EcotourismMexico hosts a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems within its borders: deserts, swamps, volcanoes and rainforest are all present. There are 58 national parks and biosphere reserves where the abundant flora and fauna receive special protection. The country boasts approximately 176 kinds of orchids and more species of birds than exist in the USA and Canada combined. Guided ‘ecotourist excursions’ with multilingual professional guides can be arranged. Transportation is via kayak, mountain bike, jeep or on horseback. If visitors care to venture out alone, updated
information on protected camping sites and special permits is provided by tourism offices in each state. Those wishing to observe sea life can go to
Guerrero Negro in Baja California, home to one of Mexco’s prime whale-watching spots, the
Parque Natural de la Ballena Gris (Gray Whale National Park), where grey whales breed near the shores of
Scammon’s Lagoon from November through March. The small town of San Ignacio (145 km/90 miles to the southeast) is noted for its nearby
San Ignacio Lagoon, where whales are reputed to be so ‘friendly’ that they swim close enough to be petted.
Puerto Lopez Mateos on
Magdalena Bay is another good spot for whale watching, it is here that the whales give birth and rear their newborns from January to March each year. Several islands in Baja California host colonies of sea lions and sea birds. In the central plains, there are high peaks to climb, including the volcanoes
Popocatépetl and
Nevado de Toluca, where it is possible to go scuba diving in the crater. Monarch butterflies are a must-see in the region of
Michoacán,
as is the
tortoise sanctuary at Oaxaca. The manatee sanctuary protects over 281,000 sq ha of land and water ecosystems in Mexico and has the largest population of Caribbean manatee in the world.
WatersportsMexico has nearly 16,000km (10,000 miles) of coastline and a warm climate. While the Caribbean coast features white-sand beaches and gentle seas, the Pacific coast is characterized by rolling surf and darker sand. The gentlest swimming conditions are offered by the waters of the Yucatan coast (Cancún, Rivera Maya and Cozumel) and the Sea of Cortés (Loreto, Guayamas and La Paz). Major city hotels and most hotel resorts have swimming pools and some towns have public baths. Almost all Mexican resorts have facilities for the full range of watersports, including jet-skiing, windsurfing and sea kayaking. Surfing can be enjoyed on the pacific breakers and parasailing is another exciting sport. Equipment can be hired at hotels or through watersports centers. Acapulco has particularly good facilities for water-skiing. Visitors can marvel at the skill of the professional divers that swallow-dive from the cliffs at
Acapulco. All over Mexico, there are excellent facilities for sailing, with modern marinas sited around the coasts. Most resort hotels will rent small sailing boats to guests. Diving is particularly popular in two areas: the Sea of Cortés and the Yucatan Peninsula’s east coast. In these areas, the sea is clear and placid, and facilities are outstanding. The Yucatan Peninsula features the second-largest coral reef in the world. Snorkeling enthusiasts may like to head for the Puerto Vallarta area on the Pacific coast, where resorts include Punta Mita, Guayabitos, Mismaloya and Los Arcos. In Zihuatanejo, Playa Las Gatas and Ixtapa Island offer good conditions and in Huatulco, the bays of La Entrega and Tangolunda are very suitable. Mexico’s coast offers some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world. Every major port has charter boats and fishing gear for hire and even the smallest fishing village is likely to have at least one fishing boat for hire. Freshwater fishing for black and striped bass is possibe mainly around Hermosillo (Sonora) and El Fuerte, Culiacán and Cosalá (Sinaloa).
GolfGolf courses can be found virtually all over Mexico. Many are located in spectacular natural settings, with some specially designed by famous golfers such as Jack Niklaus. In contrast to North American courses, they are usually uncrowded and comparatively reasonably priced.
Language coursesThere are many opportunities for visitors to attend courses of study in the Spanish language and in Mexican culture. Summer schools and other institutions are located in a variety of places, from major cities to beach resorts. It is usually possible to stay with a Mexican family, in order to make the visit more rewarding and productive. Further information is available from the tourist board (see
Top Things To Do). A detailed directory listing courses and fees can be obtained free of charge from the National Registration Center for Study Abroad, PO Box 1393, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA (tel: (414) 278 0631; website:
www.nrcsa.com).
Spa holidaysThe Aztecs, Tarascans and other native peoples used to frequent the countless hot springs which abound in the country, especially in the area around Mexico City. Nowadays, there are many resorts with high-class facilities offering a range of treatments. Visitors can choose from spiritual retreat spas, with a New Age bias and a meditation program, mineral water spas, hot springs and ‘upscale spas’, which are mini-resorts offering complete packages based on weight reduction, stress management and body fitness.
Spectator sportsThese include football, baseball, jai alai (a very fast game of Basque
pelota played with a small ball and straw rackets) and horse racing.
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