Agua Azul waterfalls are a magnificent natural spectacle, as several waterfalls, coming from the river Tujila, splash downwards over different natural terraces, giving you the impression of being only one huge waterfall.

The river carries a lot of earth washed away from the river banks during the rainy season from May to September so the water could be rather brown in these seasons. From October to April the water is really blue.

Agua Azul waterfalls turn into a slower-flowing river, once the currents reach the lowest part of the downfall. Swimming is allowed, but you should take precautions not to get too far, as there might be some undercurrents.

On both sides of the waterfall, you will discover the deep green dense tropical vegetation growing on these somewhat higher grounds called tropical vegetation of altitude, which completes a view of outstanding natural beauty.

You also can walk up a path leading upwards along the waterfall, where you get the most amazing view of the surroundings.

The grounds of the area belong to Mayan community-land owners, who built the roads and walking lanes to and around the waterfall. And they are zealous to preserve all fauna and flora of the surroundings.

If you get hungry you will find a few simple, but clean restaurants with delicious Mayan cuisine, stands with bottled water and sodas, and some stands with Mayan handicrafts on the grounds.

On weekends you will probably find some more visitors on the site as under the week. Yet, as the area is very large, you will find enough space to relax and enjoy your stay.

Agua Azul waterfalls are located between the town of Palenque and the town of Ocosingo, a little further ahead of the Misol Ha waterfall on Federal Highway 199. You could take a shuttle tour to the Misol Ha and the Blue Waterfalls.

Check local tour agencies in San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque town, and Ocosingo.

The island is extremely dry, with no sources of freshwater other than washes following rainfall. It has an area of 931 sq km and a chain of mountains runs along its 69 km length, reaching a maximum of 1,300 m above sea level. It runs northwest to southeast.

The west coast is roughly straight in that direction, but the east coast runs inward near the middle before heading outward until it reaches the island’s widest point. The coast then runs south for a while before finally returning to its southeasterly direction.

Much of the island is inaccessible due to mountains at or near the shore, especially on the west coast. There are a few flat areas on the coast at the outlets of washes that were created by sediment.

These alluvial fans are mostly on the east coast, but a large one is found on the west coast where the island narrows in the middle. Much of the island’s geology is made up of volcanic and alluvial sand deposits.

Despite its extreme dryness, the island is relatively diverse in plant and animal life. There are many types of birds and reptiles, especially lizards. The Angel Island speckled rattlesnake and Angel Island mouse occur only on the island.

The only mammals are bats, rodents, and introduced feral cats. Plants include cacti, grasses, shrubs, succulents, and boojums.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The Reserve and the contiguous forested areas of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (Reserva de la Biosfera Maya) in the Guatemalan department of El Petén form one of the largest and least disturbed tracts of rainforest in the Americas north of Colombia.

The forest is classified as dry forest to the west and tall and medium-height sub-perennial rainforest to the east. Among the trees, there are ceibas, Honduras mahogany, strangler figs, chaká, and chicle or chicozapote.

The biosphere is home to 86 species of mammals, 18 of which can be found in the Official Registry of Mexican Ecology, a resource that outlines flora and fauna that are in danger of extinction, rare, threatened, or are under protection.

The area is home to 5 of the 6 large cats that are native to Mexico. This includes its small but healthy population of jaguars as well as jaguarundis, ocelots, pumas, and margays.

The fauna also includes Central American agoutis, Geoffroy’s spider monkeys, Guatemalan black howlers, Baird’s tapir, white-nosed coatis, ocellated turkeys, crested guans, toucans, and green parrots.

The reserve has been given a critically threatened designation, which means that prompt measures must be taken to continue to protect and conserve its biodiversity. These threats include Population growth, subsistence hunting and poaching, tourist infrastructure, and the emergence of highways and roads.

The human population within the reserve has been rapidly increasing since the 1980s due to increased migration as well as high birth rates. This has put increasing strain on natural resources due to the locals’ agricultural and ranching subsistence.

Although 80% of the hunting in the reserve is done for personal consumption among the local people, this subsistence hunting has had an increasingly drastic impact on the wildlife populations.

These animals are also being poached by military units that are on active duty within the area.

There has been an increasing amount of tourist activity since the reserve was given the UNESCO designation, which has created several problems. Although water is scarce in the region, the consumable water near villages or towns is reserved for tourists, creating a water shortage among the locals.

There is growing awareness of a possible water crisis due to the inability to meet the needs of the locals and the tourism industry.

Due to problems with the design of the reserve, two main roads have been built that cross through two of the core, important areas of the reserve. There have been proposals for a tourism destination called Maya World which would involve a highway connecting different areas of the biosphere reserve.

Although the plans for the highway have been put aside for the time being, hotel construction continues in those areas.

The area was declared a biosphere reserve by Carlos Salinas de Gortari in 1989. The cited reasons for the designation were the protection of biological diversity, as well as the protection of the numerous ancient Mayan ruins that are within the limits of the reserve.

Since then there has been a disparity between the views and philosophies of the local people who live on the land and those government officials and urban environmentalists who wish to protect its resources.

The people who live on the land are migrants representing 23 of the 32 states of Mexico that were drawn to the land in the 1960s when the Mexican government put land distribution projects in place.

Their cultures may differ, but they share the common identity of “campesinos” and subsistence farmers who live off the land.

As subsistence farmers, they all share the common belief that the environment is a place to work, which contrasts with the agendas of environmentalists and government officials who believe that an “ideal environment is one devoid of human presence”.

These outside parties have the “do not touch” mentality. Thus the Campesinos have created a united front in pushing for access to important resources that enable them to farm and provide for themselves.

In 1991 the Mexican president gave the Campesinos “care for the reserve” which provided funding to aid in the protection of the remaining forests while encouraging self-sufficiency in the local farming sector.

This has been in line with the philosophy that biodiversity is “diversity in use”.

These issues of the debate have led to a resistance movement from the local farmers.

Due to their beliefs surrounding the uses of the environment and work, many believe that those on the other side of the debate (government officials and urban environmentalists) wish to use the land for their own profitable means.

Many farmers recognize the difference between symbolic and actual land ownership and feel as though the government is undermining their subsistence practices.

