Mural at the Museo del Desierto (CC photo by Natanvd courtesy of Flickr)

Thousands of square miles across ten states in Mexico is covered by the Chihuahuan desert. While many believe the land is vacant and void of life, a visit to the Museo del Desierto in Saltillo will prove otherwise. Visitors are sure to delight in this expansive living museum that highlights the flora and fauna of the modern land, in addition to an extensive visit into the past.

Dinosaurs and more (CC photo Natanvd courtesy of Flickr)

The museum hosts a stunning collection of pavilions which highlight the various ecosystems found in and around Coahuila. The first dinosaur remains found in the area are a favorite exhibit, as well as the live animal enclosures.

An amazing collection of reptiles, mammals and birds make up the majority of the living portion of the museum and it is fascinating to see how the various species adapt to the dry and supposedly,uninhabitable desert climate.

What is most fascinating is the museum’s ability to marry the fields of anthropology, ecology, paleontology, biology and archeology into one big beautiful ball of knowledge. One of the best indications of how to rate this museum is knowing how many in the scientific community have enjoyed visiting the Museo del Desierto.

Wildlife (CC photo by Natanvd courtesy of Flickr)

Before your trip, visit their website at www.museodeldesierto.org. The site is brilliantly constructed with a very interacted interface that is sure to please children, as well as, their parents. You will be able to see the various exhibits and be notified of upcoming events. It is very informative and a wonderful educational tool when traveling with younger tourists.

Turtles sunning themselves (CC photo by Mbiosis courtesy of Flickr)

The Museo del Desierto is located at Prolongación Pérez Treviño 3745 in Saltillo, Mexico. They are open Tuesday through Sunday and operate from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening.