ECOTOURISM

In Hermosillo and its surroundings you?ll find vast ecological reserves where you can observe endemic flora and fauna.

Centro Ecologico de Sonora ? Located at Km 2.5 on the Guaymas Highway. At this 188-hectare (464-acre) ecological reserve with semi-desert terrain you can observe various indigenous plant and animal species, such as Gila monsters, white-tailed deer and mule deer. The reserve also has a nursery, an astronomical observatory and various areas where you can see such species as antelopes, black bears, jaguars, Bengalese tigers and giraffes.

Reserva Especial de la Biosfera Cajon del Diablo ? Located 70 km (43 mi) south of Hermosillo, off Highway 15. This 147,000-hectare (363,090-acre) biosphere reserve has drawn the attention of biologists due to its widely diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Here you?ll see a wide array of endangered plant and animal species.

Isla Tiburon (Tiburon Island) ? Lies 137 km (85 mi) west of Hermosillo, in front of Punta Chueca. This is the state?s largest island and it includes a biosphere reserve that covers an area of 1200 sq. kilometers (480 sq. miles). The reserve has a semi-desert ecosystem that is home to various indigenous species. At this place you can observe beautiful species such as bighorn sheep and white-tailed deer, as well as a wide variety of reptiles that inhabit coastal dunes covered with brushwood.