Whereas the Campesinos practice subsistence farming and therefore do not receive a salary, there is a high vulnerability that they face from others implementing regulations.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The area has a semi-arid climate with warm temperatures throughout most of the year.

Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C during the day. In contrast, winters are cooler, with temperatures sometimes falling below 10°C at night. Precipitation is more frequent during the summer.

The best time to visit Chipinque Ecological Park

The best time to visit Chipinque Ecological Park is usually from October to April. During this time, temperatures become milder, ranging from comfortable to slightly cool, making outdoor walks and walks more enjoyable.

The park is less crowded during these months compared to the peak summer season.

Chipinque Ecological Park boasts diverse ecosystems including dense forests, meandering streams, and rugged mountainous terrain. The park is home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

Chipinque Park is home to everything from black bears to butterflies. There are several species of birds, squirrels, a breed of wild cat that looks disconcertingly like a chubby house tabb, as well as pumas, coyotes, and grey foxes.

Visitors can even catch a glimpse of the excellent, native to Mexico coati, a raccoon-esque creature with a stripy tail, or a deer. Be on the lookout for the (non-venomous) black snakes though.

If you do see black bears, don’t try and get close to them. Just stay still and wait for them to pass you by or retreat slowly. Chipinque also has a butterfly house and an insect house and both are free to enter.

Visitors can explore the park along a network of groomed trails suitable for all ages and skill levels, from strolls to challenging hikes. Along the way, tourists enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The park offers an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park also features educational exhibits and interpretation centers aimed at promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Rules state that lighting fires are prohibited, but you can still lug a coolbox of food and have a picnic. There are also a few water fountains at various points on the route so you could top up your bottle if need be.

• Entry costs vary if you enter on foot, bike, or drive into the park.
• Parque Chipinque is open 365 days a year from 06:00 to 20:00.
• The admin offices close at 18:00 and the park itself at 19:30.

It’s so much cooler than the rest of Monterrey. The average temperature in Chipinque is around 21 degrees, which, is much more bearable than the 40-something-degree heat four months of the year in Monterrey.

Dress appropriately – leggings, sneakers, a light T-shirt, and perhaps a thin jacket with a hood in case of rain, and shoes with good grip.

There’s a small café right near the entrance that takes both cash and card, so if you want to grab a quick drink or snack before or after your ascent then you’ll need some money on you in some form or another.

However, if you want to buy something during the walk you’ll need loose change.

Chipinque Ecological Park is located just 12 km from the center of Monterrey.

• around 20 minutes from the city center by car
• approx. an hour by public transport

You can take an Uber from Monterrey, which takes around 20 minutes, saving you the steep and windy walk up to the actual entrance. You also can take the Route 130 bus, get off in San Pedro, and then take a taxi.

From Mexico City or Querétaro, you can take a bus to Ixmiquilpan.

Upon arriving in Ixmiquilpan, you can hire a taxi or take a colectivo (shared van) to reach Tolantongo. The journey to Tolantongo Caves from Ixmiquilpan takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

The route is well-traveled by both locals and tourists.

Once you arrive in Tolantongo, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket to access the canyon and caves. The ticket typically includes access to the thermal pools and other facilities.

• Check the latest travel advisories and local regulations, as conditions and requirements may change.
• Arrive during daylight hours, as the road to Tolantongo can be challenging to navigate at night.
• Bring essentials such as swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for entrance fees.

The park is located in the Sierra Madre del Sur, primarily in the northeast part of Guerrero state. This section of the Sierra Madre del Sur is made of rock, mostly limestone, that was formed under oceans millions of years ago.

The caverns extend through the municipalities of Pilcaya, Tetipac, and Taxco of Guerrero state, and extend into Morelos state in the municipality of Coatlán del Río.

The park extends over 2,700 hectares of land and is located southwest of Mexico City, near the silversmithing town of Taxco. This is a well-known cave system in Mexico and is popular for caving.

The park is visited by about 350,000 people annually, generating an income of about 8 million pesos each year.

Cacahuamilpa is one of the largest cave systems in the world. It is a “live” cave system, meaning that groundwater still filters down into it, and that the formations there are still growing.

Inside the cavern system are ninety large “salons” separated by large natural rock walls and connected to one another via a central gallery.

However, only about twenty of these are fully explored and open to the public. Most of these salons are located under the Cerro de la Corona, a limestone mountain ridge borehole opening.

These salons average about forty meters wide and vary in height from twenty to 81 meters.

Most have names that reflect the major formations found in them such as the Goat Salon, the Throne Salon, and the Cathedral Salon.

All the openings have numerous rock formations growing from both the ceiling and the floor.

One of the drier salons has been dubbed the “Auditorium”. It has a large flat floor and has been outfitted with seats.

It is rented out for events and has been the site for a number of concerts including one in 2007 by Miguel Bosé and one by the Acapulco Philharmonic Orchestra in 2009.

Tours of the open cave system run every hour and last about two hours. On the walkway to the entrance, there are a couple of amate trees (Ficus Insipida) with their roots wound around the rocky walls of Limontitla Canyon.

The entrance is a large arch about forty meters wide and twelve meters tall. From the entrance, one descends about twenty meters to the level of the caverns.

The path has a mostly level cement walkway, and there is artificial illumination on both the path and parts of the salons. However, since it is a live cave, the high humidity can make the trek uncomfortable for some people.

At least parts of the cave system have been known for centuries, and parts have been occupied since pre-Hispanic times. Excavations in the caverns have produced fragments of pottery.

This area was home to the Olmec people, and later the Chontal tribe. Both peoples used the caves for ceremonial purposes.

The original name of the caves was “Salachi”. The current name, “Cacahuamilpa,” comes from a location near the cave entrance and means “peanut field.”

After the Conquest, the existence of the caves was kept hidden from the Spaniards by the indigenous peoples.

Credit for the “discovery” of the caves is given to Manuel Sainz de la Peña Miranda, who used the caves in 1834 to hide from Spanish authorities, which prompted a thorough search of the area.

