The state of Oaxaca has much to offer to ecotourists who dare venturing to this little-known region in Southern Mexico, well off the tourism beaten-track.

Few visitors to Oaxaca would dispute that its Pacific coast and sierra are endowed with great natural beauty, well preserved thanks to the natural ecological conscientiousness of its population, and sensible policies from its government.

Once a coffee paradise, until tourists took over

Along the Pacific Coast, the natural freshwater lagoons of Manialtepec and Chacahua have always been my favorite. Encircled by mangroves, they are home to an abundance of unique bird species, not even matched by the number of bird watchers along the main road between the two lagoons. Within a short bike ride, you can see local bird habitats as biodiverse as low jungle, middle jungle or rain forest, all in different types of open fields and humid zones such as estuaries and ponds.

Out of the eleven species of sea turtle that still exist today, nine come to the Mexican coasts, and the destination of four of those is the Oaxaca littoral where they nest and reproduce. Sea turtles definitely have good taste. The only research and preservation center for sea turtles, el Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, is located close to Puerto Angel, and includes a small museum whose exhibits are a must-see for any self-respecting ecotraveler.

Farther south along the coast, you'll find the 3,000 acres of jungle surrounding the Espino and De Los Machos hills, close to Huatulco. This protected area harbors 23 species of mammals and 55 species of birds, several of them in danger of extinction.

Lush tropical vegetation sprawls along the coast

While there, pay a visit to one of the many picturesque coffee plantations, mostly around Santa Maria Huatulco, San Miguel del Puerto and Pluma Hidalgo on the way to Puerto Escondido. All are surrounded by miles of explorable tropical forest trails, and plantation owners will readily provide lodging and ecotours at an unbeatable price.

The rugged mountain chain of Sierra Juarez, inland on the way to Mexico City, is also well known for its unique ecodiversity, with 6,000 species of plants - 80% of the country's total - in a few hundred square miles. Other natural wonders include pristine rain forest 1,000 feet above sea level, right next to icy canyons.

The biodiversity of the area is staggering: 400 species of reptiles, including two unique to this region and thirteen endangered, share their habitat with tapir, jaguar and spider monkeys, whose characteristic thunderous shriek is as popular as the national anthem with local populations.

Far more than a rest stop between Acapulco and Cancun, Oaxaca will reward travelers with an amazing multitude of eco jewels.