10 Things to Do in El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Located in the Sonoran Desert in the northwest of Mexico, El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a unique experience of the desert. A protected area of over 3,000 square kilometres, it is home to an array of landscapes, including sand dunes, volcanic mountains, and cinder cones. Home to a wide variety of plants and animals, El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of the desert. Here are 10 things to do when visiting this incredible area.
1. Explore the Volcanic Mountains
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is home to several volcanic mountains, including Cerro Colorado, Cerro La Reina, and Cerro El Pinacate. These mountains are a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of the desert. Visitors can hike up the mountains and take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert.
2. Visit the Cinder Cones
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is home to several cinder cones, including Cerro Colorado, Cerro La Reina, and Cerro El Pinacate. These cinder cones are a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of the desert. Visitors can hike up the cinder cones and take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert.
3. Explore the Sand Dunes
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is home to several sand dunes, including Cerro Colorado, Cerro La Reina, and Cerro El Pinacate. These sand dunes are a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of the desert. Visitors can hike up the sand dunes and take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert.
4. Visit the El Pinacate Visitor Center
The El Pinacate Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can learn about the history, culture, and ecology of the area, as well as view exhibits and watch a short film about the reserve.
5. Take a Wildlife Safari
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is home to an array of wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, lizards, and birds. Visitors can take a wildlife safari and observe these animals in their natural habitat.
6. Visit the San Ignacio Mission
The San Ignacio Mission is a 17th-century mission located in the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can explore the mission and learn about its history and the people who lived there.
7. Go Camping
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a great place to go camping. Visitors can pitch a tent and enjoy the beauty of the desert under the stars.
8. Go Birdwatching
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is home to an array of bird species, including roadrunners, quail, and hawks. Visitors can go birdwatching and observe these birds in their natural habitat.
9. Go Hiking
The El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a great place to go hiking. Visitors can explore the desert on foot and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Take a Jeep Tour
Visitors can take a jeep tour of the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. A knowledgeable guide will take visitors on an off-road adventure and share stories and information about the area.