In 1866, Dominik Bilimek and Maximiliano von Habsburg made the first bio-speleological visit to the cave. F. Bonet surveyed and mapped the cave up to 1,380 meters in 1922 and it was opened to the public during that decade.

The first scientific expedition to the caves was organized by the Secretary of the French Legation in 1935, and the national park was established in 1936 by President Lázaro Cárdenas.

Guided tours began in 1969, and the second survey in 1987 established the cave system’s length at between four and five kilometers.

In one of the salons is a gravesite. The story behind this grave is that an Englishman got lost exploring the cave and eventually died of starvation. He was accompanied by a dog, which he sent to get aid.

However, no one on the outside paid any attention to the dog, so it returned to the cave to die along with its master. When the remains were found, they were buried there with rock and a simple cross.

The Grutas de Carlos Pacheco is located 400 m to the south of the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa. They were named after Mexican General Carlos Pacheco, who fought against the French Intervention in Mexico.

Just beyond the entrance, the cave divides into two branches. The infiltration of water into these caverns is minimal and parts are entirely dry. For this reason, this is considered to be a fossilized cave.

The stalagmites and stalactites here stopped forming hundreds of years ago. However, a number of these formations are very uncommon and some seem to defy gravity.

These caves can be visited by arranging a tour separate from the tour of the Cacahuamilpa Caverns.

The park has two underground rivers called the Chontalcoatlán, which is eight km long, and the San Jeronimo, which is 12 km long. The tunnels that have been formed by these rivers are still completely active, as the water continues to cut away little by little at the rock.

Both have areas with rocks and sandy beaches on each side and the darkness is complete in much of the tunnels’ lengths. The San Jeronimo River has its origins in natural springs that lie in San Pedro Zictepec, Mexico State.

The walls of the cavity in which it flows are up to eighty meters high. It is possible for visitors to explore this river, which requires about seven hours to do so; however, it is easier for the two to explore as it is more level.

The waters of the Chontalcoatlán originate from the Nevado de Toluca. Its descent underground has carved out an entrance fifty meters high. It is also possible to visit this natural tunnel although it is necessary to get to the entrance by vehicle. It is relatively easy to travel to a point called La Caraboya or La Ventana.

However, after this point, the river descends steeply and those not in good physical condition are not advised to continue. Just after the two rivers reemerge above ground, they join to form the Amacuazac River, which is a tributary of the Balsas River.

The Limontitla Botanical Garden exists to demonstrate the native flora that exists in this subtropical, mostly deciduous forest. Tours of the garden can be done alone or with a guide to explain the species on display here.

The best time to visit the garden is during the rainy season (approx. June to October) when everything is green and in bloom.

The park also has a large swimming pool located at a point that overlooks the place where the San Jeronimo and Chontalcoatlán Rivers meet to form the Amacuazac.

Beyond its natural beauty, Lagunas de Montebello is home to the Maya ruins of Chinkultic, a fascinating pre-Columbian city. Dating back to the third century, Chinkultic was a thriving center until its abandonment in the 13th century.

Visitors can explore nearly 200 structures, including several pyramids and a unique ball court. The site offers panoramic views of the multi-colored lakes from the top of the Acropolis. Carved stelae depict rulers of Chinkultic, adding historical depth to the park’s allure.

The park’s 6,411 hectares encompass a rich variety of flora and fauna. The forests are home to towering pines, oaks, and liquidambar trees, adorned with epiphytes that create stunning hanging gardens.

Wildlife includes amphibians like frogs and salamanders, reptiles like turtles and snakes, and mammals such as white-tailed deer, armadillos, and the elusive jaguar. Birdwatchers can spot migratory and native birds like the quetzal and wild ducks.

Lagunas de Montebello offers numerous activities for visitors. Popular options include:

• Hiking through the park’s forest trails
• Camping amidst serene natural surroundings
• Kayaking and rafting on the lakes
• Horseback riding to explore remote areas of the park

The park also provides basic services, including restaurants and guided tours. For an authentic experience, visitors can take a traditional raft ride on Lago Pojoj or camp under the stars.

Costs and Practical Information:

• Park entrance: 35 MXN
• Ejido access fee: 25 MXN per person
• Camping: 80 MXN per person
• Raft rental: 180 MXN (high season), 80 MXN (low season)
• Kayak rental: 180 MXN (high season), 100 MXN (low season)
• Restaurant meals: 80-150 MXN

For accurate information about current park fees, seasonal variations, and services, it’s recommended to check official websites. The nearest city is Comitán, an hour’s drive away, while San Cristóbal de las Casas is two hours further west.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature retreat, an adventure on the lakes, or an exploration of ancient Maya history, Lagunas de Montebello National Park offers an unforgettable experience.

The Yucatán Peninsula experiences a tropical climate, with warm temperatures prevailing throughout the year. The region can be prone to rainfall, especially during the wet season from June to October.

The average temperature here ranges from 21°C to 32°C.

Best time to visit Las Coloradas

The ideal time to visit Las Coloradas is during the dry season, which runs from November to April when flamingos were also more active during this period, offering fantastic opportunities for observation and photography.

During this season (from November to April), you can expect clear skies and lower chances of rain, providing optimal conditions for exploring the vibrant pink lakes and the surrounding natural beauty.

• Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the ecosystem.
• As a protected area, it’s crucial to respect the natural surroundings.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife and follow responsible tourism practices.
• Remember, drones are often restricted in the biosphere reserve.
• Bring light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat because of the intense sun.

Although there are no records of settlers before the establishment of the town of La Ciudad, it is known of the presence of indigenous groups that toured the Sierra Madre Occidental before the construction of sawmills for the use of the forest.

During the visionary administration of President Adolfo López Mateos, the monumental construction of the Durango – Pacifico railroad plan commenced, closely resembling the current iconic Chihuahua – Pacifico railroad project.

Around 1960, the town of La Ciudad emerged as a temporary settlement for railway builders and workers due to the establishment of numerous sawmills in the vicinity.

Several tunnels that pierce through the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental were built for this purpose.

The project never concluded because another similar project, the Durango – Mazatlan highway became a more reliable and less expensive project that would communicate the coast with the state capital.

But the tunnels remain and have become one of Mexiquillo’s top attractions.

