ECOTOURISM

In Acapulco, you can find many different places to visit which offer ecotourism activities, mainly because it is a region that strongly promotes sustainable tourism. There are nature reserves with indigenous animal and plant species, such as those that you will find in the mangrove swamps. On these ecological tours, you will be engulfed by beautiful tropical scenery. There are also the spectacular sights of a fast-moving river and a botanical garden that allows you to take an up-close look at the region?s various ecosystems. And if that?s not enough, in Acapulco proudly hosts two sanctuaries where you can contribute to the worthy cause of protecting marine turtles? eggs.

Roqueta. This beach, located in front of Caleta and Caletilla, is on Roqueta Island and is protected by the Mexican Navy. To arrive at this beautiful destination, you can take a boat that leaves from Caleta Beach. The outer lying areas of this rocky island have tropical plant life that you can check out as a small boat takes you to various remote spots. If you enjoy observing flora and fauna, this island is a good option thanks to it rich ecosystem full of iguanas, other reptiles and many different species of birds.

Puerto Marques. Located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southeast of Acapulco, you can arrive at the Puerto Marques Bay by driving down a panoramic highway and taking a turnoff toward the port In the black lagoon of Puerto Marques, you can take a tour in a dugout canoe to marvel at the plant and animal life in a mangrove swamp, where dark roots grow, giving the lagoon a murky tone. An interesting change of scenery comes when you reach the waters of the Revolcadero Beach.

Pie de la Cuesta. Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the Acapulco Bay, this beach is known for its strong surf, so be careful when swimming. You can arrive by taking the Pie de la Cuesta highway until you reach the four-kilometer mark in Barra de Coyuca. At this beach you can help protect marine turtles and their eggs. The process, from the day the turtle deposits its eggs in the sand to hatching, takes 45 to 50 days. A female marine turtle from this region can deposit up to 100 eggs at a time. Fortunately, there is a marine turtle camp called Parador del Sol, which also carries out research and protects the turtles and their eggs from poachers and harm?s way. The hatching season lasts from October to January.

Rio Papagayo. About 45 minutes from Acapulco and six kilometers (about four miles) south of Tierra Colorada on route 95. Considered one of the region?s most important river valleys, this amazing river runs through the jungle of Guerrero in the Sierras. You can see birds flying above the canyon in their beautiful natural habitat. Take a stroll through this ecosystem to enjoy the many varieties of plant and animal life, from the regional bird species to the enormous crocodiles lying in their natural habitat along the shore of the river. You can also go on a photo safari.

Laguna de Coyuca ?Located in Pie de la Cuesta, 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Acapulco. It has 30 square kilometers of freshwater shoreline. You can admire this beautiful tropical lagoon on a so-called eco-route tour. Boats will take you to la Isla de los Pajaros (Bird Island) and la Isla del Hombre de las Siete Esposas (The Island of the Man with Seven Wives). You?ll come across numerous mangrove swamps, water lilies, and wild bird species such as the heron, the pelican and the Black-throated Diver, amongst others. A tour guide offers this service.

Laguna de Tres Palos. To arrive there, take the Pinotepa Nacional highway, which is east of Acapulco and near the airport. At this lagoon, which gets water from the Sabana River, you can see a wide variety of wild birds that nest in mangrove swamps stretching across an area 15 kilometers (9 miles) long and 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) wide. On the coast, you?ll find Playa Encantada (Encantada Beach). Prepare your camera for the photo safari, which will fill your family photo album with unforgettable memories.

Jardin Botanico. Located within city limits, this tropical botanical garden offers a pleasant tour of a large variety of indigenous plant species: sago palms, tree varieties, heliconia and orchids, among others. You can also see various birds, reptiles and mammals. The garden is free and open every day year-round. Don?t forget your camera for more great photo opportunities.

Laguna de Chautengo. Also known as Laguna de Nexpan, this lagoon is 117 kilometers (72 miles) from Acapulco. It is 12 kilometers (seven miles) wide from east to west and has a warm climate year-round. This is a good area to take a boat ride through the mangrove swamps. Currently under development at this location is the state?s largest aquacultural project for the cultivation of white shrimp.

Laguna del Tecomate. Also known as Laguna de San Marcos, the lagoon is located 68 kilometers (42 miles) east of Acapulco. It has dozens of mangrove swamps, which attract hundreds of bird species that feed in the waters. Has mangrove swamps inhabited by many different bird species. An ideal spot for swimming and fishing.