El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve

Photo

by Amante Darmanin from Malta

/ CC BY 2.0

El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, located in the central part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, is one of the largest protected natural areas in Latin America. Covering over 25,000 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including deserts, mountains, wetlands, and coastal areas. The reserve is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species and serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds and marine mammals. Notably, it is a sanctuary for the gray whale, which migrates here annually to breed and give birth in its tranquil lagoons. The reserve also contains significant archaeological sites, highlighting the ancient cultures that once thrived in this region.