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Environmentally conscious travelers find in Ecotourism a vacation alternative allowing the to commune with wildlife, admire natural beauty and immerse themselves in a rich, cultural heritage. Mexico offers an infinite panorama of options within its tourism industry. It is a country privileged by its astonishing ecological diversity.

Continental America is divided into two biological kingdoms: the Neo-artic (north), with temperate and cold climate species, and the Neo-tropical (south), with organisms adapted to warm, humid climates. Mexico's geographic allocation marks a crossroad of these two zones that is accented by Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

The convergence of these two zones forms Great Mesophile Mountain Forest terrain. Part of this grand biodiversity of ecosystems are mountains, valleys, rivers, rapids, caverns, forest, jungles, deserts, lakes, volcanoes, and savannas. Mexico is an exceptional country not only for its great variety of habitats, but also for the number of species of flora and fauna that inhabit this area. For the nature lovers, a constant source of wonder is Mexico remarkable diversity: one side of a mountain arid and barren, its summit buried in forest, and the opposite side resplendent with tropical vegetation. In each region, the geography and natural resources influence the diet of the inhabitants and the elements that help to determine the character and activity of the populace. If we visit the indigenous tribe of the Tarahumaras in Chihuahua, we can appreciate the customs, rituals, and culture of the Raramuri.

Visitors to the arid deserts and mountains of Northern Mexico recognize the need dehydrating foods, a practical custom, still used today. If we cross the valley, mountain range and coast of Oaxaca, we can realize the value of its ancestral cultures (the Mixtec and Zapotec), as well as the flavor of mole and the beauty of the traditional Guelaguetza folk dance. If we listen to the Veracruz rivers, we can instantly comprehend the cheerfulness of its people. As we trek through the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, we can understand why the Mayas created an opening in this foliage to construct their ceremonial grounds.

The love that Mexicans possess for their soil, compels the citizen to protect the integrity of ecological processes, to defend the genetic diversity of endemic species; to protect natural areas and to defend all that encompasses the historic and artistic heritage of our culture. All of this accessible through "ecotourist" excursions, guided by multilingual professionals, with safe transportation via kayak, mountain bike, jeep, or horseback.

The ecotourist may prefer a specially designed expedition, with transportation, lodging , food, permits, maps, clothing and guides that guarantee adventure within Mexico's national parks, reserves and sanctuaries. It the visitor cares to venture out alone, up-dated information on protected camping sites and special permits are provided by tourism offices in each State.

The mountains of San Pedro Martir gaze down from above to embrace the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortes. It is precisely this coupling, mountain with sea, that plays a principal role in the Baja California scenario. The descent begins at the summit of this mountain terrain filled with precipices, sparsely vegetated, and continues down to stretches of sandy beaches, lagoons and vast expanses of transparent blue surf, to the ocean beyond. Its treasure include the only living coral reef on the western shore of North American continent (Cabo Pulmo). This combination of summit and surf attracts the adventurous visitor to the region's national parks, prehistoric cave paintings within hidden grottos and a network of 17th Century Jesuit Mission. Schools of tropical fish are waiting to be photographed during a scuba diving expedition, and, after emerging between natural sculptures of surf-pounded stone and wide carpets of sand. Imposing mammals such as the orca, humpback whale and the sea lion swim the Pacific and Sea of Cortes waters. In fact, the Gray whale is Mexican, thanks to an annual pilgrimage made by parent whales from the Bering Sea, to give birth to their young in Baja's Pacific lagoons.

One of the principal attractions for the adventure seeker is the rapid current that flows through the rivers of the Gulf Coast region. Bordered by lush vegetation, the rivers of this region are charged with emotions. Running through hidden corners of the jungle, and muffled by dense foliage the rivers of Veracruz State cross archeological zones and past colonial cities.

