SUMMARY FOR MEXICO:
• Total Parks: 66
• Parks Listed Below: Agua Azul, Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, Arrecife Alacranes, Arrecifes de Cozumel, Bahía de Loreto, Banco Chinchorro, Benito Juárez, Bosencheve, Cabo Pulmo, Cañón del Río Blanco, Cañón del Sumidero, Cascada de Bassaseachic, Cerro de Garnica, Cerro de la Estrella, Chacahua, Chamela-Cuixmala, Ciénegas de Lerma, Cofre de Perote, Constitución de 1857, Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Cumbres de Majalca, Cumbres de Monterrey, Desierto de los Leones, Dzibilchaltún, El Chico, El Cimatario, El Gogorrón, El Histórico Coyoacán, El Potosí, El Sabinal, El Tepozteco, El Veladero, Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan, General Juan Álvarez, Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, Huatulco, Insurgente José María Morelos, Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Isla Contoy, Isla Isabel, Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl, Lagunas de Chacahua, Lagunas de Montebello, Lagunas de Zempoala, La Malinche, Los Mármoles, Los Novillos, Los Remedios, Molino de Flores Nezahualcóyotl, Nevado de Colima, Nevado de Toluca, Palenque, Pico de Orizaba, Playa de Oro, Rayón, Sacromonte, San Lorenzo, Sierra de Órganos, Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Tula, Tulum, Volcán Nevado de Colima, West Coast of Cozumel, Xicoténcatl, Zoquiapan
• Average Country Rating: 55/100
PARK NAME: Agua Azul
Country: Mexico
Park ID: 791
AVERAGE RATING: 53/100
Review Volume: Low number of reviews
DESCRIPTION:
Agua Azul is a series of cascading waterfalls in the Chiapas highlands. The site features stunning turquoise-blue water created by the high mineral content. The protected area includes tropical rainforest habitat and limestone formations.
DESCRIPTION:
This archipelago consists of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its unique ecosystem and marine biodiversity. The islands serve as critical habitat for many species of seabirds and are a popular destination for diving.
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Arrecife Alacranes is the largest coral reef in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The park includes five small coral islands and rich marine biodiversity. It is an important nesting site for sea turtles and seabirds.
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This marine park protects part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It features spectacular coral formations and diverse marine life. The park is one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the Caribbean.
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This marine park encompasses several islands in the Sea of Cortez. It features dramatic landscapes, clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity. The area is known for its excellent sport fishing and whale watching opportunities.
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Banco Chinchorro is an atoll reef containing numerous shipwrecks and rich marine life. It is the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere. The reserve is home to extensive mangrove forests and serves as a critical habitat for many species.
DESCRIPTION:
Located in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains, this park features pine and oak forests. It serves as an important watershed protection area for Oaxaca City. The park offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
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Bosencheve protects high-altitude forests in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The park features pine and fir forests with diverse wildlife. It serves as an important watershed for surrounding communities.
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Cabo Pulmo features the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America. It is considered one of the most successful marine conservation programs in the world. The park is home to numerous species of tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.
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This park protects a dramatic river canyon and surrounding cloud forests. The area features numerous waterfalls and limestone formations. It serves as an important watershed and hosts diverse flora and fauna typical of the region.
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A deep natural canyon with walls that rise up to 1000 meters above the Grijalva River. The canyon contains endangered species including the Central American river turtle and American crocodile. The park features dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and caves, making it one of Mexico's most spectacular natural attractions.
DESCRIPTION:
Home to Mexico's second-highest waterfall, with a height of 246 meters. The park features pine-oak forests and dramatic canyon landscapes. The area is known for its diverse wildlife including golden eagles and rare endemic plant species.
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A mountainous park known for its pine and oak forests at high elevations. The park provides important habitat for various species of flora and fauna native to central Mexico. It serves as a crucial watershed protection area for the region.
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An urban park with significant archaeological and historical importance. The site contains pre-Hispanic ruins and was an important ceremonial center. The hill offers panoramic views of Mexico City and preserves remnants of original valley vegetation.
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A coastal park featuring lagoons, mangroves, and tropical forests. The park is an important nesting site for sea turtles and various bird species. It includes several pristine beaches and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities.
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A protected area containing tropical dry forest and coastal ecosystems. The reserve is home to numerous endangered species including jaguars and military macaws. It features pristine beaches and serves as an important research station for tropical ecology.
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A wetland ecosystem that serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and endemic species. The area consists of three separate marsh systems in the Lerma River basin. It plays a crucial role in water regulation and biodiversity conservation in central Mexico.
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A mountainous park centered around the extinct volcano Cofre de Perote. The park features diverse ecosystems ranging from cloud forests to alpine environments. It serves as an important watershed and provides habitat for numerous endemic species.
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A mountainous park in the Sierra de Juárez featuring pine forests and the scenic Laguna Hanson. The park provides habitat for numerous wildlife species including mule deer and golden eagles. It offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.
