El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
Location: Sonora Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area in the state of Sonora, Mexico. It covers over 2.7 million acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, as well as unique geological formations.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve include:
History: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for thousands of years. The reserve has also played an important role in the history of exploration and scientific discovery. In the 19th century, a number of expeditions were launched to explore the area, including the famous expedition led by German geographer and naturalist Gerhard Rohlfs.
Family-Friendly Activities: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The name "Pinacate" for the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve comes from the Náhuatl language word "pinacatl", which means "black beetle". This name was given to the area because of the abundance of a particular species of beetle called the Pinacate beetle, also known as the stink beetle, which is endemic to the Sonoran Desert.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is 130 pesos (approximately $6.50 USD) per person. Children under 13, senior citizens, and students with valid identification receive a 50% discount.
How to Reach it: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is located in the state of Sonora, approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of the city of Puerto Peñasco. The nearest major airport is the General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada International Airport in Mexicali, which is located approximately 330 km (205 miles) west of the site. There are regular buses and taxis available from Puerto Peñasco to the site.
Puerto Peñasco is well-connected by public transportation. There are several options for getting there:
To reach the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve from the United States, you can drive from the nearest major city, which is Phoenix, Arizona. The reserve is located approximately 210 miles (340 km) south of Phoenix, and the drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
To get to the reserve from Phoenix, you can take Interstate 10 west until you reach Exit 112, which is the exit for the town of Gila Bend. From Gila Bend, you can take Arizona Route 85 south for approximately 45 miles (72 km) until you reach the town of Ajo. From Ajo, continue on Arizona Route 85 for approximately 42 miles (68 km) until you reach the entrance to the reserve just on the other side of the Lukeville border.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and other accommodations available in the nearby city of Puerto Peñasco
Next Stop: Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area in the state of Sonora, Mexico. It covers over 2.7 million acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, as well as unique geological formations.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve include:
- The Gran Desierto de Altar, a vast area of sand dunes that covers over 1,300 square miles
- The Pinacate volcanic field, which contains over 400 volcanic vents and cones, as well as lava flows and other geological formations
- The Sierra Pinacate, a mountain range that includes several peaks over 6,000 feet in elevation
- The Sonoran Desert, which is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the endangered Sonoran pronghorn
- The craters and cinder cones created by past volcanic activity, which provide a unique glimpse into the area's geological history
History: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for thousands of years. The reserve has also played an important role in the history of exploration and scientific discovery. In the 19th century, a number of expeditions were launched to explore the area, including the famous expedition led by German geographer and naturalist Gerhard Rohlfs.
Family-Friendly Activities: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Hiking and camping in the Sierra Pinacate, which offers stunning views and opportunities to see wildlife
- Exploring the Pinacate volcanic field, including the craters and cinder cones created by past volcanic activity
- Sandboarding and other activities in the Gran Desierto de Altar
- Visiting the on-site museum, which features exhibits on the history and geology of the area
Fun Fact: The name "Pinacate" for the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve comes from the Náhuatl language word "pinacatl", which means "black beetle". This name was given to the area because of the abundance of a particular species of beetle called the Pinacate beetle, also known as the stink beetle, which is endemic to the Sonoran Desert.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is 130 pesos (approximately $6.50 USD) per person. Children under 13, senior citizens, and students with valid identification receive a 50% discount.
How to Reach it: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is located in the state of Sonora, approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of the city of Puerto Peñasco. The nearest major airport is the General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada International Airport in Mexicali, which is located approximately 330 km (205 miles) west of the site. There are regular buses and taxis available from Puerto Peñasco to the site.
Puerto Peñasco is well-connected by public transportation. There are several options for getting there:
- Bus: There are several bus companies that operate routes to Puerto Peñasco from various cities in Mexico and the United States. Some of the major bus companies that serve Puerto Peñasco include TAP, Greyhound, and Crucero.
- Shuttle Service: There are also several shuttle services that operate between Puerto Peñasco and nearby cities. These services are often more convenient than buses, as they pick up and drop off passengers at specific locations, such as airports and hotels.
- Private Car: If you prefer to have your own transportation, you can rent a car or hire a taxi. There are several rental car agencies located in Puerto Peñasco, and taxis are readily available.
To reach the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve from the United States, you can drive from the nearest major city, which is Phoenix, Arizona. The reserve is located approximately 210 miles (340 km) south of Phoenix, and the drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
To get to the reserve from Phoenix, you can take Interstate 10 west until you reach Exit 112, which is the exit for the town of Gila Bend. From Gila Bend, you can take Arizona Route 85 south for approximately 45 miles (72 km) until you reach the town of Ajo. From Ajo, continue on Arizona Route 85 for approximately 42 miles (68 km) until you reach the entrance to the reserve just on the other side of the Lukeville border.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and other accommodations available in the nearby city of Puerto Peñasco
- Hotel Araiza San Luis - This hotel is located in the nearby city of San Luis Rio Colorado and offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and on-site dining.
- Hacienda Los Algodones - This hotel is located in the town of Los Algodones and offers spacious rooms, a pool, and beautiful gardens.
- Motel El Camino - This budget-friendly option is located in the town of Puerto Peñasco and offers clean, basic rooms for those on a tight budget.
- Hotel Paraiso del Desierto - This hotel is located in the town of Puerto Peñasco and offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and easy access to the beach.
- Hotel La Casona - This boutique hotel is located in the town of Caborca and offers stylish rooms, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
- Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort - This luxury resort offers a range of amenities and activities
Next Stop: Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino