Nature/Adventure/Ecotourism
El Refugio de Potosí
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It is located in the lower rainforest of the coastal region of Playa Blanca, Guerrero. The climate is tropical, warm sub-humid with an average yearly rainfall of 1100mm. There is a prolonged drought during the months of November through May, followed by a rainy season during the months of June through October. A peculiar characteristic of this tropical rainforest is that the great majority of the trees lose their leaves during the dry season; and, it is not easy for a jungle like this to catch fire naturally, some scientists consider that certain compounds present in the dry leaves and the wood can inhibit combustion. The trees here do not grow as close to each other as they do in humid jungles, so more light reaches the jungle floor, especially when some of the species have lost their foliage. The availability of light on the floor provokes a very dense inferior plant growth. These rainforests are known for their numerous endemic species of plants, reptiles, mammals and invertebrates. They are also the refuge of many rare and endangered species in Mexico, offering them nutritional resources and protection. El Refugio de Potosí is located one kilometer and a half away from the popular Playa Blanca, some 25 kilometers from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo taking the highway to Acapulco. It is an ideal location for one-day trips around the area. This ecologic park has the following attractions:Observation Tower with Panoramic View: Enjoy the view of the area from the birds' viewpoint. Climb up to our 15-meter high observation platform that is shaded and secure. Receive the cool breeze as you enjoy the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Visually explore the nearby lagoons, mountains and jungles. Tropical Path: Observe numerous species of native plants while taking a stroll down our interpretive paths. Many plants have signs with their common and scientific names, as well as their uses. Pay special attention to our growing collection of local bromeliads, the epiphysial as well as the floor variety. The path is not paved; it is made of soil, but is it accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Butterfly Observatory: Legend has it that butterflies transported departed souls to the next world...this is not hard to believe because of their beauty and frailty. Walk through tranquil ponds, creeks and waterfalls in our Butterfly Observatory with exuberant vegetation. Enjoy our native species flying freely and fluttering around you. Observe their complete life cycle in our reproduction areas. (Next September 2009). Iguanas: They are as old as dinosaurs. Even though they were once abundant in Mexico, they are now endangered because of the loss of their habitat and human depredation. Visit our iguana observatory and take a look at green and black iguanas in all phases of their development. Children will enjoy walking through our terrarium where they will be able to see very young and baby iguanas. Macaws: Given their special insolence, glorious colors, great intelligence and their susceptible and curious natures, these enormous parrots of the New World are charming. They have long, monogamous lives, they only have one mate in their whole lives. Sadly, in the wild they are endangered because of their illegal capture and the loss of their habitat. At El Refugio you have the opportunity to sit in the shade next to the pond and enjoy observing our macaws squeal, talk and play. Hummingbirds: Present only in the American Continent, these minute birds fly suspended in the air because of their wings' high-speed flapping that produces their characteristic humming. With their brilliant colors and metallic iridescence, we are captivated by their beauty and astonished at their aggressive territoriality. Enjoy watching them while they feed from the nectar present in plants and in our abundant feeders. HOURS General Admission Children younger than 10: How to get there by public transportation:From Zihuatanejo: Taxi: Plan your Visit:
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