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Biosphere reserve in Mexico
Photo: VelazquezRP, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca and a mixed world heritage site. It is a sprawling area of more than 490,000 hectares of dry, mountainous terrain where forests of tall cacti stand tall against the rocky terrain. The reserve is home to snakes, lizards and several other types of animals equipped to survive in a hot, dry climate.
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Botanical Garden
Desert landscape botanical garden featuring most of the 90 cactus species found in Mexico as well as more than 100 other plant species. A walking trail will take about 1 hour to complete. Early morning visits are best before the heat of the day sets in. The garden consists of a "lower" and an "upper" part. The lower part is a manicured garden with plaques that tell you the species name. The upper garden is wild. Guides are available to accompany you and explain the life and ecology of a cactus, but most guides speak only Spanish.
Small brick cabins are available for rent next to the Jardin Botanico. Tent camping permitted under shelters to either side of the cabin area. Cold showers and flush toilets are available. Camping costs M$150 per person.
From Tehuacán
The nearest city with a major commercial airport is Puebla (PBC).
Hike. There are no marked, improved trails in the reserve once you get past the Jardin Botanico. There are also no roads through the reserve and motorized vehicles are prohibited in all areas.
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Oaxaca · International · OAX
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