ECOTOURISM

In Puerto Escondido?s surrounding areas you?ll find nature areas where you can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna that inhabit Oaxaca?s southern region.

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. Located 90 km (56 mi) west of Puerto Escondido, off Highway 200. This protected area of 14,187 hectares (35,041 acres) is covered with dense mangrove vegetation and six distinct forests. During your visit, you can observe indigenous fauna such as iguanas and six turtle species. The park also has a crocodile farm.

Laguna de Manialtepec. Located 16 km (10 mi) west of Puerto Escondido, off Highway 200. This lagoon is 8 km (5 mi) long and is surrounded by mangroves and dense vegetation. Here you can see aquatic bird colonies of such species as the cormorant and the anhinga. In addition, you can spot songbirds and iguanas.

Mazunte. Located 50 km (31 mi) east of Puerto Escondido, off Highway 200. At this place you?ll see tropical jungle vegetation, more than 20 tree species and mangroves. You also can observe sea turtles that arrive at the beach to lay their eggs. What?s more, you can participate in a turtle conservation program at the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, where they do research and provide protection for endangered turtle species.