Parque Ecoturistico San Miguel

Overview

Description

The forest in the Barrio de San Miguel community has a protected category that allows recreational activities within the forest. In addition to the scenic beauty of the forest, there is a bike trail with low impact on the soil, because trails serve as firebreaks.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 8

Percentage of local employees: 100%

The Barrio de San Miguel community owns an extensive forest that was declared a forest protection zone in 1938. No timber extraction is allowed, which means that its owners did not perceive any value for the forest. Many years ago, due to its proximity to the city of Uruapan, the forest was converted into a family recreation area, but there was no control and the area was plagued with garbage, fires, pests, and soil erosion. At present, the community has restored the beauty of the forest and they have organized to form their community ecotourism business, preventing their land from being overtaken by urban sprawl and restoring the true value of the forest.

In order to learn how to administer this new resource, the community sought experience exchanges with other ejidos (communal lands) and indigenous communities, and joined the Community Ecotourism Network of Michoacán, A.C. in 2006. This network is made up of ejidos and forest communities from different regions of Michoacán, which are developing community-based ecotourism businesses as viable alternatives to generate employment and income while helping to conserve the environment. These activities are planned and carried out responsibly, taking the participation of the ejido and community landowners into consideration, without conducting extractive or any other activities that would place the perpetuity of the natural resources.

Rates

$25 or less

Adults: US $1.00. Children and senior citizens: US $0.50.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Morelia (MLM)

Nearest local/national airport: Uruapan (UPN)

This ecotourism park is adjacent to northern Uruapan and only about 2 miles (3.5 km) from the local airport. There are several access routes from the city; tours and guided activities begin at the Benito Juárez monument or the La Cruz lookout.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

January 2008.

Photo courtesy of Parque Ecoturistico San Miguel, Mexico, for SustainableTrip.org.