ECOTOURISM

 

In Puerto Peñasco?s environs you can visit important natural areas where you can observe numerous indigenous plant and animal species, an extraordinary variety of ecosystems and habitats with irregular geographic features.

 

Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and the Gran Desierto de Altar. Lies 52 km (32 mi) north of Puerto Peñasco, off Highway 8. In this region you can observe desert and volcanic ecosystems, that latter of which is marked with Maar craters, which take form when molten lava interacts with groundwater, forcing steam to the surface. You?ll also see examples of xerophilous vegetation, such as brushwood and bishop?s weeds. In addition, you can spy indigenous fauna, including white-tailed deer, antelope, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and reptiles like the Gila monster, an endangered species.

 

Isla San Jorge. Located less than 20 km (14 mi) southeast of Puerto Peñasco by boat. At this place you can observe endemic fauna, including migratory birds like the royal tern. You?ll also spot seagulls, booby birds and a rare chiropteran known as the fisherman bat.

 

Playa Las Conchas. Located 8 km (5 mi) southeast of Puerto Peñasco. This is the ideal place to observe cetacean such as porpoises and gray whales, which migrate from the northern Pacific to their breeding grounds in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez.