ropes, team building course,

We had some free time on Saturday of our trip and opted to do some sightseeing in McAllen. One attraction that was suggested was the Quinta Mazatlan property. A little hard to find, but once you arrive it is a very peaceful oasis located in the city of McAllen.
All the employees were very friendly. The house and complex has been well maintained and very enjoyable to walk around. Trails are well marked, but may present a challenge for some people. As we strolled the various trails we saw several animals and butterflies in the various gardens. Liked the statues of various Rio Grande Valley native animals as they were hidden along the trails.

I had my grandson for the month of June and i enrolled him in the chidrens' program at la quinta mazatlan. He is 6 and he loved it. The grounds are filled with beautiful plants,flowers and trees not to mention all types of different birds. The building itself is beautiful and I have been there for different events such as charity events and fundraisers and also weddings. The chidrens program was fun for my grandson and it was educational and it was just a morning program. Staff was very patient and nice. We will do it again.

We finally got around to visiting Quinta Mazatlan, and glad we did before we're leaving this area. the building is beautiful and we started out with a small video about the birds seen on the grounds. Afterwards we walked around the building. They do have a number of activities during the month and if we were longer in the area we probably would attend a talk. The grounds are beautiful, landscaped, but still wild. We were there in the middle of the day and it was quite warm, we heard a lot of different birds, and saw a few. There are sculptures, beautiful large vases etc. The walk is easy on even paths. it is a real oasis in the city. Really enjoyed the visit.

I loved the walk around the trails! Great place to start my birding passion..there were places to sit, beautiful outdoor patios, and good information center!

good for birds. Used to have A LOT of bird feeders and birds. Now, just a few feeders and fewer birds. But a nice botanical garden, and nice bird sculptures. Nice place for wedding photos. Used to have vacant land neighbors. Now all built up..

You are in McAllen and you like nature this place is nice small walk nature trails! And they have excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and helpful! i recommend this place.

I have visited several times over the recent years and nearly always see a new or interesting species of bird on the grounds and the Sunset Drive approach. This Spring it was Painted and Indigo Buntings in the grass along the street and migrating birds next to the walking trails and at the feeders. In the past it has been a Cooper's Hawk in the parking lot and bird banding being done during the Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in November. Beautiful hacienda and grounds and friendly staff. This was my eleventh year visiting the Valley and Quinta Mazatlán has been on my must-see list each year. As is the case with many of the attractions in this part of the country, check ahead to confirm hours of operation.

We enjoyed the reptile show, the lovely gardens, and the nature walk. The entrance fee is low, but the educational value is priceless.

This place is beautiful. It used to be a home and is now a nature /tourist attraction. It has held beautiful events such as weddings, trainings, school tours and such. Come walk through their grounds and see nature at its best.

You will have to experience this for yourself when you come to the Upper Rio Grande Valley. Don't pass through McAllen without planning to spend at least part of a day here. You will be surprised and delighted.

It is a very well preserved house and the staff helpful.
We walk around the grounds an saw very noisy chachalacas an 2 green jays.
Is a good place to visit

When my aunt retired from UTRGV she picked up a part-time job here many years ago. We've made it a point to stop here every time we visit The Valley. It has been wonderful to watch the constant transformation and upgrades over the years. The history of the people who built the house and subsequent owners is interesting as well.
If we lived here, I would love to send my girls to their summer programs!

My son and daughter-in-law held their wedding here. It was well done and a nice venue. Great staff and an interesting place.

This place was the best stop we have made in the Rio Grande Valley. We enjoy the State Parks but this place has nature and a beautiful home to go through. The $3 entry fee was well worth spending for the experience. The home was unique and has been commercialized but you get a good feel for what it was in its original day. The entry doors were made in Spain and shipped here and are unique to the home. The craftmanship is spectacular. We loved the interior finishes as well.

We were there on a Saturday morning. The place had serveral busses with elementary age children. They were all well behaved and a bit noisey but it did not limit the wealth of birds that are located in this World Birding Center site. We saw Chacalaccas, Kiskadees, red winged black birds galore and a couple of green jays.

This place also provides a map with the home details and map of the grounds. It also houses 37 bronze statues denoted on the map (we only found 36-parakeets eluded us or were not there). Yes we follwed the map tracking down each one. It was a great way to see the whole grounds.

If you have one place to visit in McAllen this would be our choice.