Towards the end of the government of President López Mateos, the railway plan was canceled and it was decided to continue the road that would finish being built towards the end of the period.

The town of La Ciudad remained on the route of the new road, while the embankments and tunnels remained through the railroad track.

Over time, there were more and more visitors willing to walk to admire the waterfalls from the embankments and tunnels that the project left unfinished, and thus the idea of ​​converting the site into a natural park and at the same time into a tourist development.

Proudly known as “The Spine of the Devil”, the Sierra Madre mountain range presents visitors with the stunning panorama known as Mexiquillo Canyon. Over 8,000 feet deep, this canyon’s amazing beauty draws travelers from all over the world.

The beautiful Mexiquillo waterfall, where the river crosses one of the long-defunct railroad tunnels, and stunning panoramic vistas of Mexiquillo’s canyons, where the entire scene is covered by a green carpet of foliage.

Among the most significant attractions of the place are:

Rock formations: There are numerous rock formations exceed 7 and even 8 meters high In the plains of the park. These formations are constituted by extrusive igneous rock, and to a lesser extent, rhyolite.

There are also some formations of basalt and plutonic rock. This area of ​​the park is known by the locals as “Garden of Stones” alluding to the unique arrangement of the rocks through clearings in the forest.

Waterfalls: There are numerous waterfalls in the park. Some of them are not close to the common route of visitors. The best known is the Mexiquillo waterfall which is 20 m high. The 3 main rivers that cross the park have different waterfalls that exceed 50 m.

Tunnels: Part of the main route of the place is the route of a road commonly called an “embankment”. This road was enabled through the forest to carry the railroad tracks, and, in the steep parts, tunnels were built to save the difficult terrain of a draw.

In Mexiquillo there are nine main tunnels, all with an amplitude of 5 meters and a height of 6 meters to facilitate the passage of the unbuilt railway, the lengths range from 100 m to 1.68 km.

They are built as barrel vaults. It is highly recommended to use flashlights in its path since visibility is lost inside. The last tunnel was blocked in 2009 by a landslide in the rainy season.

Forest: The forest of the place is very dense, with a lot of variation in vegetation due to microclimates caused by topography and altitude.

In the vastness of the forest, you will find several waterfalls of all sizes. The most stunning of all is known as Cascada de Mexiquillo, a 65-foot fall that you can rappel over.

La Ciudad River is the main body of water crossing through the natural park. You may want to just sit and admire it but, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can’t miss the experience of rowing down on board a kayak.

Bring food. There aren’t any stores –remember, this is a mostly virgin area.

You will only find one restaurant on the whole site, which serves “quesadillas” and “gorditas”, but you’re better off preparing some food beforehand or bringing everything that you need to cook some.

Prepare for the weather. Sunscreen, raincoats, jackets, and coats are some of the items that you must pack before your trip to Mexiquillo.

Mexiquillo is close to the town of La Ciudad, from the capital city of Victoria de Durango, it is approximately 135 km west.

The entrance to Mexiquillo Natural Park is located at the 145th km of federal highway number 40 (also known as the Durango-Mazatlan highway), inside La Ciudad Ejido in the municipality of Pueblo Nuevo.

From the main town of La Ciudad, you can catch a bus and a tour guide that will show you around the place.

In this town the movie Caveman was filmed in 1981, starring Ringo Starr. Films were also filmed there like Cuchillo with Andrés García, Dragon Ball Evolution, Gavilan de la Sierra, and Pueblo de Madera with Mario Almada.

Often the place is illuminated with the magical presence of the waiter, barbecue, and cook (Mexican food) known by the locals and hosts of the main parties of the place as “el guiyo”.

Coming from Torreón Coahuila and known for the charisma and good treatment offered to his clients “el guiyo” considers Mexiquillo as his second home.

The reserve was designated in 1980 by President José López Portillo.

In the late 1980s, reserve management was delegated to the Secretariat of Urban Development and Ecology. It was at this time assigned the category of “special biosphere reserve.”

In 1986, the area and boundaries of the zones were defined. In 2000, it received its name (Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca).

UNESCO declared the biosphere a World Heritage site in 2008 as a Natural Asset. Currently, the area is known for tourism, logging, mining, and farming. It has remained mostly rural, noted for the communities of Otomi and Mazahua.

Millions of butterflies travel south into Mexico, from Texas, and then follow the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains to the preserve. The butterflies congregate, clustering onto pine and oyamel trees.

To many, the trees appear orange and branches sag from the weight.

Come spring, these butterflies migrate across America, sometimes ending up in Eastern Canada. Over the time it takes them to make this journey, four generations of monarch butterflies are born and die.

The monarch butterfly’s migration patterns are altered by climate change. During migration, monarchs fly north once they are exposed to cooler temperatures. Dense congregations are thought to conserve heat.

If warmed by the sun, the butterflies take flight. the beating of their wings has been compared to the sound of light rain. The reserve is susceptible to lethal, freezing temperatures.

The reserve extends from the mountainous forests of eastern Michoacán to western Mexico State 100 km northwest of Mexico City.

The reserve in Michoacán contains the highest elevations in the state, including peaks that reach 2,700 masl (meters above sea level).

The climate is classified as being temperate and somewhat moist with a rainy season in the summer. The average maximum temperature is 22 °C (71 °F). Sub-climates exist in this area: cool and semi-moist, semi-cold and semi-moist, and cold and semi-moist.

The reserve is characterized by outcroppings of basalt forming fissures, faults, and cliffs in a northeast-southwest orientation. Rock formations have replaced older ones such as volcanic cones and old lava beds.

The soil is highly permeable, resulting in little surface water. There are some small ponds and arroyos. The forests of pine and oyamel fir trees provide microclimates that provide shelter when temperatures fall to freezing and/or there are winter rains.

This area is predominantly covered in forests. The composition of the forest varies with altitude:

• holm oak up to 2900 masl
• holm oak and pine between 1500 and 3000 masl
• oyamel fir between 2400 and 3600 masl

Below 2400 masl, there are small areas with junipers, cedars, and meadows.

Areas have been modified by agriculture and human settlements.