Multicolored fruit and flowers flourish along the banks that provide freshwater fish, the main element of regional dishes. The sound of the currents intermingle with the chords of stringed instruments playing "huapango" and "sones" and eventually arrive at placid lakes.

The journey by kayak along the Río Pescados and the Filobobos rivers in Veracruz, provide the opportunity to camp or hike through this beautiful land.

Infinity begins at the horizon line, joining the heavens and the desert in one great extension that invites us to discover its mystery. The profiles of the Mexican desert can be seen from different points; among them, the range of Pinacate at the center of the Great Desert of Altar, in Sonora State - where the visitor may chance upon the "Masso Pákuo", a Yaqui Indian ritual dedicated to their sacred animal - the deer. This dance unites as one. In Coahuila State, the desert is lord and master. The Valley of the Four Marshes is a miraculous tribute to Nature. Far from the nearest sea, it is a complete system of subterranean rivers, natural wells, virgin springs, marshlands, rivers, lakes and canals where over a thousand different species of creatures exist harmoniously. The visitor may participate in a variety of activities including scuba diving, mountain biking, or underwater photography. In Durango State, the monotony of desert landscape is broken by geographical features such as mountains, waterfalls, lagoons and forest that are the pride of the region.

In Chihuahua State, the Sierra Tarahumara mountain range awakens each day to silent sunrise tapestries of kingfisher blue, vibrant yellow, soft orange, blush rose and parchment white. The expanse of this territory includes towering mountains, dense forest, cliffs, rivers, lakes, lagoons, rapids and six enormous canyon system.

In the stillness of this "Copper Canyon" region human sounds startle the visitor, like the repeating echo of the Tarahumara drum, keeping vigil over their tribal birthright.

Mexico's Pacific shore has an extensive coastline, enjoyed by all types of visitors - even Humpback whales, who arrive each year to the sun drenched coasts of Nayarit. Their arrival is admired in silence by those who appreciate such an event. For those wanting to view migratory birds, marine fowl, the so-called "Blue footed Booby bird", the White-bellied fowl, or the Red-footed bird, the coastline and islands of Jalisco and Colima States are an ideal locale. Travelers to Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo enjoy kayaks, mountain bikes, jungle treks, and other Eco-adventures.

In Chiapas State, the Cañon del Sumidero, is a spectacular gorge over 3,000 feet deep. The Lagoons of Montebello and the Cascadas de Agua Azul are two of México's most breathtaking parks.

The majestic Mayan ruins of Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, are testimonials to the manner in which the Mayas dedicated the jungle as a sacred place of worship. In San Cristobal de las Casas one can hear the authentic language of the region's inhabitants. In Tabasco State, visitors find the spirit of adventure among the palms, ferns and orchids, zenzontles, and the voice of the Usumacinta River beckoning the exploration of this jungle region.

The gold and jade of Oaxaca State, show the wealth of this blessed land: green in the valley and isthmus regions, gold along its shores. Here solitary beaches of fine sand await the emergence of divers from lagoons and bays of the deep blue sea. Oaxaca unfolds in a variety of contrasting landscapes such as the Sierra Mazateca range, difficult to access for the exuberance of its vegetation, where the secrets of mushrooms is revealed. The Chacahua lagoon, whose name reflects the sound of its winged inhabitants, is the home of red winged black birds, deer, raccoons, lizards, iguanas and tortoises well cared for by local residents. The diversity of the Oaxacan region is showcased in its local dishes, arts and crafts and a traditional dancen called La Guelaguetza, which is celebrated in grand style during the month of July.

For millions of years the volcanoes of the Central Plains regions of Mexico have been shaping the land with fire and lava. Temporarily at rest, they stand in full splendor, crowded with snowcaps and a halo of clouds. To scale their heights and craters, or pass over foothills and mountain ranges are a few of the options this region offers. Visitors imagine the awe this land must have inspired in its first inhabitants. The forests of the region were part of a landscape that protected the indigenous people prior to THE ARRIVAL OF THE Spanish Conquistadors. The Great Netzahualcoyotl, a Mexica (Aztec) leader of Renaissance proportions, applied special effort to the care and nature his forest kingdom. He personally traveled to inspect his reserves for signs of illicit logging.

