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Mexico's Great Sea Turtle Adventure
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Our new Sea Turtle adventure allows small groups of travelers to witness one of the world's greatest natural wonders, while playing a role in the protection and future of rare species of turtles. In this area of Mexico, thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches, and each evening we may see dozens. This sight is simply spectacular! Until ten years ago, this area was a massive hunting ground with up to 2,000 turtles killed each day and countless unhatched eggs taken. Now, with the help of our biologist Program Leaders, our travelers can experience one of the world's great wildlife areas. This area offers more than just sea turtles-iguanas and butterflies are also among the eco-tourism projects here- and our leaders will expose us to the wonders of this region. Experiencing ecotourism at work on the beautiful, untouched beaches of Mexico's southern coast makes this an incredibly rewarding and relaxing adventure.
Day 1: Huatulco, Mexico Upon arrival in Huatulco, Mexico, your Program Leader will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our lodge, Posada Rancho Cerro Largo. The lodge's cabanas are perched high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After checking in, you may relax and lay in a hammock on your verandah with sweeping ocean views. This evening we will have an orientation/welcome dinner at 7:00pm.
Day 2: Mazunte/La Escobilla Turtle Camp After breakfast, we will visit Mazunte, the beach chosen as the site for the National Mexican Turtle Center. In the face of the imminent extinction of the diversity of turtle species, the Mexican government called for the creation of the center in 1991.
All varieties of sea turtle that live in the coastal waters of Mexico are on exhibit, as well as six species of freshwater turtles and two species of land turtles. At the center's ten-acre complex, biologists, veterinarians, and research groups are dedicated to the study, protection and preservation of the sea turtle. The center also serves as an educational site, providing both local residents and travelers alike with a greater knowledge of these fascinating creatures and their habitats.
We then visit The Body Shop Factory, where local people make body cream, deodorant, skin oil and shampoo with natural materials found in the area. The technology was developed in England, but the operation is now run by the community as a replacement for turtle hunting. This afternoon is free for you to relax at the lodge in preparation for our late night with the turtles.
After dinner, we travel to La Escobilla Turtle Camp to get acquainted with their conservation program. The beach is patrolled by the local people, sometimes the Mexican Ministry of the Environment and, for extra protection, the Mexican Navy. We will help patrol the beach closest to the camp, and return to our lodge at 1:00 am. Overnight at Cerro Largo.
Day 3: La Ventanilla/Puerto Angel/La Escobilla Turtle Camp After sleeping in and enjoying a late breakfast, we visit La Ventanilla estuarine ecosystem, a project run by the community of La Ventanilla who are restoring the mangroves and caring for such natural inhabitants as sea turtles, crocodiles and birds. Here we take a small boat ride around the channels in search of the endemic wildlife.
We will also stop at a butterfly farm operated by local villagers. This is a rustic farm focused on education and we are able to observe all the stages of the butterfly's development. After lunch in Puerto Angel, a small fishing village, we'll have time to relax on the beach before returning to our lodge. This evening we return to La Escobilla Turtle Camp to continue with our observation of the amazing turtles and our conservation program, helping patrol the beach and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. Overnight at Cerro Largo.
Day 4: Iguana Farm/Puerto Escondido After another morning to sleep in after our evening activities, we will drive to the charming Mexican village of Puerto Escondido ("Hidden Port"). On the way, we stop at an iguana farm run by a biologist who is working to increase the local wild iguana population. While in Puerto Escondido, we will stay at the Hotel Santa Fe. This blissful spot on the Pacific Coast offers the rare combination of elegant accommodations with an unspoiled natural setting in one of Mexico's most relaxing destinations. Here, white coral-sand beaches are set against a backdrop of dense jungle. This evening we will either return to the sea turtles or enjoy the beach or the town. An optional horseback ride on the beach is also available. Overnight at the Hotel Santa Fe.
Day 5: Manialtepec Lagoon/Puerto Escondido After an early continental breakfast, we transfer to Manialtepec Lagoon. Manialtepec, "the place of spring-fed waters," is a tranquil mangrove-lined lagoon with a rich diversity of wetland birdlife. We glide quietly past herons, ibis and egrets, also watching for more exotic species like roseate spoonbills, white-fronted parrots and tiger herons. The lagoon provides great photo opportunities of luxuriant mangrove forests and fishermen at work from their dug-out canoes. After lunch on a secluded beach, we return to our hotel and the last day to enjoy the beach. Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Santa Fe.
Day 6: Huatulco/Home This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Location of Adventure Huatulco, Mexico
Included All land transportation within Mexico; all accommodations; all meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 5; soda and beer at meals; farewell cocktail; tips, except for Program Leader; entrance fees and donations to the turtle museum and butterfly and iguana farms; taxes and service charges except Mexico's departure and airport taxes.
Not Included Air transportation between your home city and Huatulco; alcoholic drinks, except as mentioned above; gratuities for the Program Leader; optional horseback riding; airport and departure taxes; and travel insurance.
Physical Requirements This adventure does not require a high degree of physical fitness. However, it does involve staying up until 1:00am on the beach with the turtles. We suggest that travelers who are concerned about their physical capabilities should contact both our office for further details on the exact physical requirements of this trip, and their personal physician for his/her opinion.
Getting There & Getting Home You will need to make air arrangements from your home city to Huatulco, Mexico. We are prepared to handle your round-trip travel arrangements from your home to Huatulco. We can also arrange an extension after your Mexican adventure.
Contact us rates, dates and availability
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