Benito Juárez National Park

Benito Juárez Overview

Benito Juárez National Park, known as Parque Nacional Benito Juárez in Spanish, is located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It covers an area of approximately 10.18 square miles (26.37 square kilometers) and is situated in the Sierra Norte mountain range, northeast of the city of Oaxaca.

The park is known for its rugged terrain, with steep slopes and deep valleys that are part of the larger Sierra Madre de Oaxaca. One of the most notable features of the park is Cerro San Felipe, a prominent peak that rises to an elevation of over 10,433 feet (3,180 meters) and provides sweeping views of the surrounding forests and valleys.

The park’s landscapes are covered in dense cloud forests at higher elevations, while pine-oak woodlands dominate the lower regions. The vegetation includes a variety of tree species such as Mexican pine, oak, and sweetgum, along with a rich understory of ferns, orchids, and mosses that thrive in the humid mountain climate.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to encounter many species unique to the region. Mammals found within Benito Juárez National Park include white-tailed deer, pumas, and small mammals such as ringtails and gray foxes. The area is also a critical habitat for various bat species that play an important role in pollination.

Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to the park due to its rich avian diversity, which includes species such as the mountain trogon, red warbler, and the endemic dwarf jay. The park’s location in a transition zone between tropical and temperate ecosystems makes it a hotspot for bird migration, especially in certain seasons when species from North and South America pass through.

Visitors to Benito Juárez National Park can explore a range of outdoor activities that make the most of its mountainous landscapes and lush forests. Hiking is a popular way to experience the park, with several trails winding through the cloud forests and leading to scenic viewpoints such as the summit of Cerro San Felipe. Many of the trails offer opportunities for wildlife observation and photography, particularly in the early morning when birds and mammals are most active.

Mountain biking is another favored activity, with rugged trails that challenge riders with steep inclines and descents. Camping is permitted in designated areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park. The park is also known for its proximity to indigenous Zapotec communities, where visitors can experience traditional culture, crafts, and cuisine while learning about the local conservation efforts undertaken by these communities.

Conservation efforts in Benito Juárez National Park focus on protecting its forests and wildlife from threats such as deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change. The park’s elevation and diverse microclimates make it vulnerable to shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns, which can impact its ecosystems.

However, there have been significant conservation successes, particularly in the form of community-led initiatives that emphasize sustainable tourism and reforestation projects. Local organizations and indigenous groups have worked together to maintain the park’s trails, promote environmental education, and develop eco-friendly tourism programs that benefit both the environment and the local economy. These efforts have helped preserve the park’s rich biodiversity while also providing economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

Park Map

Benito Juárez National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s high-altitude forests, rich understory, and open clearings provide habitat for a diverse range of bird species, from hummingbirds to powerful raptors.

Bumblebee Hummingbird (Selasphorus heloisa)
One of the smallest hummingbirds in the world, this tiny bird is a rapid flyer that feeds on nectar from the park’s flowers. It plays a crucial role in pollination.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
A colorful bird with a shimmering green back and a deep red belly, the mountain trogon is a quiet but stunning inhabitant of the park’s forests.

White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis)
This small hummingbird has a striking white stripe behind its eyes. It is commonly seen flitting among flowering plants in the park.

Gray-barred Wren (Campylorhynchus megalopterus)
A loud and social bird, this wren is often seen in family groups moving through the forest, searching for insects and small fruits.

Red Warbler (Cardellina rubra)
A beautiful and striking bird with bright red plumage, the red warbler is found in the park’s montane forests, where it forages for insects.

Blue-throated Motmot (Aspatha gularis)
A secretive but stunning bird, the blue-throated motmot has bright blue and green feathers and a long, racket-tipped tail. It prefers dense understory habitats.

Collared Towhee (Pipilo ocai)
This ground-dwelling songbird scratches through leaf litter in search of seeds and insects. It has a distinctive black and white head pattern.

Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys)
A striking bird with a golden-yellow face and black-and-white wings, this woodpecker is commonly seen in the park’s trees, searching for insects in the bark.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor, the broad-winged hawk soars over the park’s forests, hunting for small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Mountain Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma)
A small but fierce nocturnal hunter, the mountain pygmy-owl preys on insects, small birds, and rodents. It is often heard calling at dusk.

Benito Juárez National Park, located in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a high-altitude cloud forest and pine-oak ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife. The park’s rugged terrain, cool climate, and rich biodiversity make it an important refuge for many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This elusive and beautifully patterned wild cat is a skilled nocturnal hunter. Ocelots roam the park’s forests, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles while using their spotted coats for camouflage.

Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
A smaller and more arboreal relative of the ocelot, the margay is an agile climber that hunts in the treetops. It has large eyes for excellent night vision and preys on birds, rodents, and insects.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
This common herbivore is an important part of the park’s ecosystem. White-tailed deer graze on leaves, grasses, and fruits and serve as prey for predators like coyotes and wildcats.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
Coyotes are adaptable and thrive in the park’s forests and open areas. They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on small mammals, birds, and plant matter.

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small and agile fox is known for its ability to climb trees. It is nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits, small animals, and insects.

Mexican Hairy Dwarf Porcupine (Coendou mexicanus)
A slow-moving, tree-dwelling rodent, this porcupine has a prehensile tail and spiny coat for protection. It primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and bark.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A non-venomous constrictor, this large snake helps control rodent populations in the park. It is often found in forested areas and rocky habitats.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
This large, fast-moving lizard thrives in rocky and sunlit areas of the park. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on flowers, fruits, and leaves.

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum – local populations)
A rare and fascinating amphibian, the axolotl is a permanently aquatic salamander that retains its juvenile features throughout life. It is an important species for ecological studies.

Cloud Forest Tree Frog (Tlalocohyla smithii)
This small, brightly colored frog is an indicator of the park’s healthy cloud forest environment. It is nocturnal and relies on moist habitats near streams.