Huatulco National Park

Huatulco National ParkCiudad de HuatulcoThe current Huatulco National Park (HNP) was established as such on July 24, 1998, through a presidential decree that declared this 11,899 hectares (29,403 acres) as a National Park Protected Area.

This zone, which is comprised of 6,375 hectares (15,753 acres) of land, and 5,516 hectares (13,630 acres) of sea area, is the first protected natural area of the state of Oaxaca and the first to have a Conservation and Management Program, which contributes to the protection of biodiversity in the Oaxacan Coastal region.

The HNP is a habitat of species that exist nowhere else in the world, which is why it plays a very important role for conservation on a national and international level for the ’dry’ tropical dry forest ecosystems, mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs. It is also worth mentioning that this area forms part of the natural system that integrates, along with the Copalita-Zimatlan region, one of three major bioregions of the country.

The maritime area of HNP is made up of several officially recognized bays and some virgin bays: San Augustine, Chachacual (Playa Indio), Riscalillo, Cacaluta, Maguey and Organ, Punta Sacrifice to the west and Punta Violin to the east.

Its waters are home to coral communities in the Cacaluta, India, Chachacual, Riscalillo and St. Augustine Bays. Sea Turtles as well as the purple snail, have been attributed cultural value in the region, for example like that of the Mixtec indigenous group since pre-Hispanic times. It is also an important area due to the variety of fish that the local fishermen take advantage of.

Its land area is home to 130 species of mammals, including Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, Deer, Wild Boar, Fresh water otters, Ocelot, Marta, Anteater, among others, and 282 species of birds: eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, owls , parrots, magpies, and about 87 species of reptiles and amphibians such as the Marmot toad, tree frogs, geckos, green and black iguanas, snakes and some 400 species of butterflies.

Given its location within the Huatulco Integrated Development for Tourism, and the interest and beauty of the landscapes that it offers, the Huatulco National Park (HNP) offers many possibilities for tourist activities.

Pictures provided by the Huatulco National Park - Photo 4 provided by Jorge Romo