The wildlife in the area ranges from the sub-tropical to the sub-arctic including a number of species that are endemic only to this area.

These include white-tailed deer, coyotes, long-tailed weasels, grey foxes, rabbits, crows, turkey buzzards, horned owls, as well as various types of hummingbirds, reptiles, and amphibians.

There are fourteen major butterfly colonies located in these rugged forested mountains, which account for more than half of the colonies of the monarch butterfly’s eastern U.S./Canada population.

It is estimated that up to a billion individuals spend winter here in any given year. These colonies are dense, with between six and sixty million butterflies per hectare.

The reserve areas are found in the municipalities of Ocampo, Angangueo, Zitácuaro, and Contepec in Michoacán and Donato Guerra, Villa de Allende, and Temascalcingo in the State of Mexico. They are divided into five principal zones or nuclei.

Eight of the fourteen colonies are in the protected area. The colonies properly cover only 4.7 hectares, but the protected biosphere area covers 56,259 hectares.

Five colonies are open to visitors:

• Sierra Chincua in Michoacan
• El Rosario in Michoacan
• La Mesa in the State of Mexico
• Piedra Herrada in the State of Mexico
• El Capulin in the State of Mexico

There are other colonies near San José Villa de Allende and Ixtapan del Oro, but they are not actively promoted for tourism because of the risk of harm to these butterfly colonies.

El Rosario is the largest sanctuary in Michoacán, where the butterflies cover about 1,500 trees.

While the Biosphere still has problems with infrastructure, most notably with trash (especially around parking and merchant areas), a number of improvements have been recently made, most notably in the sanctuary of El Rosario.

These include well-defined footpaths with security patrols and stone/or concrete steps in steep places to help against erosion. Horsepaths were also eliminated for erosion reasons. Only two areas have significant installations.

In the Sierra Chincua, there is a research facility dedicated to the monarch butterfly and a nursery for reforestation efforts. At Cerro El Companario there are facilities for tourism.

Conservation efforts were first intended to protect the butterflies.

Research, conservation, and other efforts are now focused on preserving the habitat. The interests of residents, land owners, farmers, farmer cooperatives, and local communities have been taken into account regarding conservation but conflicting interests remain.

Even though the Mexican government designated the area as a biosphere reserve most of the area of the preserve is owned by 38 ejidos, seven indigenous communities, and 16 private holdings.

The survival of the species depends on a large number of habitats in Canada, the United States, and Mexico during its annual migration cycle. The three countries adopted a plan in 2008 for the conservation of the butterfly’s habitat through its migration routes.

Within the Biosphere in Mexico, the greatest threats to the butterfly habitat are deforestation, illegal logging, unorganized tourism, forest fires, and lack of cooperation among various authorities.

Most of these dangers come from the surrounding human settlements, which put pressure on the natural areas to provide agricultural space and forestry products such as fuel and wood for manufacturing furniture and other crafts.

The main human communities in the area are Contepec, Temascalcingo, Angangueo, Ocampo, San Felipe del Progreso, Zitácuaro, Villa de Allende, and Donato Guerra.

The closest urban center is Zitácuaro, whose growth has promoted the growth of the other, more rural settlements.

In spite of this, most of the area is still occupied by dispersed rural farming communities of Otomi and Mazahua peoples, especially in Mexico Stateside. Many of the protected hectares do not belong to the government directly, rather they are lands divided among 59 ejidos, thirteen indigenous communities, and 21 individual holdings.

Because of this and the fact that the reserve is divided by a state line, conservation efforts are complicated. Many communities in this region are very poor, with high illiteracy rates and childhood malnutrition, with scarce access to basic services.

In the past, mining provided much of the area’s jobs but mines have since been depleted, and most live on subsistence agriculture.

These communities also have a tradition of exploiting forest areas, mostly to obtain wood for furniture making and other crafts. High unemployment, especially for youth, also provokes migration out into other parts of Mexico and to the United States or Canada.

Most of the butterfly colony areas still host economic activities such as subsistence farming and livestock raising.

In some areas, such as Sierra Chincua, Cerro Pelon, and El Rosario, there are still problems with illegal logging to supply local fuel needs as well as raw materials for handicrafts.

El Rosario is named after the local ejido which belongs to about 10,000 “campesinos” or rural farmers. Many of these people make a living through farming and the sale of handicrafts and food to tourists.

Information about the butterflies is insufficient as it is not known the full extent of their wintering areas or the ecology of the area. Because of this, it is not known how large the reserve really needs to be for the preservation of the butterfly.

Conservation is mostly done through restrictions on the lands but the management of the reserve has not had direct participation by the communities affected by it.

Some public and private entities have worked with communities to develop incentives to conserve forests and take advantage of the tourism that the butterflies bring. However, success in this has been spotty.

Some communities are pushing back against the restrictions and demanding to be allowed to use more land for agriculture.

Since conservation efforts began, there has been progress. While infrastructure is still lacking, advances have been made in areas such as trash control and control of access to the protected areas.

One effort by the World Wildlife Fund has been the coordination of international biologists and ecologists to improve the design of the reserve.

A permanent monitoring system has been established to ensure the forests remain healthy and control clandestine logging and forest fires. On Mexico Stateside, the largest sanctuary is located between San José Villa de Allende and Ixtapan del Oro.

It is not actively promoted for tourism to keep damage to the area to a minimum.

During winter 2008-2009, there are plans to tag as many of the wintering butterflies as possible using very light self-stick tracers so as to not impede their flight. The purpose of this is to determine the butterfly’s exact migration route as they fly back north to the U.S. and Canada in the spring.

Butterfly counts coming in from the United States and Canada in recent years were relatively stable in the 2000s, with a dozen confirmed colonies as of the 2007-2008 winter. In general, the number of colonies varies between eight and twelve.

Five of the eight colonies are located in Michoacán but only two are open to the public: Sierra Chincua in Angangueo and El Rosario in Ocampo. Both receive visitors starting from November until March. They offer guided tours.

In the State of Mexico, La Mesa, and El Capulin are open to the public.

These reserves are visited by thousands of Mexican and international tourists, principally from the United States, Canada, Spain, France, Germany, and Japan. The best-known and most visited butterfly colony is El Rosario.

