Colola Ecotourism Hostel

Overview

Description

In the 1970s, a research camp was set up in Colola to monitor sea turtle nests and ensure that the hatchings could reach the sea. The community is currently responsible for this activity

Colola, in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, is home to the black turtle (Chelonia agassizi). Large "arribadas", when hundreds of turtles come to lay their eggs on the nearly pristine beach, can be appreciated; every year the spectacular hatching of thousands of turtles can be seen, and for this reason a protection program has been launched for the three turtle species (olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea, leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, and above all, the black turtle). Through the turtle conservation program, important activities are offered to ecotourists and volunteers year-round, but mainly from October to March.

The Colola Ecotourism Hostel is an ideal site for seekers of peace; here, you can rest after walking all night looking for turtle nests.

The ecotourism hostel and the turtle hatchery are part of an integral community project.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 10

Percentage of local employees: 100%

El Coíre is a Nahua indigenous community committed to sustainable development. It owns a beautiful territory when you can appreciate different ecosystems with unequalled scenic beauty, from the coniferous forests to the golden beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

There are two ecotourism motels: El Faro de Bucerías and Colola.

In order to learn how to administer this new resource, the El Coíre community sought experience exchanges with other ejidos (communal lands) and indigenous communities and joined the Community Ecotourism Network of Michoacán, A.C. as a founding partner in 2005. This network is made up of ejidos and forest communities from different regions of Michoacán, which are forming community-based ecotourism businesses as viable alternatives to generate employment and income while also 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 at risk.

Rates

$26 – $50

High season: Easter Week (March or April), summer (July and August) and end-of-year vacations (December and January).

Low season: The rest of the year.

Prices, per night, by season:
Single room
High season: US$30
Low season: US$20

Double room
High season: US$40
Low season: US$30

Prices for camping are US$3.00 and US$2.50 per person per night, for the high and low seasons respectively.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Colima (CLQ)

Nearest local/national airport: Coahuayana

We are 70 km from the Coahuayana Airport and we have year-round access. You can reach the center via the Lázaro Cárdenas (Michoacán) - Tecoman (Colima) coastal highway.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

January 2008.

Photos courtesy of Colola Ecotourism Hostel, Mexico, for SustainableTrip.org.