Mexico's Nature & Wildlife in Puerto Escondido - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Escondido, Evening Bioluminescence Tour 

Hola, and welcome to Mexico! Touch down in Puerto Escondido, a laid-back port town on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, famed for its vibrant wildlife, golden beaches, and buzzing nightlife. Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver will meet you for your transfer to your accommodation in Puerto Escondido. Take some time to settle in before meeting your guide at nearby Playa Puerto Suelo to enjoy a beautiful beachfront sunset. Once the sun goes down, another spectacle begins. 

Board a boat and cruise to Laguna de Manialtepec, a coastal lagoon renowned for its bioluminescent microorganisms that live in the water. Watch as the bioluminescence curves around the boat and illuminates the water. While this experience is beautiful on any night, it's particularly lovely on a new moon when the sky is dark, and the colors light up everything around you. The experience will take around 1.5 hours, and afterward, you'll return to your accommodation.

Day 2: Chacahua Lagoons National Park Cruise, Surf Lesson

This morning, embark on a guided nautical safari through Chacahua Lagoons National Park, one of the most spectacular natural protected areas on Oaxaca's coast. You'll spend six incredible hours exploring two lagoons, Chacahua and Pastoria. Board a boat and cruise between the lush mangroves, spotting different species such as crocodiles, iguanas, spoonbills, storks, and herons. The lagoons are also home to three species of sea turtles, including the Laud, Carey, and Golfina turtles. Stop at Chacahua Bay, where you'll have time to relax and swim in the turquoise waters.

After the cruise, arrive in Zapotalito, where you'll disembark. In the afternoon, try your hand at surfing with a lesson at one of the Oaxacan coast's famous beaches. The region is renowned for its surfing culture, so it's the perfect place to catch a wave. Your surf lesson will include transfers to and from your hotel, certified instructors, and surf equipment. 

Day 3: Kayak in Laguna de Manialtepec, Whale Watching Tour

You've seen the wonders of the Laguna de Manialtepec by night—now explore it at sunrise. You'll wake up at dawn for a five-hour guided exploration of the lagoon by kayak. As you glide through the leafy jungle and mangroves, spot the many colorful birds and reptiles, such as iguanas, parrots, falcons, kingfishers, spoonbills, and ospreys. Kayak 3 miles (5 km) toward the beach and the Río Manialtepec, watching the mangroves come alive with birdsong and animal calls at sunrise. 

Later on, venture out on a whale watching tour. Every year between the months of December and April, humpback whales arrive in the warm waters off the coast of Oaxaca to give birth to their calves, and you'll have the chance to witness this exciting phenomenon. Board the boat with a team of humpback whale experts, ready to share fascinating information about these remarkable creatures. Keep your eyes peeled and watch in awe as whales breach and frolic in the ocean. As the whales are wild animals, it can't be guaranteed you'll spot them; however, it's rare not to find any at all during the season. 

Day 4: Free Morning in Puerto Escondido, Sunset Turtle Release 

Puerto Escondido is a vibrant beach and cultural destination, and you'll have the morning to explore it all. Take a dip in the ocean at sugary white beaches like Carrizalillo, Principal, Puerto Angelito, and Bacocho, or watch seasoned surfers take on the towering waves at Playa Zicatela. Then make your way to the downtown area to get to know the rich culture of the region. Explore the Mercado Benito Juárez for colorful handicrafts and local specialties, or enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.  

At sunset, head to the beach to experience a two-hour educational eco-tour about sea turtles. Learn how these cute creatures are endangered and why it's so critical to protect them and their natural habitats. As the sun sets, you'll release the turtles into the sea, watching them make their way to the ocean to start their life. 

Day 5: Depart Puerto Escondido

Your eco-adventure through Puerto Escondido comes to an end today. When it's time to depart, your private driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Adiós!

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