In February, Angangueo celebrates the Festival de la Mariposa Monarca. This festival began in 1992 to promote awareness of the butterfly habitat, take advantage of the ecotourism it offers and promote the culture and arts of the area.

The festival includes events related to food, music, dance, and exhibitions of arts, crafts, and more. Many of the surrounding communities participate including Aporo, Contepec, Hidalgo, Irimbo, Jungapeo, Maravatío, Ocampo, Senguio, Tuxpan, Tlalpujahua, and Zitácuaro.

In 2010, the festival included the participation of the Symphonic Orchestra of Michoacan, The Enrico Caruso Ensemble, and the showing of an exhibition called “Papaloapan” about the monarchs by visual artist Luis Moro, as well as dance and photography workshops.

These events took place at venues in Angangueo and other nearby communities. A new photographic exhibition has been assembled to highlight the connection between the migration and the people of Michoacán.

In January 2016 Google search devoted its Google Doodle to the 41st anniversary of the discovery of the Mountain of the Butterflies.

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The Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The weather in this region of the Gulf of Mexico can be divided into two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

Wet Season (June to October)

During this period, Ría Celestún experiences occasional heavy rainfall.

The landscape becomes lush and green, and the lagoon’s water levels rise. While the wet season may not be ideal for some outdoor activities, it’s a great time for birdwatching as many migratory species visit during this time.

Dry Season (November to May)

This is the best time to visit Ría Celestún for most travelers.

The weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for boat tours, kayaking, and exploring the lagoon’s natural beauty. The dry season also offers the best chances of spotting the iconic pink flamingos and other wildlife.

The best time to visit Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve

The best time to visit Ría Celestún is during the dry season, from November to May.

The months of December to March are particularly popular, as the weather is cooler and the birdwatching opportunities are at their peak. It’s advisable to plan your trip during this period to fully experience the charm of Ría Celestún.

Ría Celestún Reserve offers a range of exciting activities for nature lovers.

The reserve is a mix of rocky formations, small islets, and white-sand beaches. This area also offers excellent opportunities. Several cenotes are scattered throughout the reserve, providing idyllic spots for swimming.

One of the best ways to experience the reserve is by taking a guided boat tour. Knowledgeable local guides will lead you through the mangrove channels and lagoons, where you can observe the diverse wildlife up close.

Keep your camera ready to capture the iconic pink flamingos, herons, pelicans, and other bird species that call the reserve home. These tours often include stops at areas with crystal-clear springs and cenotes.

Witness the awe-inspiring sight of pink birds soaring gracefully above the estuary throughout the year. If you visit the place between November and March, you will see these pink flamingos gather in abundance.

Ría Celestún is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 bird species documented in the area. Along with flamingos, you can spot frigatebirds, cormorants, spoonbills, and ospreys, among others.

Ría Celestún is the fourth-largest wintering ground for ducks in the Gulf Coast region. The reserve is also home to over 365 other bird species. The diverse ecosystem also hosts a thriving sea turtle population.

Bring binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your birdwatching experience.

Paddle through the serene waters of the reserve in a kayak or canoe. This allows you to explore the mangroves at your own pace and get closer to the wildlife. It’s a peaceful and eco-friendly way to experience the natural beauty of Ría Celestún.

Swimming and relaxation. Some boat tours include stops at freshwater springs and cenotes within the reserve. These are excellent places for a refreshing swim or to simply relax in a tranquil natural setting.

Along the coast of Ría Celestún, you’ll find pristine white-sand beaches that are perfect for beachcombing and shell collecting. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore and enjoy the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexico.

Ría Celestún is a photographer’s dream. With its landscapes,  birdlife, and scenic waterways, you’ll have countless opportunities to capture breathtaking shots. Respect the wildlife and their habitats while photographing.

Guided tours offer nature walks on designated trails within the reserve. These walks provide insights into the local flora and fauna, and guides can educate you about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

You might have the chance to encounter endangered species like the elusive ocelot, the majestic jaguar, and the playful spider monkey.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunsets over the lagoon. As the sun sets over Ría Celestún, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.

Visit the Celestún Biosphere Interpretation Center to learn more about the reserve’s ecology, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting this delicate ecosystem.

Getting to Ría Celestún from Campeche City

From Campeche City, take Highway 180 heading west towards Celestún. The distance is approximately 170 km, and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Follow the signs to Celestún once you get close to the town.

While there isn’t a direct bus route from Campeche City to Celestún, you can take a bus from Campeche City to Mérida. Multiple bus companies operate this route, and the journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Getting to Ría Celestún from Mérida

Ría Celestún is approximately 90 km west of Mérida, and the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Take Highway 281 towards Celestún, and once you arrive in the town, you’ll find signs leading to the reserve.

You can also take a bus from Mérida to Celestún. Several bus companies operate this route. Buses depart from the Noreste Bus Terminal in Mérida. The journey takes a bit longer than by car, typically around 2.5 to 3 hours.

The entrance to the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve

Once you arrive in the small town of Celestún, you’ll find that the place is relatively small and easy to navigate. The Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve’s entrance is located near the town center.

Ría Celestún Reserve offers activities like boat tours for birdwatching, or you can hire a local guide or rent a boat at the entrance to the town. Look for boats available for tours under the bridge leading into Celestún.

• Check the current transportation options in advance if you plan to take a bus.
• Make sure to carry essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Bring a hat, and comfortable clothing suitable for the local climate.
• Follow the guidance of your guides and adhere to any conservation rules.

Mosquitoes tend to gather in large numbers on the beach, especially during the winter months. If you plan to take a walk on the beach, it’s advisable to use appropriate mosquito repellent to make your walk comfortable.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

Follow the instructions of the ANP staff and specialized guides:

• Use telescopes or binoculars to avoid approaching wild animals.
• Take pictures and never take home “memories” like plants, animals, corals or any other species of the place.
• Do not collect or damage flora and fauna.
• Do not introduce animals or plants outside the region.
• Do not make noise in nesting areas of birds or other species.
• Do not wear brightly colored clothing.
• Do not feed wild animals
• Do not throw objects or liquids in rivers, lagoons or bodies of water.
• Try to take away the garbage generated during the visit, or deposit it somewhere destined for it.
• Use only biodegradable indoor tanning lotion.
• For no reason acquire plants or animals in danger of extinction.
• Use the marked trails.

