Day 5
Travel log
Oaxaca alternative
LA PASTORIA TUTUTEPEC
INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE
CHACAHUA NATIONAL PARK
Reflections of green in the water, the whisper of the leaves caressed by the breeze and the song of several birds welcome you to Chacahua National Park, Oaxaca’s hidden gem. This is a place blessed with stunning biodiversity, including reptiles (crocodiles, turtles and iguanas) and a great variety of birds (kingfisher, gray, white, blue and the so-called tiger herons, seagulls and pelicans, among others). Just 45 minutes north-east of Huatulco, this natural treasure comprises 14,187 hectares of land, five fresh and salt water lagoons, and a beautiful coastline with two attractive beaches: Chacahua and Cerro Hermoso (Beautiful Hill).
Since this is a national protected area, there are only five communities around the Chacahua marshes: Chacahua, El Azufre, Zapotalito, Charco Redondo and the community of the El Corral Island. Most of its residents speak Mixtec, with Spanish as their second language. A strong and fascinating African heritage also characterises many of the people from this region, the musical influences of which can be felt along the coast.
Chacahua is also home to a sea turtle sanctuary: each year, 150 to 170 thousand sea turtles are born, one of the highest rates along the entire Pacific Coast. This extraordinary success is made possible thanks to a group of volunteers who, during the peak season, monitor the long beaches at night in order to protect the nests from danger.
Chacahua offers a host of varied experiences to the visitor, all of them associated with nature. From a peaceful boat travel between the mangrove channels, to a leisurely walk observing the region's birds, snorkel and scuba diving and lagoon fishing. On its two beaches, Chacahua and Cerro Hermoso, you can enjoy a range of water-based activities, taste some of the region's most exciting dishes and watch languid and beautiful sunsets. In Cerro Hermoso, there is a bocana (river mouth) where the sea exchanges waters with the lagoon. Due to the presence of a seawall, a giant salt water pool is formed where you can enjoy a good swim without danger.
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