Mexico national parks

Mexico's national park system began in 1917 when President Venustiano Carranza elevated the status of Desierto de los Leones to that of Parque Nacional. Today, Mexico recognizes 67 national parks throughout the country. Many are undeveloped areas designated to protect the natural world in its existing state, while some are popular tourist attractions noted for their archaeological or biological significance. Several parks are UNESCO World Heritage sites and several more are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Understand

Many travelers from around the world visit Mexico's national parks without realizing it. Some of Mexico's most visited national parks include Tulum, Palenque, and Huatulco. Beach lovers who take a day trip to Isla Contoy from the harbors in Cancun are also visiting a national park. So are divers and snorkelers exploring the reefs around Cozumel.

Some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country is found in the national parks. Parks in Mexico are not often crowded and many provide a refreshing alternative to the often crowded and over-loved parks in the United States.

The national parks showcase Mexico's astounding geographical diversity, demonstrating the rich palette of natural scenery and astounding diversity of plant and animal life. The parks are great places for affordable day trips, physically demanding adventure travel, and contemplative nature watching. Ecosystems represented in Mexico's National Parks include offshore Caribbean reefs, dense coastal swamps and wetlands, rugged mountain peaks, arid deserts, and tropical rain forests and cloud forests.

Mexico's national parks are administered by CONANP (Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas). CONANP protects 185 natural areas in Mexico, 67 of which are designated as national parks. Other designations include Reserva Biosfera (Biosphere Reserve), Area de Protecion de Flora y Fauna (protected area for plants and animals), Area de Protecion de Recursos Naturales (protected area for natural resources), Santuario (sanctuary), and Monumento Natural (natural monument).

National parks are the category most likely to appeal to travelers because they are chosen for their scenic beauty and touristic value as well as their scientific value and their need for protection from development or commercial exploitation.

Annual pass

Mexico's CONANP offers an annual parks pass called Pasaporte de la Conservacion. For an annual fee of M$1736 (about US$75), you can make unlimited visits to Mexico's natural areas, including National Parks and Biosphere Reserves. The pass can be purchased on the CONANP web site.