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A marine park protecting coral reefs and marine ecosystems off the western coast of Isla Mujeres. The park is known for its rich marine biodiversity and clear waters. It's a popular destination for snorkeling and diving activities.
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Cumbres de Majalca is characterized by its dramatic rock formations and pine-oak forests. The park features unique geological formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. It serves as an important recreational area for locals and tourists, offering hiking trails and camping opportunities.
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Cumbres de Monterrey is one of Mexico's largest national parks, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs and deep canyons. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including black bears and golden eagles. It offers numerous recreational activities including hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
DESCRIPTION:
Desierto de los Leones was Mexico's first national park and features a former Carmelite monastery from the 17th century. The park is covered in thick pine and oak forests and offers hiking trails and picnic areas. Despite its name, there are no deserts or lions in the park.
DESCRIPTION:
Dzibilchaltún combines archaeological ruins with natural attractions, featuring an ancient Maya city and the Temple of the Seven Dolls. The park includes a cenote called Xlacah, which was used by the Maya for religious ceremonies. The site also contains a museum displaying Maya artifacts and cultural information.
DESCRIPTION:
El Chico is one of Mexico's oldest national parks, known for its pine forests and dramatic rock formations. The park offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing and hiking. It features unique geological formations and serves as an important watershed protection area.
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El Cimatario is an ecological preserve featuring semi-arid vegetation and important wildlife habitat. The park serves as a green lung for the city of Querétaro and offers hiking trails and viewpoints. It plays a crucial role in environmental education and conservation efforts.
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El Gogorrón features semi-desert landscapes and important cultural heritage sites. The park contains diverse cacti species and desert-adapted wildlife. It serves as a vital conservation area for regional flora and fauna.
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El Histórico Coyoacán is a historic urban park in one of Mexico City's most culturally rich neighborhoods. The park features colonial architecture and important cultural landmarks. It serves as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
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El Potosí is known for its diverse mountain ecosystems and pine forests. The park provides important habitat for numerous endemic species. It serves as a crucial watershed protection area for the surrounding region.
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El Sabinal is a small urban park known for its ancient sabino trees (Montezuma cypress). The park serves as an important green space and recreational area for the local community. It features walking paths and picnic areas among its historic trees.
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El Tepozteco National Park is known for its ancient Aztec temple perched atop a mountain. The park features dramatic cliffs and diverse vegetation including pine and oak forests. It is particularly famous for its archaeological site dedicated to Tepoztecatl, the Aztec god of pulque.
DESCRIPTION:
El Veladero National Park overlooks Acapulco Bay and provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The park consists of tropical deciduous forest and serves as an important ecological preserve. It plays a crucial role in protecting the local watershed and preventing erosion in the Acapulco area.
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This small urban park is centered around natural springs that were historically important to Mexico City's water supply. The park features recreational areas, walking paths, and small ponds. It serves as an important green space in the Tlalpan borough of Mexico City.
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This national park is dedicated to preserving the natural environment of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. The park features pine and oak forests and serves as an important watershed protection area. It provides habitat for various endemic species of flora and fauna.
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Home to one of the largest cave systems in the world, this park features spectacular limestone formations. The main cave extends for several kilometers with enormous chambers and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The park also includes surface trails and recreational areas.
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Huatulco National Park encompasses both marine and terrestrial ecosystems along the Pacific coast. The park protects coral reefs, tropical dry forest, and nine pristine bays. It is home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, and marine life.
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This park preserves an important area of pine-oak forest in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It serves as a crucial watershed protection area for the region. The park was named in honor of José María Morelos, a leader of Mexican independence.
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Located in the mountains west of Mexico City, this park protects important forest ecosystems. It features hiking trails, picnic areas, and excellent views of the Valley of Mexico. The park is named after Miguel Hidalgo, a key figure in Mexican independence.
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This small island park is an important nesting site for sea birds and marine turtles. The park includes pristine beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs. It serves as a crucial sanctuary for over 150 bird species and various marine life.
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This volcanic island park is known as the Galapagos of Mexico due to its rich biodiversity. The park is an important breeding ground for seabirds including frigatebirds and boobies. Its waters are home to diverse marine life and coral formations.
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This national park features two of Mexico's most iconic volcanoes: Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. Popocatépetl remains an active volcano, while Iztaccíhuatl's silhouette resembles a sleeping woman according to local legend. The park offers hiking trails, alpine environments, and spectacular views of the Valley of Mexico.
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This coastal park features a system of lagoons, mangroves, and pristine beaches on the Pacific coast. The park is home to diverse wildlife including crocodiles, sea turtles, and numerous bird species. It's known for its beautiful sunsets and traditional fishing communities.
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The park is famous for its 59 multicolored lakes ranging from emerald green to deep blue. Located near the Guatemala border, it features pine and oak forests and limestone formations. The area is rich in Maya history and contains several archaeological sites.
