Six sites that portray Mexico’s great natural wealth
Mexico occupies the third position in the number of natural parks and biosphere reserves, with 44 areas that add up to more than 62 million hectares. Our national territory is blessed with shores, peninsulas, islands, mountains, deserts, rainforests, and coral reefs. As a consequence, a huge variety of ecosystems. Keep reading to learn more about our most precious natural treasures.
Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca
In the Costa Chica of Oaxaca, there is one of Mexico’s most unique places. The Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is an important sanctuary for birds and reptiles and the perfect place to unplug from the world and get lost in the exuberant nature. Here you won’t find touristic luxury services, but you will live unforgettable experiences that money cannot buy: bird sightings, the arrival of sea turtles that come to these shores to lay their eggs, and at night, enjoy the wonderful spectacle of bioluminescence.
Sima de las Cotorras
Nestled in the forest of Chiapas is Sima de las Cotorras, a sinkhole of 160 meters in diameter and 140 meters in-depth, constituting a one-of-a-kind ecosystem, home of a community of thousands of parrots from which this place is named after. There are several options to enjoy this natural wonder: arrive early to admire the gigantic flock flying in a green column. If you love challenges and extreme sports, you can rappel to the bottom to admire the different plant species, such as orchids, mahogany trees up to 30 meters high, and cave paintings.
Banco Chinchorro
Banco Chinchorro, Mexico’s largest atoll, is located 30 km from Mahahual and makes up part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef. The site is a must for scuba-dive enthusiasts. The reserve is comprised of the reef area, three cays, and a lagoon and is home to different varieties of coral and reef fish, crocodiles, dolphins, sea eagles, turtles, and sharks. Shipwrecks from centuries 16 to 18 lie on the floor of its waters.
Calakmul, Campeche
Calakmul is Mexico’s largest tropical forest and a UNESCO mixed cultural and natural heritage. In addition to being a biosphere reserve, it fosters the remains of an ancient Mayan city whose name it bears and five more archeological sites. The reserve is also home to 1,600 plant species, 350 bird species, more than 500 butterfly varieties, and 96 species of mammals, like the howling monkey, the tapir, and the majestic jaguar, king of the rainforests of the Americas.
Barrancas del Cobre
The National Park Barrancas del Cobre, in the State of Chihuahua, is one of North Mexico’s most fascinating places. The canyon makes part of the Sierra Tarahumara, home to the Rarámuri people, the light feet people, internationally renowned for being exceptional runners. The canyon is also home to animals like the black bears, the cougar, the peregrine hawk, and the golden eagle. The best way to know this natural wonder and admire its breathtaking landscapes is, without any doubt, the Chepe Express train, which makes an interesting tour that begins in Los Mochis, at the feet of the Sea of Cortes, and ends in the Magic Town of Creel.
Parque Nacional Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl
Legend has it that a beautiful princess fell in love with a brave warrior. The girl’s father gave her hand to the warrior with the sole condition that he would have to return victorious from war. The princess received the wrongful news that he had died, which led her to die of a broken heart. The warrior came back to find her beloved princess dead. He took her lifeless body, put it on the top of a mountain, and kneeled by her side holding a smoking torch in his hand to uphold her dream forever. The Aztecs considered these two mountains as sacred, and today they are among the most important biosphere reserves of central Mexico, fostering a diverse endemic flora and fauna, such as mushrooms, conifers, birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects.
