Protected Areas in Mexico

Nestled along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, lies the stunning Huatulco National Park and Huatulco Biosphere Reserve. Bays, cliffs, and rocky escarpments characterize these protected areas. The reserve's terrestrial portion comprises rounded hills, isolated hills, dunes, escarpments, cliffs, mangroves, wetlands, savannas, and lowland deciduous and riparian vegetation. The marine part features bays, beaches, islands, kelp, and coral communities.

The Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico was once famously dubbed the "Aquarium of the World." The striking natural beauty of the Sea of Cortez, formed by rugged islands with high cliffs and sandy beaches, contrasts with the brilliant reflection from the desert and the surrounding turquoise waters.

Islas Marietas are a group of small uninhabited islands a few miles off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, southwest of the peninsula known as Punta de Mita. The islands are characterized by their wealth of bird and fish fauna. The island archipelago is both a National Park and Biosphere Reserve.

The Lagunas de Montebello National Park and Biosphere Reserve are located in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas physiographic province of Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. The protected area comprises a myriad of multi-colored lakes in a pine forest, along with the Maya ruins of Chinkultic.

Nestled within the heart of south-central Mexico, the Los Volcanes Biosphere Reserve encapsulates the iconic Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park and the majestic Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. The area's diverse ecosystems consist of pine-oak forests and high mountain prairies.

Nestled in the heart of the northern Mexican state of Durango, the Mapimí Biosphere Reserve is a testament to the region's unique desert ecosystems and incredible biodiversity. This protected area encompasses three distinct core zones in the central portion of the Chihuahuan Desert: the Sierra de la Campana, the Laguna de las Palomas (a saline lagoon) and the Dunas de la Soledad, a captivating desert habitat.

Within the verdant landscapes of Chiapas state in southeastern Mexico lies the Nahá-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve. This reserve spans the northeastern Chiapas Highlands and is a haven for biodiversity and cultural richness. Safeguarding montane rainforests, pine-oak woodlands, and pristine lakes within the renowned Lacandón Forest region, the Nahá-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve invites exploration.

Nestled in the southern expanse of Mexico, the Sumidero Canyon emerges as a captivating geological marvel. Sculpted over millennia by the unwavering might of the Grijalva River, this majestic canyon serves as a poignant testament to the raw forces of nature and the awe-inspiring beauty it can craft. Within the bounds of the Sumidero Canyon National Park, a sanctuary of ecological importance and natural diversity unfolds.

Deep within the rugged forested mountains of central Mexico, a breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds each year – the mass migration of millions of monarch butterflies seeking refuge in their overwintering grounds. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as a sanctuary for these remarkable creatures, protecting their delicate habitats and ensuring the continuation of one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena.

Located in the heart of Mexico, the Nevado de Toluca volcano and its surrounding national park are a true marvel of the country's natural beauty. Formerly known by its Aztec name "Xinantécatl," this stratovolcano is a part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and stands as the fourth-highest formation in Mexico. It has always been a popular spot for locals and visitors, allowing a glimpse into Mexico's rich geological and cultural heritage.