Sea turtle and wildlife conservation expedition in Oaxaca, Mexico

On the first day, we will take you to Manialtepec, a town known for its strong connection with horses and its typically Mexican rural environment, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. We will begin with an introduction to the program, followed by a leisurely ride to get acquainted with the horses and the natural beauty of San José Manialtepec.
Our team will provide support from the airport to this exciting project by public transport, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

On the second day, get ready to embark on an enriching adventure in Manialtepec. We'll embark on a scenic one-hour hike, tracing the path along the river, occasionally crossing its currents. Our destination? The soothing hot spring waters, a place that has been cherished by the indigenous Chatino communities of Manialtepec for generations as a source of natural healing. Today, you can rejuvenate your body and soul by immersing yourself in these rejuvenating waters, leaving you feeling utterly relaxed and refreshed, just like the locals have experienced for centuries.

On the third morning, we'll dive into the local culture as Eneida teaches us how to make tortillas and traditional Mexican dishes.
Later in the afternoon, we'll head to the beach, crossing the river by boat, offering opportunities to spot birds and maybe even some small crocodiles! As the sun sets, we'll join together for a beach cleanup at Puerto Suelo, followed by a beachfront bonfire, providing a chance to stargaze beneath the brilliant night sky. And during the rainy season, you might be treated to the enchanting sight of fireflies!

On the fourth day, we'll visit the stunning Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, which spans a vast area of 132 square kilometers. This place is a natural wonderland, with lush mangrove forests, calm lagoons, and a diverse range of wildlife. We'll team up with the local group 'Ecoturismo y Aventura Lagunas de Chacahua' to help with conservation tasks like planting trees or monitoring crocodiles. And as part of our nature experience, we'll take a boat expedition through the expansive lagoon, passing by the magnificent mangrove forests and cruising through beautiful tree tunnels

Day 5 marks your first free day! A fantastic choice is exploring Puerto Escondido, where you can bask in the beauty of Carrizalillo Beach or Coral. Take a dip and spot turtles feeding among the rocks! And don't forget to savor a delicious meal in this vibrant surfer city.

On the sixth day, our journey takes us to Escobilla, where we'll witness the mesmerizing arribada phenomenon, a breathtaking spectacle, where thousands of turtles nest simultaneously. As part of this extraordinary experience, we'll release baby turtles into the sea as the sun sets, all under the care of Centro Ecoturistico Escobilla.

On the 7th day, we'll team up with Escobilla's young environmental brigade, participating in an engaging environmental awareness workshop and taking part in sustainability initiatives. As the night falls, we'll lend our support to the local group, aiding in the protection of sea turtles. This involves collecting and safeguarding nests in a hatchery, where the group will protect them until the baby turtles emerge.

On the 9th day, we'll journey to Ventanilla for a day of exploration. We'll embark on a small boat to discover their ecotourism project—an area dedicated to wildlife management. Here, they provide sanctuary for a small group of rescued deer, under the care of the environmental police, along with Yupi, a rescued monkey, and baby crocodiles. These young crocodiles will be released after their first year, which is the most vulnerable period for them. Following our wildlife encounter, we'll collaborate with Ventanilla's environmental brigade, much like we did in Escobilla.

On the 9th day, we're joining Azul Profundo, a local ecotourism group, along with passionate young biologists from SICEA to monitor marine life, with a special focus on whales.
In the morning, we'll hop on a boat, spotting and documenting various species. Plus, we'll take some time for snorkeling in a beautiful Puerto Angel bay. Later, during whale season (from November to March), we'll head to Mazunte to continue our quest for these majestic creatures.
The day wraps up at Punta Cometa, Mexico's most breathtaking cliff, where you can witness both sunrise and sunset.

On the 8th day, you'll have the incredible opportunity to explore Huatulco and its stunning bays, national park, or enchanting waterfalls during your free day.

On the 11th day, we'll venture into El Gavilan Jungle, a sprawling evergreen forest covering 1,130 hectares and guarded by 70 individuals born in this very land. Their commitment to conservation led them to dedicate themselves to protect this pristine habitat. During our visit, we'll actively contribute to these efforts by utilizing camera traps to monitor wildlife, planting fruit trees to sustain the local fauna, and engaging in ecotourism activities. After a full afternoon of hiking, we'll camp surrounded by the captivating sounds of the jungle. This night presents a unique opportunity for wildlife monitoring, providing chances to encounter armadillos, deer, and owls before going to sleep.

As the 12th day dawns in the jungle, we'll taste freshly brewed coffee by the morning fire. After packing up, our path leads us to Morro Ayuta, a wild and breathtaking beach, where we'll rest for the afternoon and connect with the last community on our adventure.

As our last free day, we propose an enriching tour that takes you through two additional communities. Our journey commences in San Pedro de Huamelula, a community brimming with history and renowned for its unique rural enterprises, including the production of corn-based beer and Iviscus wine. Be sure to visit the captivating local church before we head to our final destination: the awe-inspiring Chipehua Dunes. Here, you'll be treated to a surreal landscape: a coastal desert adorned with graceful sand dunes that stretch towards the sea.

On our final day, we'll have the privilege of spending it with the traditional bread bakers of Huamelula, right in the Río Seco community. We'll dive into the art of breadmaking, getting our hands doughy and enjoying the hands-on experience. As the day turns to night, we'll head to the beach for a heartfelt farewell to the turtles, in the world's second most important nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles.

On this day, we'll be wrapping things up as we head to the airport for you to either continue your own journey or return home. It might be the least eventful day, but it marks the end of a remarkable adventure.