Road through Sierra Juarez (CC photo by phylevn courtesy of Flickr)

Sierra Juarez is quickly becoming a favorite for Oaxacan locals and visitors as well. This stunning mountain range, also know as Sierra Norte, is located about an hour’s drive Northeast of Oaxaca and offers superb settings for hiking, biking, birdwatching and photography.

A Walk in Sierra Juarez (cc photo by phylevn courtesy of Flickr)

Wild life in Sierra Juarez is high in ratio to the surrounding area and is considered one of the richest places to encounter an amazing collection of species including endangered animals like jaguars and spider monkeys. While the likelihood of encountering larger mammals is relatively low, you probably will enjoy the brilliant colors of butterflies in the area in addition to several smaller mammals, reptiles, insects and birds.  The startling colors and sizes of butterflies in the area make it a hot spot for collectors whose collected specimens from Sierra Juarez are worth upwards of $1000 for one butterfly.

Palo Seco (CC photo by phylevn courtesy of Flickr)

The weather in Sierra Juarez intrigues visitors who, in amazement, move from dry warm desert-like air to moist cold mountains in the short span of an hour. Tourism in Sierra Juarez has only recently, in the last decade, become very popular. Eco tourism is one of the main reasons for the interest in the flora and fauna of this amazing area. Since it’s relatively new to well traveled tours, it is best to make plans in person rather than online. It will also do you well to have an open mind and relatively loose schedule. Like many wilderness adventures in Mexico, traveling through Sierra Juarez should be enjoyed leisurely to take in the beauty.

Scenic views (CC photo by Jerry Oldenettel courtesy of Flickr)