The sinkhole is part of a larger park called El Ocote Biosphere Reserve, located in the western part of the Mexican state of Chiapas, about 90 minutes from the state capital of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

It belongs to the municipality of Ocozocoautla de Espinoza, about 19 km over rough roads from the town center.

This part of Chiapas is dominated by the Zoque people, who call the area Coita, a Zoque word that means “place of rabbits”.

The nearest community to the sinkhole is Piedra Parada, which has about 500 residents.

The climate of the area is mostly warm and humid, with a rainy season from June to October, receiving an average of 1,500mm of precipitation per year. It is in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, at an altitude of about 820 meters above seal level. This area gets cold enough in the winter to need a light jacket.

Most of the vegetation of the area has been wiped out or severely degraded by agriculture, forestry and other human activity.

The Sima de las Cotorras belongs to a Karst topography system, based on the folding, fracturing and erosion of limestone. This particular system is defined its drainage system, with the La Venta River on the surface and the main underground river being El Paraíso. Despite its proximity to the Pacific, drainage is towards the Gulf of Mexico. Most of this ecological system is covered by the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve.

There are two main forces that shape the landcape. Tectonic forces from the movement of the North American plate over the Farallon and Cocos plates creates anticline folds, with a northeasterly orientation. The folding creates cracks in the relatively soft rock and water running above and below erode in and around these fractures. The two processes have created a number of formations including canyons, arches, caves, waterfalls, small pools of water and sinkholes. These same processes make the soil acidic and strewn with loose rock.

Major formations include the La Venta River Canyon, the Arch of Time (Arco del Tiempo) and El Aguacero Falls. The Sima de las Cotorras is only one of 38 sinkholes in the region and one of eight within 10km2. It is not even the largest of these, being only half the size of the Las Luchas sinkhole.

These sinkholes are vertical depressions formed by the cracking, erosion and collapse of limestone over thousands of years. The Sima de las Cotorras is 140 metres (460 ft) meters deep, and 160 metres (520 ft) in diameter, with a straight drop of 97 metres (318 ft) meters. The opening is elliptical, with the north and southwest rims elevated in relation to the rest. The low point of the rim is in the east. The process reveals the layers of rock, and about 70 metres (230 ft) meters down, stalactites and stalagmites can be seen among the layers from the surface. There are also caves within the sinkhole walls, which have also been produced by erosion. This type of sinkhole is similar to those found in the Yucatán, but general do not contain pooled water at the bottom.

Instead the interior of the sinkhole is home to a tropical forest, whose plant and animal life is distinct from that of the surrounding ecosystem.

El Ocote is home to a number of endangered species, especially birds such as the Aratinga holochlora, the Amazilia viridifons and the Oporornis tolmiei, as well as other receiving special protection such as the Eucometis penicillata, Lanio aurantius, Psarocolius montezuma and Colinus virginianus. Numbers and types of birds present depends on the time of year, due to migratory patterns.

The wider reserve serves as a buffer area for the microclimate of the Sima de las Cotorras. Outside the sinkhole and up to its rim, the climate is drier, mostly grassland/shrub from cattle grazing, and areas called lomería, rocky areas with limited growth, mostly shrubs, due to dense limestone. In some of the higher elevation there are still some forests. Around the sinkhole itself, there are many copal trees, Protium copal (Burseraceae), which gave the sinkhole its original name of Sima del Copal.

The interior of the sinkhole holds and preserves more moisture. From its bottom grows a tropical deciduous rainforest microsystem with broadleafed species such as cedar, mahogany, Fabaceas espinosa and Burseraceas baja, Manilkara zapota, scrubs of the Guaiacum family and more, with trees reaching as high as 30 meters tall. The plant species here are not found outside the sinkhole.

Common reserve fauna includes owls, foxes and coyotes, rabbits, opossums, badgers, squirrels, armadillos, Penelopina nigra, chachalaca and of course, parakeets. The park has over 80 bird species in 30 families. Eleven of these are migratory and three are endemic to the area. Seven bird species are classified as endangered by the Mexican government. Most of the bird species 35 of them, are found in the low deciduous rainforest of the sinkholes. These include species which are highly sensitive to human intrusion such as the Colinus virginianus, Caprimulgus vociferous, Amazilia candida and Ortalis vetula. A number of bird species have been found in the Sima de las Cotorras area but not in the larger El Ocote park, including Bubo virginianus, Amazilia viridifrons, Vireo philadelphicus, Sialia sialis, Passerina versicolor and Cacicus melanicterus.

The Sima’s most famous resident is the Aratinga holochola, the Mexican parrot, which is endangered. Chiapas is home to over 68% of Mexico’s parrots (Psittacidae). And many of Mexico’s parrot species are endangered, mostly due to shrinking habitat, along with the illegal pet trade and other exploitation of the animals.There are an estimated 3,000 parrots associated with the sinkhole and can be found there most of the year, with the exception November to January, when the weather is too cool for them. The forest of the sinkhole is also their nesting site. From the evening until the early morning, the parrots are congregated in the sinkhole forest, where the noise they make can be quite loud. The parrots’ noise will cease if a predator such as a falcon is seen nearby. The parrots leave the sinkhole to look for food, which include from mango trees in people’s backyards as far away as Tuxtla Gutierrez. They leave the sinkhole in groups, flying in circles on wind currents in order to leave and enter. Inside the sinkhole, the parrots are the most numerous kind of bird. Outside, it is dominated by small birds of the Tyrannidae family.

Evidence of human habitation in the area goes back at least 7,500 years, with evidence of hunter/gatherers. However, there were no major pre Hispanic settlements in this area.[6] The area of the park was first explored and academically documented in the mid 20th century, noting local caves and archeological finds such as pottery. But documentation still remains sparse especially in comparison to other such sites in Mexico.

