December 2011

Mexico possesses areas that concentrate and enhance the biodiversity of its landscapes, where one can get together once again with nature and its complex ecosystems.

They are the natural protected areas that throughout the country portray the pure essence of the natural beauty it possesses – man’s shelter.

Thick jungles, deserts that seem to be endless, extensive forests and vast seas are a surprising scene of the Mexican natural environments, ready to be explored by visitors.

Sumidero Canyon National Park, Chiapas

This natural preserve, named a protected area in 1980, stretches almost 19 miles and it is open to the public. Its main attraction is the enormous canyon with vertical walls that go up about 2,700 feet.

Where is it located?
Between the municipalities of Chiapa de Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Nuevo Usumacinta and San Fernando in the state of Chiapas. To get here, you can take the highway that comes from Tuxtla Gutierrez all the way to the canyon’s viewpoint; or you can also get on a boat in Chiapa de Corzo, and besides taking you to the site, it will let you enjoy the journey through the Grijalva River.

What to do?

• Visit the Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo (Zoomat).

• Observe the wild life or take a stroll through the rocky formation, a real beauty.

• Do some sport fishing, camping, rafting and other ecotourism-related activities.

• Visit the five viewpoints located throughout the canyon.

Agua Azul Waterfalls Protected Area, Chiapas

The bluish Agua Azul waterfalls originate from the affluent of the Shumulja, Otulun and Tulija Rivers, and they are another internationally protected natural preserve.

With about 6,400 acres, this place welcomes visitors interested in admiring the thick, mountain jungle vegetation.

Where is it located?
The municipality of Tumbala, in the northern part of the state of Chiapas, is home to these marvelous waters located 40 miles from the city of Palanque. One option to get here is to take highway 199 from Palenque towards Ocosingo, Chiapas.

What to do?

• Admire the formation of shallow canyons with cliffs that give way to the beautiful turquoise waterfalls that turn into natural pools.

• Visit the Lacandon community located near the waterfalls, which offers a wide variety of ecotourism activities.

Palenque National Park, Chiapas

This pre-Hispanic site is part of the Maya Route, and it was named a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Where is it located?
Located on the northeastern part of Chiapas, in the municipality of Palenque, this park is close to the Usumacinta River.

One option to reach this archeological site, which is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is to take highway 199 from Tuxtla Gutierrez. Another route available is highway 186 from Villahermosa towards Escarcega, taking the Palenque exit on kilometer 23; the approximate driving time is two hours.

What to do?

• Visit Pakal’s mortuary chamber, one of the most important Mayan leaders.

• Tour the vast archeological site, without forgetting to visit the Inscriptions Temple, the Palace, the Aqueduct, the Cross Collection and the Ball Game.

• Visit the Site’s Museum, which displays a large collection of Mayan artifacts.

Veracruz Reef System National Park, Veracruz

With a total of 17 reefs, this region possesses great ecological and historical richness, and it is divided into two areas: one on the port of Veracruz, and the other one in front of Anton Lizardo Point.

Where is it located?
In the municipalities of Boca del Rio and Alvarado in the state of Veracruz. Getting here is quite easy from the port of Veracruz, where there are boats that can take you to the site.

What to do?

• Scuba dive along some of the 350 sunken ships.

• Snorkel to admire the vast marine fauna made up of multicolor fish, such as the trunk and surgeon fish, starfish, octopi and many other species.

Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Preserve, Veracruz

Unique landscapes of evergreen jungle surround this natural area, protected since 1998, that expands over 383,000 acres.

Where is it located?
Between the municipalities of Catemaco, Mecayapan, Pajapan, San Andres Tuxtla, Santiago Tuxtla, Soteapan, Angel R. Cabada, Hueyapan and Tatahuicapan in Veracruz

What to do?

• Ride a boat along the Costa de Oro River all the way to the Arroyo de Lisa town, where camping is allowed.

• Do some rappelling at Roca Partida, which possesses a wall almost 150 feet high.

• Visit and tour the Enchanted Lake and the Salto de Eyipantla waterfall, which is 130 feet wide and 165 feet high.

Cofre de Perote National Park, Veracruz

It is a protected ecosystem with abundant pine and sacred fir forests, part of the Cofre de Perote volcanic range, and it provides an option to explore a section of the Veracruz Sierra Mountains.

Where is it located?
Between the municipalities of Xico (now a Magic Town), Acajete and Ayahualulco in the state of Veracruz. Coming from Xalapa, Perote is located 27 miles away through the federal highway.

What to do?

• Set up a camping site to enjoy the cool forests, as well as the capricious shapes the hills and mountains adopt.

• Climb the huge rocks that make up the view of the park.

• Take a walk through the forests admiring its different species, such as pine trees, silver birches, cypresses, oak trees, sacred firs and an endless number of animals that together make up the beautiful natural views within Mexico.

El Vizcaino Desert Biosphere Preserve, Baja California Sur

Named a Biosphere Preserve in 1988, this area of 6,300,000 acres offers the contrasting view of deserts, mangrove swamps and lagoons.