The pristine atmosphere of the mountains of the Sierra Gorda, provide clarity for observing comets, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. In Michoacan, the Monarch Butterfly reigns in the sanctuary of its protected zone. Each year, the Monarch travels from Canada and remains among the Oyamel trees, forming a brilliant orange crown of contrasting color. El Chico National Park in Hidalgo State, is an example of nature's harmony. It is blanketed with forests, meadows, dry river beds, high peaks, underground cascades and stalactite caverns. Recreation is limitless within the park boundaries: camping, rock climbing, rappelling, and scaling cliff walls.

La Malinche National Park in Hidalgo State, offers the opportunity to explore deep canyons, gaze upon the highest volcanoes of Mexico Orizaba (over 18,000 feet), Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and Cofre of Perote. Each peak offers the opportunity for excursions to its alpine reserves. For the travelers wishing to combine several adventures in one spot, the Nevado de Toluca volcano is the ultimate destination.

Few places in the world can provide deep reservations for Scuba diving in a crater, as well as trout fishing archeological ruins, mountain climbing and biking, or simply the chance to arrive at the summit by car too contemplate the vastness of the Universe. The residents of Mexico City enjoy day trips to Desierto de los Leones, a great silent lung of rich, lush forest, shared by a diversity of plan and animal.

The 17th Century Carmelite Convent within the forest, adds a mystical quality. Th construction of "chinampas", or floating gardens has survived in Xochimilco for centuries. A Garden center, visited by families and tourist who rent "trajineras", wooden gondolas with flowers that float along the canals.

This place chosen by the Maya centuries ago is a peaceful land that never quakes. A landscape of jungle that feels the passage of rivers beneath it. Mysterious grottos and caverns encrusted with stalagmites. Magical underground caverns, the private baths of Mayan princesses. This is the first image that impresses the visitor to the Yucatan peninsula. Later after discovering more and more, a definite contact is made with the stretch of virgin territory. Paradise takes shape in its trees: mahogany, cedar, guaya, and in its animal kingdom, including the jaguar, sacred animal of the Maya. In Bolonchen, one can pass through 200 meters of stalactites and stalagmites in the grotto of Xtacumbilxumaan. In Siho-playa, one can witness the natural wonder of the Rayo Verde, a rainbow of beauty. In the nearby Laguna de Terminos, dolphins splash in the water. Yucatan State is a land of pleasant, deer, and amazing architecture. It is silent witness to what once was the splendor of the Maya. Visitors are captivated by its lovely traditional melodies, its food that pleases the palate, the elegance of its handicrafts.

There are seven pink flamingos, whose delicate figures of extraordinary beauty return year after year to the banks of the Rio Lagartos and Celestun rivers. The ruins at Dzibilichaltun invite campers to rest under clear night stars that change the viewer's sense of perspective: haven and hearth become one.

Quintana Roo State, synonymous with the Caribbean Sea, possesses islands, keys, and enormous coral reef, marshlands, jungle and lagoons, sand dunes bayous mangroves, where the animal kingdom evolved in natural biodiversity. In Sian Ka `an Biosphere Reserve, a biological nucleus remains intact since the world's creation.

Banco Chinchorro guards the dark secrets of Time and the Sea. Xel-Ha is a large transparent cove, a natural aquarium filling a rocky cavity that accesses the sea, where fish do not attempt to hide from the amazed gaze of passing divers, and where those who glide along its surface in canoes feel at one with the elements of this marvelous place. Isla Contoy serves as a nesting ground for thousands of aquatic, migratory and songbirds that make it their home. The island of Cozumel has developed a range of well-maintained services for divers, suiting professional needs as well as those of the newcomers to the undersea world.

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