The significant archeological find in and around the Sima de las Cotorras are cave paintings, arrowheads, and much later pottery shards, possibly Zoque. The most important of these are the cave paintings, which number about 75. On a rock outcropping on the north wall, there is a human figure with lance, and with a sun and moon above. One of the side caves has on its roof the outlines of hands made by blowing red ochre onto the wall. Other images include circles, spirals and animals. The appearance of cave painting in such a geological formation and especially so high up the sinkhole walls makes them a rarity, and the site is under consideration by UNESCO for protective status.

The El Ocote Biosphere Reserve was established in 1972, extendingover 8 hectares, protecting over a hundred species of birds, and dozens of mammals, reptiles and insects, some endangered. With the exception of the Sima de la Cotorras, the park has not been developed for tourism, and its formations are almost completely unknkown outside of their region. The other sinkholes in the area get no tourism activity at all. The tourism activity based on the flight of the parrots has made the sinkhole relatively famous and it is now better known as the “sinkhole of the parrots” rather than its official name.

Tourism activity here began with the establishment of the Sima de Cotorras Ecotourism Center in 1985 and the building of a road from the town of Ocozocoautla to the site. The center was established to provide alternative work for the local Zoque people. Today it is run by the Tzamanguimó cooperative, which consists of a number of familyes all from the nearby community of Piedra Parada.

The project is also registered with the federal government as an ecotourism site, with the aim of being sustainable, providing income for local residents with minimal impact. The group welcomes researchers as well as visitors onto the site. The main challenge has been how to take advantage of the site without damaging it. The ground is unstable and highly porous. Many underground cavities are still unknown, making building risky. The largest structure on the premises is the restaurant. Built near the rim, its site was chosen because of the stability of the rock, not because it was the most aesthetically pleasing place to put the structure. Waste disposal is a main issue because of the threat of groundwater contamination, prompting several composting activities. Bringing water, electricity and more are also challenges.

By far the main attraction of the site are the parrots that fly in and out of sinkhole each day, generally leaving in the early morning and returning at night. It is also possible to rappel to the bottom of the sinkhole, as well as explore local caves and hike both in and around the sinkhole.

Where possible constructions are based on local materials to allow them to blend into the local environment. Paving and path construction is based on local rock. Pre Hispanic architecture formed the basis of the buildings on the site, including the rock foundation seen on the restaurant building. The Center has eight cabins for up to five persons each, a camping area and tours with local guides.

It has eight cabins which can house five people each. It current has a restaurant, several cabins to house multiple people, a camping área, a path around the rim of the sinkhole, rapelling and tours to see the cave paintings and the rainforest that covers the sinkhole’s floor.

The Center has provided an alternative source of work other than agriculture and for some, a means for income when before they had none. Despite this, the project has not been claimed as a great success. According to theses done at the Universidad Intercultural de Chiapas, the tourism possibilities here have not been fully exploited. As of 2016, only about 10 to 15 people per day visit the site. Most visitors come by their own cars or through local ecoaventure tourism agencies. Most tourists are between 41-60 years of age, followed by the 31-40 age bracket and those in the 18-30 year bracket. About half come from the state capital of Tuxtla Gutierrez, with about 13% from Mexico City, 12.5 from other parts of Mexico. Only about 2 percent are foreigners.

The main problems for the site are the lack of promotion and poor access. The roads leading to the site are very poor, especially the last ten km, and signage is poor or non-existent. The park is difficult to access for those with disabilities. Most visitors learn of the site through word-of-mouth, with some from television and much fewer from other media. The lack of services means that those who do come do not stay for long. Two thirds come only to see the parrots, some will stay and eat at the restaurant, but very few stay the night.

The project over the years has received intermittent support from various government institutuions such as PEMEX, the Secretary of Tourism, SEMARNAT and the Comision Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas, in areas such as finance, customer service and construction. But these interventions have not always been helpful, with functionaries using technical jargon and dismissing local knowledge of the area. Changes in political parties has led to varying attitudes towards the project and its ecological focus, with errors being made such as cutting down trees to make way for cement electrical poles and the construction on non-composting toilets.

At its height, the Center generated about 80 to 100 jobs directly, but since the tourist demand has declined. The project is specifically geared to keep young people in the area, but they have not shown sufficient interest in its continuation. Most members of the cooperative are between 50 and 80 years of age. Only about 30% of the local population recognizes the area’s intangible value, but 80% favor efforts to make the area better known.[6] Even with sufficient interest and promotion, the area is not suited for large-scale tourism. One reason is the need to keep ecological concerns first and the other is that alternative and eco-tourism are not major attractions for most Mexicans.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

Follow the short winding path to the lagoon entrance. Once in the water, you are immediately greeted by hundreds of colorful fish. Wonders can be observed at a depth of no more than 2 m, and there are few or no waves.

Submerged rock formations create a fascinating underwater terrain and the ideal habitat for the exotic marine creatures that you can see perfectly while snorkeling, whether you simply float on the surface or dive underwater.

Several species of tropical fish spend some time in the lagoon before they reach the proper size and maturity, after which, they move out into the immensity of the ocean and start their survival of the fittest.

Damselfish and sergeant majors are small but pugnacious so don’t be surprised if they charge, they do that if they feel threatened. They are normally no longer than seven inches in length so there is nothing to worry about.

Bird watchers will be delighted with the area, which is abundant with various tropical species. Herons are especially prevalent but other water and shore birds are routinely sighted, such as cranes, pelicans, seagulls, and egrets.

In and around the lagoon are several contemporary sculptures by Francisco Zúñiga. They’re not only hidden in the forest and gardens as you walk towards the lagoon, there are also some right out in the middle of the water.

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00 (all days).
• There is a small fee to enter the inlet.
• It is not permitted to use sunblock or to bring any food or drinks.
• Rental equipment is not available, so you’ll have to bring your own.
• If you opt to join a tour group, equipment will be provided for you.

You can go on a tour arranged by a tour desk at your hotel.

Yal-ku inlet is best reached via Akumal, a major development 105 km south of Cancun along the Cancun-Tulum Highway. If you get a good map and rent a car, however, you can go to Yal-Ku Lagoon by yourself.

• From Playa del Carmen by bus and then taxi.
• From Cancun by bus and then taxi.