El Veladero National Park

El Veladero Overview

El Veladero National Park, or Parque Nacional El Veladero in Spanish, is a protected natural area located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Covering approximately 9.87 square miles (25.57 square kilometers), it is situated in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, overlooking the famous resort city of Acapulco.

The park serves as a crucial ecological zone, offering a natural escape from the bustling urban environment below. With its elevated terrain, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of Acapulco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, making it a valued conservation and recreational area.

The landscape of El Veladero National Park is characterized by rolling hills, rugged mountainous areas, and deep ravines. The park’s altitude varies, creating diverse microclimates that support a rich array of vegetation. Dry tropical forests dominate the lower elevations, while semi-deciduous forests thrive in the higher regions.

These forests consist of tree species such as cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens), copal (Bursera spp.), and various species of oak. In the rainy season, the park comes alive with lush greenery, while the dry season transforms it into a more arid environment with scattered patches of dense vegetation.

The park is home to an array of wildlife, providing refuge for numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Some of the key mammals found within El Veladero include white-tailed deer, ocelots, armadillos, and coyotes. The park’s bird population is particularly diverse, making it a great destination for birdwatching.

Notable avian species include the military macaw, which is a vibrant green parrot, and the white-fronted parrot, both of which add a splash of color to the tree canopy. Raptors such as hawks and eagles can also be seen soaring above the park’s rugged terrain. Reptiles like iguanas and various snake species are common throughout the park, adapting well to its warm climate.

One of the main attractions of El Veladero National Park is its scenic viewpoints, offering sweeping vistas of Acapulco and its surrounding coastline. Visitors often hike to these high-altitude spots to take in the stunning sunsets and witness the city lights shimmering at night.

The park also has historical significance, as it played a role in Mexico’s War of Independence. The area was used as a strategic location by insurgent forces under the command of José María Morelos, and there are memorials within the park that commemorate this period of history.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in El Veladero, with trails leading through its rugged terrain, offering both leisurely walks and more challenging routes for experienced hikers.

The park provides opportunities for nature photography, wildlife observation, and picnicking in designated areas. Local guides are available for those who wish to learn more about the region’s ecology and history while exploring the trails.

Despite its beauty and ecological importance, El Veladero National Park faces conservation challenges, primarily due to deforestation, illegal land occupation, and the expansion of urban settlements. Efforts have been made to combat these threats through reforestation programs and increased surveillance by park authorities.

Environmental organizations work alongside government agencies to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about the importance of protecting this valuable natural area. Successes include ongoing conservation projects aimed at restoring degraded areas and preserving the park’s biodiversity for future generations.

Park Map

El Veladero National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

El Veladero National Park’s coastal forests, cliffs, and open landscapes provide habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and seabirds.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars over cliffs and open landscapes, hunting small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus)
A powerful raptor, the black hawk-eagle hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles, soaring high above the park’s forests.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
With its long wingspan and distinctive red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird is often seen soaring over the coastline, sometimes harassing other birds to steal food.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A common sight along the coast, brown pelicans dive dramatically into the water to catch fish with their expandable throat pouches.

Rufous-bellied Chachalaca (Ortalis wagleri)
A loud and social bird, the chachalaca is often seen in groups, foraging in the park’s trees for fruits and seeds.

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the military macaw is a vibrant green parrot that nests in cliffside crevices and feeds on nuts and fruits.

Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
A curious and social bird, the groove-billed ani is often seen in flocks searching for insects, small reptiles, and fruits in open areas.

Blue Bunting (Cyanocompsa parellina)
A small but striking blue songbird, the blue bunting is often found near shrubs and forest edges, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A scavenger and opportunistic hunter, the crested caracara is frequently seen in open areas, feeding on carrion, small mammals, and reptiles.

El Veladero National Park, located in Guerrero, Mexico, is a coastal mountainous region overlooking Acapulco. It features tropical dry forests, rocky cliffs, and seasonal rivers, creating a unique environment for a variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians adapted to warm, semi-arid conditions.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A beautiful and elusive wild cat, the ocelot is a nocturnal predator that hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the dense forests of the park.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
A highly adaptable predator, the coyote thrives in the park’s dry forests and open areas, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, playing an essential role in the ecosystem.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These small, pig-like mammals move in groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, and helping to disperse seeds in the forest.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A nocturnal burrowing mammal, the nine-banded armadillo digs in the soil for insects and larvae, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal, raccoon-like mammal, the ring-tailed cat is an agile climber that hunts for insects, rodents, and small birds in rocky and forested areas.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous snake that blends well into the rocky terrain, the black-tailed rattlesnake preys on small mammals and birds.

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
One of the most easily recognizable reptiles in the park, the green iguana is often seen basking on tree branches and feeds primarily on leaves and fruits.

Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum)
One of the few venomous lizards in the world, the Mexican beaded lizard is a slow-moving but powerful predator that feeds on eggs, small vertebrates, and insects.

Morelet’s Tree Frog (Agalychnis moreletii)
A vibrantly colored amphibian, this tree frog thrives in the park’s humid areas and is an important indicator of environmental health.