Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve

A Biosphere Reserve (1993) Of Tropical Dry Forest, Mangrove And Beach On The Costalegre Of Jalisco, With Jaguars, Crocodiles, Migrating Birds And Sea Turtle Nesting. Most Of The Reserve Is Private And Closed To Casual Visits, With Access Through A Few Guided Tours And A Research Station. Hot In The Dry Season And Very Green After The Rains · La Huerta, Jalisco

Chamela-Cuixmala is a biosphere reserve of tropical dry forest, mangrove, lagoon and beach on the Costalegre of Jalisco, between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. It protects one of the best examples of Pacific dry forest in Mexico, with jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, hundreds of bird species and sea turtles that nest on the beaches from about July to December. Most of the land is private, belonging to the Cuixmala estate and managed with the Fundacion Ecologica de Cuixmala, and the university research station at Chamela. It is closed to casual visits, and there is no public gate where you can buy a ticket and walk in. Access is by arranged tours, research or volunteer visits, or by staying at a nearby lodge. The islands in Chamela Bay can be visited on local boat trips from the beach, which is the easiest public way to see the area. The coast is hot, humid and buzzing with mosquitos. It suits keen naturalists and birders who plan ahead, and is not worth the detour if you expect an open park. Check current advice for Jalisco before you travel.

Chamela-Cuixmala reserve on the Costalegre coast between Barra de Navidad and Puerto Vallarta, near La Huerta; coordinates approximate, La Huerta, Jalisco, Mexico

There are no regular public opening hours for the reserve. The core lands of the Cuixmala estate and the research areas are CLOSED to casual visitors, and entry is by arranged tour or written permission only. Tours, where offered, usually run by day in the cooler morning hours and need booking well ahead; confirm days and times with the foundation or an operator. The public beaches and the boat trips to the Chamela Bay islands run in daylight from the village, and walking the open beach is FREE. Turtle nesting events happen at night and are only visited with an authorised group. Dry-forest trails may be closed in the wet season when roads flood. Hours change, so treat all of this as a guide.

Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos