By: Lisa Coleman
With all the focus on the positive side of travel to Mexico, I thought I might just jump on the band wagon. For most people, Mexico is about beaches, sunsets and margaritas. For others, it’s about archeology, history and culture. Mexico is certainly all of those things, but it also happens to be one the world’s five richest countries in terms of biological diversity. Its land is a remarkable mosaic of ecosystems ranging from northern arid deserts and an interior filled with pine forests and snow-capped mountains, to tropical jungles dominating the south. (Not to mention more than 6,000 miles of coastline!) This means that it’s time to skip the tequila and put on your hiking boots!
Nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts can discover a new realm of possibilities and really change the dynamic of their Mexico travel experience. In terms of ecological and adventure tourism, Mexico is has taken some notable steps. In the last decade, the country has tripled the amount of acreage set aside for protected land. There are now over 18 million acres of ecological preserves, including 44 national parks, 24 biosphere reserves, 111 protected areas, and a substantial number of national marine parks. Some standouts for adventure are the Monarch Butterfly sanctuary in Michoacan, interacting with the wildlife of the Baja, the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, white ater rafting in Veracruz, and mountain climbing near Mexico City.
Buttrrefly season is almost here. Every year (November through March, with the best month being February) millions of black and orange monarch butterflies fly more than two thousand miles from southern Canada and the northern U.S. to a remote area in the mountains of the central Mexican state of Michoacan. Here they spend the winter months pulsating in the trees and creating one of nature’s most unforgettable spectacles. Organized tours are available from the capital city of Morelia.
The Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) has been called an upside rainforest because of its vast and varied profusion of life beneath the surface. Up to a third of the world’s cetacean species (whales, dolphin, porpoise) are found in these waters. There are nearly 100 untouched desert islands populating the crystal blue waters off the east coast of the Baja Peninsula, many of which are federally protected. In late December through early March, this is one of premiere whale watching destinations in the world. Not to mention home to huge colonies of sea lions and the elusive and endangered blue-footed booby birds. (There some great small cruise ship companies that offer trips on the Sea of Cortez in the fall and winter.)
Also keep in mind that seven of the world’s eight sea turtle species nest on Mexican beaches and have for the last 150 million years. The best nesting beaches are found up and down the pacific coast and Mexico has taken a tremendous stand to keep these giants from extinction. Most hotels in the nesting areas now offer “turtle programs” where the baby turtles are raised and released and travelers are educated about their plight.
The Mexicans joke that the Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua is what the Grand Canyon wants to be when it grows up. One of the country’s most extraordinary natural wonders, this is actually a series of interconnecting canyon -some far deeper than its famous counterpart in Arizona. Mexico’s tallest waterfall (984 feet) can also be found here. It’s best to visit after the rainy season in late summer or early fall when the entire area is lush and green. Most of the canyons are only accessible by a train and this one is said to be one of the “world’s most scenic railroads.” A luxury ride through 400 miles of breathtaking scenery is spectacular. The railroad took 91 years to complete and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century.
The latest addition to the canyon is the new aerial tramway (teleférico) that climbs 1,475 feet for astounding views. The 60-passenger tram (built by the Swiss-Austrian firm Doppelmayr) takes tourists from the rim of the Canyon down into its depths. The tram system and a series of new zip lines are all part of the Barrancas del Cobre Adventure Park, which state officials are hoping will bring an influx of tourists. Passengers pay about $20 for a ride. (Visit www.acloserlooktours.com for info.)
The state of Veracruz has four main rafting rivers – Filo-Bobos, Antigua, Pescados and Actopan. Rivers are rated from class one to class six (depending on difficulty) and all categories can be found here. There are plenty of rapids for beginners and this is a tremendous way to mix sightseeing with adventure. There are numerous ecotourism companies that specialize in kayaking and river rafting tours in Veracruz. 
Finally, yes, there are snow- covered peaks and high mountains in Mexico! Two towering ranges run through eastern and western Mexico. The central plateau between the two is the third highest populated region in the world behind Bolivia and Tibet. A series of volcanoes stand along this plateau and five of them stand taller than any in the continental United States. The best known are the highest, Pico de Orizaba (18,850) in Veracruz, and Popocatepetl or “Popo” (17,887) and Iztaccihuatl or “Sleeping Lady” (17,343) both southeast of Mexico City. Hikers can climb to the summit of Izta and Orizaba, but Popo has been off-limits since it erupted last year.
So change it up a bit…. you can always go back to the beach!
Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating and managing content as a Community Manager for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Mexico Today is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination.