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This park contains seven main lakes surrounded by forests of pine and fir trees. It's a popular weekend destination for residents of Mexico City and Cuernavaca. The park offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and opportunities for nature photography.
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La Malinche National Park is centered around the dormant volcano of the same name, also known as Matlalcuéyatl. The park features dense forests of pine and oak trees, along with high-altitude grasslands. It's a popular destination for hiking, mountain climbing, and wildlife observation.
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Named for its marble deposits, this park features dramatic limestone cliffs and deep canyons. The area is covered in pine-oak forests and hosts diverse wildlife. It's known for its geological formations and opportunities for rock climbing and hiking.
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Los Novillos is a small national park in the northern state of Coahuila. The park protects an area of desert and semi-desert vegetation typical of northern Mexico. It serves as a refuge for local wildlife and features interesting geological formations.
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This small urban park is centered around the historic Los Remedios Church and its famous aqueduct. The park serves as an important green space in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. It combines cultural heritage with recreational areas and remaining natural vegetation.
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This small historical park contains the remains of a 16th-century hacienda and flour mill. The park combines historical architecture with gardens and green spaces. It serves as both a cultural site and recreational area for the local community.
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The park encompasses the Nevado de Colima volcano and surrounding forests. It features diverse ecosystems ranging from pine forests to alpine environments. The area is popular for hiking, mountain climbing, and wildlife observation.
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Nevado de Toluca is an extinct volcano and Mexico's fourth-highest peak. The park features two crater lakes, the Sun and Moon lakes, at an elevation of over 4,200 meters. The area offers hiking, climbing, and unique alpine ecosystems with distinctive flora and fauna.
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Palenque is an ancient Maya city that flourished in the 7th century CE. The site contains some of the finest architecture, sculpture, and bas-relief carvings produced by the Maya civilization. The park includes numerous temples, palaces, and pyramids surrounded by dense jungle.
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Pico de Orizaba National Park contains Mexico's highest mountain, the dormant Citlaltépetl volcano. The park features diverse ecosystems ranging from pine forests to alpine tundra. It's a popular destination for mountaineering and hosts unique high-altitude flora and fauna.
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Playa de Oro is a protected coastal area known for its pristine beaches and sea turtle nesting sites. The area serves as a crucial habitat for various marine species and migratory birds. The protected zone includes both beach and mangrove ecosystems.
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Rayón is a protected area featuring pine and oak forests typical of central Mexico's highlands. The park serves as an important watershed protection area and provides habitat for various endemic species. It offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints of the surrounding valley.
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Sacromonte is a small protected area centered around a historic religious site. The park combines cultural heritage with natural conservation, featuring native vegetation and panoramic views. It serves as an important green space and cultural landmark for the local community.
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San Lorenzo State Park is a protected mountain area featuring pine and oak forests. The park provides important watershed protection and habitat for local wildlife. It offers hiking trails and serves as a recreational area for nearby communities.
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Sierra de Órganos features distinctive rock formations resembling pipe organs. The park is known for its dramatic geological formations and pine-oak forests. It serves as a habitat for various species of flora and fauna typical of the region's semi-desert ecosystem.
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Sierra de San Pedro Mártir is home to the highest peak in Baja California and houses Mexico's National Astronomical Observatory. The park features pristine pine forests and is one of the last remaining habitats for California Condors in Mexico. Its clear skies and high altitude make it ideal for astronomical observation.
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Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano is a marine park protecting a complex system of coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The park consists of 23 coral reefs and provides habitat for numerous marine species. It's an important site for marine research and recreational activities like diving and snorkeling.
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Tula is an important archaeological site featuring the remains of the ancient Toltec capital city. The site is known for its distinctive warrior columns and pyramid structures. The archaeological zone contains well-preserved architectural elements including the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl and the Burnt Palace.
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Tulum is a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city perched on cliffs along the Caribbean coast. The ruins are one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites and were one of the last cities built by the Maya. The site is famous for its dramatic location and well-preserved structures including El Castillo.
DESCRIPTION:
This national park features one of Mexico's most active volcanoes and the surrounding protected area. The volcano reaches an elevation of 4,260 meters and is known for its periodic volcanic activity. The park offers hiking trails and views of the volcanic landscape.
DESCRIPTION:
This protected area encompasses the western coastal region of Cozumel Island. It features coral reefs, mangrove forests, and diverse marine ecosystems. The area is particularly important for sea turtle nesting and marine biodiversity conservation.
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Xicoténcatl National Park is located in the state of Tamaulipas and protects an area of native vegetation. The park features diverse flora and fauna typical of the region. It serves as an important ecological corridor and recreational area for local communities.
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Zoquiapan is a protected area that preserves pine and oak forests in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The park provides important watershed protection and habitat for various species. It features diverse landscapes including mountains, valleys, and streams.