Mexico is considered a mega-diverse country in terms of biodiversity and Oaxaca and Chiapas are the #1 and #2 states in Mexico with the highest biodiversity! The number of endemic plant species is high. We collaborate with a number of botanist who are experts in this region in a number of specialities - cycads, palms, agaves, etc. Each tour, depending on preference and availability, will be lead by an expert in the area of your interests. An amazing region of the world!
Mexico is considered a mega-diverse country in terms of biodiversity and endemic species and Oaxaca and Chiapas and the most biodiverse states in Mexico. Both have very good remaining habitat & protected areas that host many endemic species. Depending on our specific tour leader, our itinerary will highlight different species. Originally this was an itinerary focused on cycads. However, endemic species tend to cluster and this is certainly the case in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Besides cycads, agaves, orchids, and many other plant families have endemic representatives. Taking this itinerary to the “tour of a lifetime!” status is that the two states are divided by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a biodiversity division between North American species and Meso and South American species. We will also try to include an opportunity for ecological restoration – either a visit to a site or actually getting our hands dirty. With an overlayer a deep pre-Conquest indigenous culture both in Oaxaca and Chiapas, this is a trip of a lifetime!
| Day | Place |
|---|---|
| 1 | Meet in Oaxaca City (OAX) |
| 2 | Oaxaca City Botanical Gardens - Valle Central |
| 3 | Tehuacán - Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve |
| 4 | Tehuacán - Tuxtepec |
| 5 | Tehuacán - Tuxtepec |
| 6 | Tuxtepec -> Tehuantepec or Juchitán |
| 7 | Cerro de las Flores Loop |
| 8 | Oaxaca to Chiapas & La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve |
| 9 | Arriaga -> Tuxtla Gutierrez |
| 10 | Depart |