When planning a vacation in Mexico and you want to see wildlife while on your trip, you’re in luck! Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is considered to be a “megadiverse” country because between 10% to 12% of the world’s species are found within its borders.
Mexico is one of the only countries in the world with arid deserts, dry scrublands, temperate forest, high altitude alpine areas, subtropical and tropical rainforests, and extensive coral reefs.
So, it’s really not a question of where to see wildlife in Mexico, but where aren’t you going to be able to see wildlife in Mexico! Whether you’re hiking up in the mountains of the Copper Canyon or enjoying the beautiful beaches that Mexico is famous for, you’re bound to see a lot of different flora and fauna.
However, while you can see a wide variety of animals all over Mexico, there are a few spots you’ll want to check out if you’re looking to have an unforgettable animal encounter.
From coast to coast
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected natural area on the Mexican Caribbean. The Reserve has been named a UNESCO site and has tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes, as well as a large marine section that is intersected by a barrier reef.
If it’s birds you like, check out the famous flamingos at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve also located on the Yucatan. Thousands of flamingos migrate each year to Celestun which is also home to the nesting grounds for sea turtles and home to other marine animals.
Every few years, the Veracruz turtles, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, swim and feed among the colorful corals that stretch for miles throughout the Gulf. At dusk, many of the females make their way onto the beach to lay their eggs.
If you’re visiting Mexico in the winter months, head to the state of Michoacan where, every year, millions of monarch butterflies make their way from the U.S. and Canada down to their winter habitat. Plan a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Make your next trip a memorable one
On the Pacific Coast, the resort city of Mazatlan is an excellent location for bird watching. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidentals, Mazatlan has the greatest biological diversity in all of Mexico. This includes the birds of Mazatlan – nearly 550 species.
Mazatlan’s Tufted Jay Preserve is paradise if you’re a bird lover. Not only is it home to the tufted jay, but also a whole host of birds including the Scott’s oriole, red warbler, and red-headed tanager.
If you’re in Mazatlan in February, one of the best things to do, besides birdwatching, is to celebrate Carnival in Mazatlan. The city’s seaside promenade, the Malecon, is full of party goers. There are live bands and lots of vendors selling food, drinks, and costumes.
Whether you’re taking a trip to Mexico to see its incredible wildlife or want to chill out at one of the country’s famous resorts, don’t forget to bring a good book. How about packing some novels about Mexico?