ECOTOURISM

If one thing characterizes Costalegre, it?s the wide variety of sites it offers for ecotourism outings.

Bahia de Tenacatita. Lies 40 km (25 mi) from Barra de Navidad, at Km 30 on Highway 200. This bay?s beach strip is about 2 km (1.2 mi) long. From the hills of this beach?s outer limits you can appreciate the fantastic scenery of lowland jungle, palm trees and surrounding mountains. While you?re here you can also take a boat ride through the mangroves of La Vena, where you can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Playa Majahuas. Located at Km 116 on the Melaque-Puerto Vallarta Highway 200, 145 km (90 mi) from Barra de Navidad and 15 km (9 mi) from Tomatlan. At this beach you can visit one of the most important turtle sanctuaries in the state of Jalisco, where they carry out wildlife conservation and protection programs.

La Manzanilla. Lies 23 km (14 mi) from Barra de Navidad. Take Highway 200 to Km 14, then follow the turnoff for 1.5 km (about 1 mi). This 2-km (1.2 mi) beach forms part of Tenacatita Bay. This area consists of mangroves and river estuaries where you can observe caimans in their natural habitat.

Isla Navidad. Located an hour and a half from Manzanillo, Colima, off the Guadalajara-Manzanillo Highway. Here you can hire guides who will lead you on an eco-tour of the beaches, an island and a lagoon. This exclusive destination also has a first-rate hotel.

El Tamarindo. Located 20 km (12 mi) from Barra de Navidad, in Cihuatlan, and 250 km (155 mi) south of Puerto Vallarta along Highway 200. This is a fascinating ecotourism resort in the middle of a protected jungle. The 150-hectare (370-acre) area has a wildlife reserve, a natural marina and more than 20 villas, among other attractions.

Playa Rosa and Playa Blanca. Located 62 km (38 mi) from Barra de Navidad, at Costa Careyes. These two precious beaches are divided by a large rock formation. Both beaches have beautiful sand, excellent hotels and lovely natural attractions. At either of the two beaches you can enjoy absolute relaxation and direct contact with nature, as both offer abundant vegetation and a wide variety of bird species.

Hotelito Desconocido. Located 160 km (99 mi) from Barra de Navidad and 90 km (59 mi) south of Puerto Vallarta, off Highway 200. These lovely bungalows are surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape that is home to indigenous plants and a wide variety of tropical species. These rustic bungalows, called palafitos, are built on stilts along the shore of an estuary. Here you can go hiking in the surrounding areas and share in the experience of releasing newborn turtles.