| The International Society of Ecotourism tells us that | | | | other aquatic vegetation, so you can quietly approach |
| ecotourism is "responsible travel to natural areas.” It | | | | the wildlife. Many local ecologists are pressing to have |
| is travel that helps to “conserve the environment | | | | the Laguna de Tres Palos declared a nature preserve. |
| and improve the well-being of local people." Acapulco, | | | | So far, the politicians have not been interested in the |
| on the southern curve of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, is | | | | cause, and as civilization encroaches, the lagoon is |
| a superb base of operations from which to explore all | | | | threatened with contamination. |
| the wonders and beauty of the tropics. | | | | Barra Vieja is an extended stretch of beach about 20 |
| Here you will find a profusion of plant and animal | | | | miles south and east of Acapulco. It does attract its |
| species especially adapted for one of two different | | | | share of tourists, mainly because of the many |
| climactic zones. The Southern Sierra Madres brush the | | | | wonderful seafood restaurants you can find there. But |
| coastline right at Acapulco. Up in the mountains you will | | | | the beaches are not overwhelmed with condos and |
| find deciduous forest and temperate climates. Many of | | | | vendors. You can find a palapa (a palm-thatched |
| Mexico’s indigenous peoples still live in villages that | | | | cabaña), perhaps with a hammock, and just lie back, |
| dot these mountain ridges. Down near sea level, the | | | | if you like. Or stroll along the sand looking for shells and |
| terrain is a tropical savannah, which is very moist | | | | signs of sea life. Near Barra Vieja there is a sea turtle |
| during summer months and dry in the winter. Here you | | | | refuge that raises hatchlings and releases them into |
| will find jungles, fresh water lagoons, and – along the | | | | the sea at the right moment. Sea Turtles have |
| unpopulated areas of the rocky coast to the south of | | | | become endangered because of poachers, who value |
| Acapulco – small virginal beaches, some of which | | | | their eggs. You can also find a place to arrange |
| you can only reach by watercraft. | | | | horseback riding – even up and down the beach, if |
| Many ecotourists simply rent a rugged car in Acapulco, | | | | you like. |
| pack the gear and the camera, and take off for | | | | El Veladero National Park is Acapulco’s main |
| places where the roads turn to dirt paths. Others | | | | ecological preserve. The high mountainous area above |
| prefer the organized excursions and guided tours. | | | | and behind Acapulco creates a “geological |
| Either way is fine. The only rule is the well-known | | | | amphitheater” that cradles the city and the bay. In |
| caution: “Take only pictures; leave only | | | | 1980 the government protected 8,000 acres of this |
| footprints.” | | | | high land along the “El Veladero Ridge.” A few |
| Barra de Coyuca & Coyuca Lagoon. To the north | | | | sites in the park are of historical significance, dating |
| and west of Acapulco a few kilometers, along the | | | | back to the time of independence. But most people |
| coast is the Laguna de Coyuca, a large body of fresh | | | | come to see the petroglyphs (rock engravings) left by |
| water separated from the ocean by only a narrow | | | | the Yopes – Acapulco locals from the era 200 BC |
| strip of land. It covers about 30,000 acres (over 12,000 | | | | to 600 AD. Here you can find sea eagles and virtually |
| hectares).The nearby pueblo is called | | | | every other indigenous species of bird, mammal and |
| “Embarcadero.” Lots of freshwater wildlife | | | | reptile. If insects are your interest, you’ll find them |
| prosper in the lagoon. Motor craft are not forbidden, | | | | here, too. |
| however. In the lagoon you will find four small islands, | | | | Other Excursions include Acapulco's Botanical Garden |
| which comprise a bird sanctuary. (One of the islands is | | | | (Jardín Botánico Esther Pliego de Salinas) located |
| called “Pájaros,” which means “Birds”). | | | | near the Loyola Campus on the east side of the bay, |
| Pelicans, ducks, storks, heron and many songbirds can | | | | just off the Carretera Escénica. Native tropical |
| be seen there. You can rent a small boat or take a | | | | species are on display, together with desert plants, |
| guided tour. | | | | trees, shrubs, vines and more. You may wish to take a |
| Tres Palos Lagoon is on the other side of Acapulco, | | | | boat from Caleta Beach across to the Isla Roqueta, |
| near the airport and on the way south along the coast. | | | | which is a nature preserve. There you can hike |
| This, too is a very large fresh water lake. It is so wide | | | | through a small tropical forest. The lagoon at Puerto |
| and so close to the ocean that many people think | | | | Marques also offers a glimpse at mangrove forests. |
| it’s an inlet from the sea. But it is not. Here, too, you | | | | It’s called the “black lagoon” because the |
| can rent your own water craft or take one of several | | | | mangroves render the water unusually dark. |
| guided tours. One of them is in a hydroplane boat. | | | | In short, Acapulco offers many options for those |
| Those who have been in a tropical river bed (such as | | | | looking to explore the natural wonders of the tropics. It |
| the Amazon) will recognize the narrow, open channels | | | | is not just a haven for beachers, brides and Spring |
| that the water naturally makes in the lily pads and | | | | breakers. |