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Along the Pacific Coast, the lagoons of Manialtepec and Chacahua have always been my favourite, with their huge number of unique bird species, not even matched by the number of birdwatchers along the main road between the two lagoons. Within a short bike ride, you can see local bird habitats, low jungle, middle jungle or rainforest, all in different types of open fields and humid zones such as estuaries and ponds.
Out of the eleven species of sea turtle that still exist today, nine come to the Mexican coasts, and the destination of four of those is the Oaxaca littoral where they nest and reproduce. Sea turtles definitely have good taste. The only research and preservation center for sea turtles, el Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, is located close to Puerto Angel, and includes a small museum whose exhibits are a must-see.
More south along the coast, you'll find the 3,000 acres of jungle surrounding the Espino and De Los Machos hills, close to Huatulco. This protected area harbors 23 species of mammals and 55 species of birds, several of them in danger of extinction.
While there, pay a visit to one of the many picturesque coffee plantations, mostly around Santa Maria Huatulco, San Miguel del Puerto and Pluma Hidalgo on the way to Puerto Escondido. All are surrounded by miles of tropical forest trails, and plantation owners will readily provide lodging and tours at an unbeatable price.
The rugged mountain chain of Sierra Juarez, inland on the way to Mexico City, is also well known for its unique ecodiversity with 6,000 species of plants - 80% of the country total - in a few hundred square miles. Other natural wonders include pristine rain forest 1,000 feet above sea level, right next to icy canyons.
The biodiversity of the area is staggering: 400 species of reptile, including two unique to this region and 13 endangered, share their habitat with tapir, jaguar and other spider monkeys, whose characteristic thunderous shriek is as popular as the national anthem with local populations.
Far more than a rest stop between Acapulco and Cancun, Oaxaca will reward travelers with an amazing multitude of ecojewels.
By Alexandra Nunez
Alexandra is a native of Oaxaca, and producer of video travel documentary about the region.
She also maintains an extensive travel guide at www.alexandratravel.com/oaxaca/
Alexandra can be reached by email at alexandra10@alexandratravel.com
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nice John | Mar 28th, 2003
nice
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