Lagunas de Chacahua

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park protects 14,187 hectares of coastal lagoons, mangrove forests, and tropical ecosystems along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Established in 1937, the park encompasses two large coastal lagoons—Chacahua and Pastoría—along with extensive mangrove systems, beaches, and adjacent terrestrial habitats. The coastal lagoons form a brackish-water ecosystem where freshwater from seasonal streams mixes with seawater, creating highly productive habitats that support diverse marine and terrestrial species. The park's mangrove forests, dominated by red, white, and black mangrove species, serve as critical nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans while providing nesting sites for numerous waterbirds including herons, egrets, and the endangered roseate spoonbill. The pristine beaches provide nesting habitat for four species of sea turtles, while the lagoons support populations of American crocodiles. The park represents one of the most important wetland ecosystems on Mexico's Pacific coast, with exceptional biodiversity and ecological productivity within a landscape increasingly threatened by coastal development.

Lagunas de Chacahua hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife, including over 246 bird species, making it a crucial stop for migratory birds. The lagoons support populations of crocodiles, sea turtles, and various fish species. Visitors might spot raccoons, iguanas, and numerous waterfowl species. The park's waters are also home to several commercially important fish species that support local fishing communities.

The park's vegetation is dominated by extensive mangrove forests, featuring four species: red, white, black, and button mangroves. These forests are complemented by coastal dune vegetation, tropical deciduous forest, and aquatic plants. The mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and providing nursery grounds for numerous marine species.

The park encompasses a complex system of coastal lagoons formed by sedimentary processes where the Rio Verde meets the Pacific Ocean. The landscape features barrier islands, sand dunes, and mangrove-lined channels created over thousands of years through the interaction of river sediments, ocean currents, and tidal forces. This dynamic geological system continues to evolve, shaping the region's distinctive coastal topography.

Lagunas de Chacahua experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) throughout the year. The rainy season runs from June to October, with September being the wettest month. The park enjoys around 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an ideal year-round destination, though visitors should prepare for afternoon heat and high humidity, particularly during summer months.

Established as a National Park in 1937, Lagunas de Chacahua has deep historical significance dating back to pre-Hispanic times when indigenous communities inhabited the region. The area was originally home to the Mixtec and Chatino peoples who utilized the lagoon system for fishing and transportation. The park's creation was primarily motivated by the need to protect its unique wetland ecosystem and the traditional lifestyle of local fishing communities.

The Chacahua region has been inhabited by indigenous communities, primarily Mixtec and Afro-Mexican populations, for centuries, with traditional livelihoods based on fishing, agriculture, and salt production from the lagoons. The area remained relatively isolated until the 20th century due to limited road access. President Lázaro Cárdenas established Lagunas de Chacahua National Park on July 9, 1937, recognizing the ecological importance of these coastal wetlands at a time when wetland conservation was not yet a global priority. The park was among Mexico's earliest coastal protected areas. Despite its protected status, management remained minimal for decades with little infrastructure or enforcement capacity. The park gained increased attention in the 1970s and 1980s as ecologists recognized the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems and coastal lagoons for fisheries, biodiversity, and coastal protection. The establishment of the small community of Zapotalito within park boundaries created ongoing tensions between conservation objectives and local livelihoods. Recent decades have seen increased tourism interest, particularly eco-tourism focused on wildlife observation and sea turtle conservation, creating opportunities for sustainable development while raising concerns about tourism impacts on sensitive ecosystems.

Key attractions include the historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the lagoon system, pristine beaches perfect for surfing and swimming, and boat tours through the mangrove channels. The park is renowned for its bioluminescent plankton displays in the lagoons at night, traditional fishing demonstrations, and spectacular sunsets. The area also offers opportunities for bird watching, kayaking, and experiencing local Afro-Mexican culture in nearby communities.

Access to Lagunas de Chacahua National Park requires traveling to the Oaxaca coast, with the nearest major city being Puerto Escondido, located approximately 70 kilometers to the west. From Puerto Escondido or the town of Río Grande, visitors can reach the park via a combination of paved and unpaved roads, with the final access to the lagoons and village of Zapotalito typically by boat across the lagoons. The journey itself offers scenic views of coastal landscapes and mangrove channels. Within the park, local cooperatives offer boat tours through the mangrove channels and lagoons, providing opportunities to observe crocodiles, birds, and the diverse wetland ecosystem. The village of Zapotalito offers basic accommodations and restaurants, primarily run by local families, providing authentic cultural experiences alongside nature tourism. Beach areas accessible from the lagoon offer swimming and relaxation, while evening turtle releases during nesting season (summer and fall) provide memorable conservation education experiences. Fishing tours can be arranged with local guides who possess deep knowledge of the lagoon ecosystems. The park has minimal infrastructure beyond basic boat docks and the village facilities. Visiting is possible year-round, though the dry season (November through May) offers more comfortable conditions and better wildlife viewing opportunities. The wet season brings dramatic scenery but also increased mosquitoes and more challenging access conditions.

Conservation at Lagunas de Chacahua National Park focuses on protecting critical wetland ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities who depend on lagoon resources. The park's mangrove forests face threats from illegal cutting for construction materials and conversion to agricultural or aquaculture uses, despite their protected status and critical ecological functions. Overfishing in the lagoons has depleted some commercial species, leading to efforts to establish fishing regulations and support alternative livelihoods including ecotourism. Sea turtle conservation programs, run in collaboration with local communities, protect nesting beaches and collect eggs for hatcheries, releasing thousands of young turtles annually while providing educational opportunities for visitors and residents. Pollution from upstream agricultural runoff and inadequate waste management threatens water quality in the lagoons. Climate change poses concerns including sea level rise potentially altering lagoon hydrology, more intense storms, and changing rainfall patterns affecting freshwater inputs. The park management works with limited resources to balance conservation with community needs, recognizing that local support is essential for long-term protection. Educational programs and economic incentives for conservation aim to build stewardship among residents, particularly youth. The park's future depends on maintaining ecological integrity while ensuring that conservation benefits local communities.