Nature Tourism

Its natural conditions, geographical location and biological diversity make Mexico an ideal place for nature tourism. There are several sites throughout the country with the most aweinspiring landscapes, climate, flora and fauna. The latest publication, Mexico Biodiversity world’s wonder, ranks Mexico fourth worldwide for its biodiversity.

Over the last years new tourist infrastructure has been specially designed to enhance visitors’ comfort and safety. Thus, in many regions of Mexico, the visitor is be able to come into contact with nature by using the services created by various firms to provide accommodation and tour guides. There are approximately six major ecotourism circuits in Mexico: the Baja California Peninsula and Sea of Cortés, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the northeast; the central region; the south and southeast and the north and northeast.

Amongst Mexico’s most attractive assests are whale watching, the Monarch butterfly and turtle breeding sites in the Pacific. Mexico’s cultural and natural heritage makes an attractive programme for the adventure traveller.

Nature, ecotourism, diving and mountaineering destinations

The Yucatan Peninsula main attractions include white sandy beaches, underground rivers, jungles, coral reefs and Mayan cites.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the most diverse regions of the Yucatan Peninsula. It was listed as Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, the first in Mexico. Over three hundred bird species can be found in Sian Ka’an and most of Mexico’s big cats can be found within the reserve.

The beautiful island of Cozumel, the largest inhabited island in Mexico, is a paradise for divers from all over the world. The island is surrounded by more than 25 reef formations where divers of all ages and skills can enter into a completely fascinating and different world: endless coral inhabited by immense shoals of colourful fish. The possibilities are interminable for both beginners and experts.

East of the Yucatán Peninsula, on top of the age-old structures of the Mayan coral reef, the second largest in the world, stands the Island of Cozumel, the largest inhabited island in Mexico. Its name, derived from the word Cuzamil, meaning "island of swallows" in Maya, conjures up memories of its pre-Hispanic origin, the conquest of America and the pirates and buccaneers that thronged its seas.

The Island of Cozumel measures 48 km from north to south but only 16 from east to west. On either side of the island, beaches form a long, white sandy coast. Gentle waves and transparent waters wash the western side of the island, while huge waves crash against the eastern side. Its flora and fauna have a number of unusual features and include certain endemic species, such as the dwarf raccoon and the Cozumel wren. Cozumel’s greatest wealth, however, lies underwater.

Ria Lagartos is a Biosphere Reserve located in Yucatan famous for its flamingo colony and over 280 bird species. The Reserve is nearly 200 sq miles and protects eight ecosystems.

Isla Contoy is an hour distance by boat north of Cancun. Isla Contoy is a National Park protecting 152 bird species, both residents and migratory. The island’s marine landscapes include lagoons and mangroves attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year.

South of Cancun, towards Coba, lies Punta Laguna a woodland area restored by the local communities and take tourist on guided to tours to see the spider monkeys and local birds.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is located in Campeche State in the Yucatan Peninsula. Is the largest Mayan city discovered to date and scientists believe it was continuously inhabited for over three thousand years. It is the site of the most important archaeological findings of recent years, and comprises buildings, walls, cement-lined brick cisterns, watering places and tombs. Its importance as a natural corridor between Guatemala, Chiapas and Mexican Caribbean has internationally been recognised.

Veracruz: main landmarks for the region are its rivers, a paradise for rafting and kayaking lovers. The main rivers in the region are Filobobos, Antigua, Pescados and Actopan. Ideal places to enjoy and explore nature at its purest. Other places of interests are the thermal baths at Carrizal and the Enchant waterfall.

Oaxaca: the Pacific coast revive every year thousands of eight turtles species who come to Escobilla beach to breed. The beach is a natural protected area and visits can be arranged from Mazunte where there the Mexican Centre for Turtle Protection is. The centre has a nursery section for turtles and displays of the life cycle of these marine creatures.

Manialtepec and Chacahua National Park have been protected by the Government and both are key ecological areas for their role as breeding sites for thousands for birds, some under threat of extinction, and reptiles.

Mountains: Mexico is a land of mountains and volcanoes. North from Mexico City is the Popo-Itza National Park and further north, towards the Gulf of Mexico coast, lies the Pico de Orizaba, the third highest peak in north America at 5.754 meters above sea level.

Currently is not permited to climb the Popocatepelt due to its recent ‘activity’, a dormant volcano that showed signs of awakening in recent years. However, it is possible to climb the Iztaccihualt and enjoy the stunning views from its peak.

Tropical jungles: scatered in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Veracruz, Quintana Roo and Campeche State. Perhaps the most important jungle in Mexico, is the Lacandona in Chiapas with bordering Guatemala. The jungle has been designated a natural protected area and houses over 30 tree species, 50 types or orchids, 40 bird species, 20 mammals species, 300 butterfly species and over 5,000 types of insects. The lacandona is also heaven for jaguars, eagles, tucans, bats, parrots, spider monkeys and the howler monkey, the loudest land animal, second only to the blue whale.

The Usimacinta river is navigable and through its course lie impressive archaeological sites such as Bonampak, Palenque, Yaxchilán and Piedras Negras.

-Courtesy of Mexico Tourism Board.