The Manialtepec Lagoon is located a few kilometers away from Puerto Escondido. It is a place of exceptional beauty, surrounded by exuberant mangrove swamp vegetation. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word manine , which means an animal that crawls, and tepetl , which means place; therefore, the word means place of lizards.

Its tropical location and its diverse ecosystem favor the presence of wild fauna and sea life, for which Manialtepec is considered a nesting place for innumerable birds. Several species of migratory birds also arrive at this place, such as wild ducks, herons and tijerillas birds. The Manialtepec Lagoon has turned into an important tourist attraction. The natural landscape is fascinating due to the long extension of water and the mangrove swamp vegetation.

This lagoon is about 6 kilometers long. There are many small beaches where you can fish for carp, bass and catfish.

Observation of Flora and Fauna

Boat trips and excursions are offered to tourists in the Manialtepec Lagoon. The main attraction is the observation of flora and fauna. The mangrove swamps are the habitat of aquatic birds and singing birds, as well as iguanas. The boat trip gives the visitors the opportunity of seeing the exuberant and rich vegetation, as well as the birds that dart across the sky, which can be seen in all directions. The Lagarto Playa ( Lizard Beach ) is a perfect place to enjoy the landscape, the sun and the sea. The return to Puerto Escondido can be done by water or by land.

It is recommended that you start your trip very early in the morning in order to be able to watch the birds because it is when they are most active due to the less intense heat of the morning. On the other hand, the trip at dusk is perfect to admire the wonderful sunset at the mouth of the lagoon where it meets with the sea. Here it is possible to swim in either in fresh or salt water, and watch the phosphorescence of the water at night during rainy season.

You can also rent kayaks in Manialtepec. You can kayak placidly through the lagoon and get in close touch with nature.

How to get there:

By car

From Puerto Escondido, drive to the west along Federal Highway 200 for 16 kilometers in the direction of Pinotepa Nacional until you come to the turnoff located between the town of Bajos de Chila and San Jose Manialtepec. This is a fully wild territory.

By bus

t is recommended that you go to Puerto Escondido first and take a collective taxi that goes to the lagoon and San Jose Manialtepec.