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.

Off the Pacific coast of Nayarit, Mexico, the Islas Marietas Archipelago comprises two islands and two islets that serve as a vital sanctuary for an astonishing variety of marine and avian species. Uninhabited and southwest of Punta Mita, it is a haven for wildlife and a premier destination for eco-tourism and marine research. Protected as part of the Islas Marietas National Park and Biosphere Reserve, the region's confluence of marine currents creates a unique ecosystem where species from different regions thrive, making it essential for conservation and eco-tourism.

Lagunas de Montebello National Park, located in the southeastern region of Chiapas, Mexico, is an enchanting landscape with a remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Known for its spectacular array of multi-colored lakes, pine forests, and Maya ruins, the park was the first in Chiapas. UNESCO recognized the park's ecological value by designating it a Biosphere Reserve. With its diversity of ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and archaeological sites, Lagunas de Montebello is a place of immense scenic beauty and a critical region for conservation.

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 power of the Grijalva River, this majestic canyon serves as a poignant testament to the raw forces of nature and the awe-inspiring beauty they can create. 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.

Nestled in the heart of northern Mexico at the intersection of the Arctic Neotropical and Mesoamerican Mountain regions, the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve stands as a beacon of ecological diversity and natural beauty. Spanning the Querétaro and San Luis Potosí states, this reserve is a testament to the rich biodiversity and varied landscapes that characterize the region.

Nevado de Toluca National Park protects Mexico's fourth-highest mountain, a dramatic stratovolcano with twin crater lakes nestled within its ancient caldera. This sanctuary encompasses remarkable biodiversity across distinct elevation zones, from temperate forests of sacred fir and pine to high-altitude alpine grasslands supporting endemic species. Known to the Aztecs as "Xinantécatl", the mountain holds profound cultural significance as a sacred site where ancient peoples made ceremonial offerings. Today, the park attracts hikers, mountaineers, and researchers, though it faces growing threats that challenge the preservation of this extraordinary volcanic landscape.

Located amidst the verdant jungles of southern Mexico, the Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is a significant archaeological site and a national treasure. Once a thriving Maya city, Palenque, known in ancient times as Lakamha, meaning "Big Water," flourished during the 7th century before gradually being overtaken by the surrounding forest. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its historical importance and natural beauty.