ADVC El Gavilan

I visited this location with a group of college students for a conservation and service trip. The guides that took us through the mountains of El Gavilan were amazing people who harbor so much knowledge of the areas flora and fauna. The trip included a ride from the town at the base of the mountain to the area where the hike was to be completed. We rode up in the back of a truck since not all vehicles can make the journey up. The students were excited about this part of the journey and added so much excitement to the trip. We stopped at a high point in the mountain to take a 30 minute hike through the jungle where we helped to dismount trail cameras to later monitor the local wildlife. Along the way, the guides provided helpful insight into how the area came to be protected land, how different plants can be used for medicine, how the wildlife interacts with the plants and ways for the preservation of this land can continue. Our trip even included locally made tamales for lunch, which were delicious! The guides also took us to an area where there are several mandarin trees and picked some fresh for us to snack on. Hiking through the jungle was an experience unlike any other, the views were amazing and you can spot indigenous communities living higher up in the mountains. It was an educational and impactful part of our trip that I will never forget. Make the time on your trip to experience it!

5/5

I participated in a jungle trekking with them and it was a truly great experience, genuine and in full contact with nature and the local culture. Even more importantly, far away from mass tourism and confusion. I thoroughly recommend it. A special thanks to Alessandro Nicoletti and Keep the Planet for allowing me to discover this reality.

5/5

Today I had one of the most beautiful experiences here in Mexico: hiking the trails of the pumas! El Gavilán is a place I will always carry in my heart... There are easy goodbyes and others that bring tears to your eyes because you know that places like this are exceptionally beautiful. I hiked these trails with a true Zapotec gentleman, and it was a great honor for me. If you're ever in the area, don't miss this unique experience. Immerse yourselves in these ancient forests, just like the pumas! Thank you to KEEP THE PLANET for this experience!!

5/5

El Gavilán is a place that connects you with nature in a profound and authentic way. The trail isn't marked, and that's precisely what makes it so special: walking without marked paths allows you to follow your intuition, listen to the forest, and truly feel part of it. The landscapes are breathtaking, the tranquility absolute, and the connection with nature complete. Furthermore, the focus on conservation is inspiring; here, you don't just go sightseeing, you learn and support a project that protects the environment and promotes positive change. The guides are kind, passionate, and share their knowledge with a deep love for the land. Definitely an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. 🌿✨

5/5

The El Gavilán Rainforest near the town of Cozoeltepec is a gift of nature. Thanks to the conservation efforts of the group that maintains it and the camera traps they set, you can observe diverse animals such as ocelots, pumas, coatis, armadillos, raccoons, and skunks, as well as impressive flora. We visited after the rainy season, so we couldn't do the trail up the hill, but instead, we took an alternative route through the virgin rainforest, which was quite an adventure. Virgilio and Alejandro know the area perfectly since they were born there and give detailed explanations of the rainforest vegetation. In each explanation, it's clear that this rainforest is their life, and they convey that passion. Thank you for everything!

5/5