Where is it located?
In the northwestern region of the municipality of Mulege; it also crosses other towns, such as Santa Rosalia and Guerrero Negro. One can get here through the Transpeninsular Highway 1. The starting points might be Loreto in the south and Tijuana in the north.

What to do?

• From December through April, gray whales and sea wolves can be spotted in the San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre lagoons.

• Explore the dunes at the Vizcaino and Valle de los Gigantes deserts, with cactuses that reach up to 65 feet in height.

• Kayaking and windsurfing at Concepción Bay; or take a break at the Santa Ines and Punta Chivato beaches.

• Visit the Mulege Regional Museum and the San Ignacio of Loyola Mission.

Loreto National Park, Baja California Sur

Named a protected area in 1996, it keeps the secrets of the Sea of Cortes, zealously protected by dolphins, sea lions and devil rays that in exchange for not revealing these secrets, offer an unmatched show.

Where is it located?
In the region known as Loreto Bay, made up of a group of islands in the northeastern part of Baja California Sur, about 220 miles north of La Paz. One can reach the area from Loreto, which offers and airport, Muelege and Tijuana.

What to do?

• Observe marine mammals, such as dolphins, sea wolves, devil rays, and from December through April, gray whales.

• Take a photographic safari among birds and fish, as well as sport fishing, sailing and ecotourism activities.

• Take a look at the cave paintings at the San Francisco Sierra; and visit the San Javier Mission and the Our Lady of Loreto Mission, which is the oldest one around the region.

Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Preserve, Sonora

Unique landscapes and animal species provide this region the opportunity to amaze its visitors with treasures that can only be found in this area, washed by the Gulf of California waters.

Where is it located?
Between the states of Sonora and Baja California. It goes through municipalities such as Puerto Peñasco and San Luis Rio Colorado in Sonora; and Mexicali in Baja California.

What to do?

• Observe manatees, totoabas and prairie dogs, which are protected species unique to the region.

• Camp in desert areas designed for this purpose; mountain biking and scuba diving.

• It is recommended to visit this area between October and May to avoid the hot weather.

Huatulco Bays National Park, Oaxaca

Named a protected natural area in 1998, it contributes to the conservation of the natural and cultural richness of Oaxaca’s southern coast. Its attractions consist of jungle landscapes and fine-sand beaches.

Where is it located?
In Oaxaca’s central coast, a region called Huatulco Bay, in the municipality of Santa Maria Huatulco. One can reach this area through Huatulco’s airport; or on the ground from the Oaxaca-Puerto Angel highway.

What to do?

• Visit the lower jungle region and take a photographic safari tour among species such as deer, armadillos, anteaters, eagles, hawks, owls and many more.

• Submerge on its blue beaches and ride a boat or a jet ski.

• Scuba diving, snorkeling along coral reefs and observing multicolor fish. Kayaking and rafting activities are also available.

Nevado de Colima National Park

This region’s beauty has been a protected area since 1936, and it is contrasted against the height of its volcanoes, the Colima Volcano and the Nevado de Colima. Camping here will be an unforgettable reunion with the wildlife.

Where is it located?
Along the borderline of the states of Jalisco and Colima. Its extension reaches the municipalities of Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Tuxpan and Tonila in Jalisco; and Cuauhtemoc and Comala in Colima.

What to do?

• Journey through the forests of pine trees, sacred firs and oak trees that cover the region. Here you will be able to observe an endless number of animal and bird species that fill the journey with life.

• Mountain climbing, backpacking and mountain biking along the paths of the Nevado de Colima.

• Camping and enjoying a starry sky in areas such as Pico de Aguila, Antenas, Viboras and Leoncito.

• It is paramount to seek the help from the region’s guides since there are restricted areas, especially around the Colima Volcano.

Cacahuamilpa Caverns National Park, Guerrero

Named a national park in 1936, it is one of the ideal locations for speleology lovers. It implicates an amazing journey to the depths of the Earth as you enter its caverns 100 to 135 feet deep.

Where is it located?
Between the states of Guerrero and Morelos. It is only a few minutes away from Taxco de Alarcon. Other nearby municipalities are Pilcaya and Tetipac in Guerrero; and Coatlan del Rio in Morelos.

What to do?

• Its main attraction, for experienced visitors, is speleology while going down through its caverns.

• In the surrounding areas you can spend a day in the countryside and go backpacking, while also being in direct contact with nature.

• At the entrance of the caverns one can buy local handcrafts and enjoy the regional cuisine.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve, Quintana Roo

Surrounded by jungles, lagoons, virgin vegetation, reefs and swamps, this natural protected area’s name derives from the Mayan language phrase that means “heaven’s port” or “place where heaven arises”.

Where is it located?
In the Caribbean coast of the state of Quintana Roo, between the municipalities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Tulum. The easiest way to get to Sian Ka’an is arriving at Cancun’s airport and then taking the highway towards Tulum, traveling about 85 miles to reach this natural diamond that is sparsely visited throughout the year.

What to do?

• Explore some of the archeological sites, 23 of them in this area.

• Ride on an eco-boat, with a glass floor, along the Ascencion and Espiritu Santo lagoons, and the area’s reefs as well.

• Admire the mangrove islands, full of trees up to 100 feet high, which rise among the swamp’s weeds.