the Travel Enthusiast
- 10 Dec
Tudi in Travel Planning | NO COMMENTSExplore Mexico’s National Parks
Mexico
The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the name Mexico is that Mexico represents the ultimate escape. You too must have noticed how all the outlaws, college kids or couples from Hollywood movies always see seek their refugee in Mexico. As any stereotype, this one too has its nucleus of truth: with its all night parties, hospitable people and extremely beautiful nature, Mexico is an ideal travel destination. People head for Mexico with the hope of attending a piñata, tasting some authentic tacos and relaxing on the white sanded beaches of Cancun or Cozumel. Also, those interested in Mexico’s traditions, folk music or the relics of the fascinating Maya civilizations will have plenty to discover around Mexico (for details on Mexico’s resorts, major cities or history you might want to check this Mexico Travel Guide).
However, few people are aware Mexico’s natural monuments, national parks and biosphere reserves. Trapped between the restless waters of the Pacific and the warm Gulf of Mexico, this blessed land is crossed from north to south by the scenic Sierra Madre Mountains, creating an ideal setting thousands of species of animals and plants, many of them unique in the world. Our selection aims less to present you Mexico’s most popular natural reserves, but to highlight their amazing diversity:
Michoacan
Michoacan is the name of a state and a mountain range in the eastern part of Mexico. A unique natural phenomenon has transformed Michoacan in one of the biggest tourist attraction in the country: the annual migration of Monarch butterflies. Traveling all across the continent from the distant territories of Canada, these delicate creatures come to Mexico every year in mid autumn in order to spend the winter. The Monarch butterflies can be admired in the so called ‘sanctuaries’ (Angangueo, El Rosario, Zitácuaro, Ocampo), protected areas within the picturesque Oyamel forests.
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
This sanctuary situated in the Baja California peninsula is radically different form the ones above. El Vizcaino’s bays and lagoons are some of the best spots to watch marine mammals like the grey and blue whales, the California sea lion, together with several varieties of sea turtles. The best time to observe these species is during their mating season, which occurs in the winter months.
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park
Shaped by the subterranean rivers that have carved the limestone of Sierra Madre del Sur for thousands of years, the Caves of Cacahuamilpa form a vast subterranean universe. The splendid formations and the still active rivers make Cacahuamilpa a favorite destination with outdoors lovers, especially for those that practice caving or climbing. Although visitors can walk for hours just admiring the different formations on the caves walls, there are miles of subterranean rooms and corridors that haven’t yet been explored.
Desierto de los Leones
A direct translation of the name of this famous Mexican park would be “The desert of Lions”. The park’s name has nothing to do with deserts, whatsoever: it was given by the Carmelite monks who built a monastery on the heights of Sierra de las Cruces mountains. Desierto des Leones is Mexico’s Yellowstone: its long history (founded in 1917), very high altitude and great biodiversity makes it one of the most popular recreational areas in Mexico.
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