| Keyword |
Description |
| Biodiversity |
The huge range of living things in one area, from tiny insects to tall trees and wild animals |
| Conservation |
Efforts and actions taken by people to protect animals, plants, and their habitats so they survive and thrive |
| Ecosystem |
A community made of living organisms and their environment, working together as one balanced system |
Mexico is one of the world’s most megadiverse countries, which means it has a huge range of different animals and plants—about 10–12% of all life on Earth. The country ranks first for reptile diversity, second for mammals, and fourth for plant species. Lots of its reptiles and amphibians are endemic, meaning you’ll only see them in Mexico. This incredible biodiversity makes Mexico a dream for wildlife fans.
If you want to get close to nature, there’s nowhere better. In Baja California Sur, the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortés) is bursting with marine life. Warm lagoons host gray whales that migrate 10,000 kilometers from the Arctic every year to have their babies. You may even meet whale sharks in La Paz—these gentle giants are the largest fish on Earth. Sea lions and playful pups live on Espíritu Santo island and around Cabo Pulmo, a reef that bounced back thanks to local conservation efforts.
Venture into the jungles of Calakmul in Yucatán, where Mayan pyramids peek through green treetops and jaguars rule the forest. The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve protects five wild cat species and over 400 bird species. Spotting a jaguar is rare, but seeing spider monkeys swing through ancient ruins is unforgettable.
Head to Michoacán for one of nature’s coolest events: the migration of monarch butterflies. From November to March, millions swarm the forests after traveling 4,500 kilometers. The scene—orange wings covering trees—is pure magic.
Explore Sian Ka’an near Tulum and glide through turquoise lagoons, mangroves, and wetlands, watching dolphins, crocodiles, and hundreds of birds. The area has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to strong ecosystem protection.
The Oaxacan coast offers another unique adventure. Local communities protect mangroves, release turtles, and care for crocodiles. Visitors help with turtle releases and learn about grassroots nature conservation.
Finally, if you’re up for real adventure, explore the Lacandón Jungle in Chiapas. Here, you might see scarlet macaws, tapirs, and vibrant flora. Staying at eco-lodges run by Lacandón Maya means a deep cultural and environmental experience in a truly wild rainforest.
With every stop, teenagers get a taste of Mexico’s remarkable wild places—and the value of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems for the future.
Time to discuss
- What makes Mexico’s biodiversity so unique compared to other countries?
- How does conservation change the future for animals and people?
- Which ecosystem would you want to visit in Mexico, and why?
