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Estero del Yugo Nature Reserve

4.4
·16 reviews·Mazatlán, Mexico

A natural estuary teeming with birdlife and offering a secluded beach, Estero del Yugo is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Best light for birdwatching

CrowdLow
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Crocodile

Estero del Yugo Nature Reserve

Best Time

Early mornings

Best light for birdwatching

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A natural estuary teeming with birdlife and offering a secluded beach, Estero del Yugo is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

4.4
(16 reviews)

"Wow, what a beautiful place, full of nature!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be unmaintained and uneven. Protect your feet and navigate with ease.

🗑️ Pack Out What You Pack In

Help keep this natural gem clean by taking all your trash with you.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatching Paradise

Birdwatching Paradise

Spot ibis, egrets, cormorants, and pelicans in their natural habitat. A haven for avian enthusiasts.

Reddit
Coastal Wildlife

Coastal Wildlife

Keep an eye out for potential sightings of turtles and crocodiles in this unique estuarine environment.

Reddit
Secluded Beach Access

Secluded Beach Access

Discover a private beach area, offering a tranquil escape with beautiful natural surroundings.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Protecting a Fragile Ecosystem

Estero del Yugo is a vital natural habitat, but it's facing challenges. Be mindful of your impact, avoid littering, and stick to designated paths to help preserve this delicate environment for wildlife and future visitors. Reddit

Access and Amenities

While Estero del Yugo offers a glimpse into nature, amenities are limited. Expect unmaintained trails and potential litter. Access might involve navigating through gaps in fencing, so wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Best light for birdwatching
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photography
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Se desbordó el estero del Yugo de Mazatlán horas después de las lluvias u partió La playa Cerritos en dos. Informa Reporteros Asociados
@reporteros.asociados
165.9K likes • 7.9M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be unmaintained and uneven. Protect your feet and navigate with ease. Reddit

🗑️ Pack Out What You Pack In

Help keep this natural gem clean by taking all your trash with you. Reddit

🔭 Bring Binoculars

Enhance your birdwatching experience and spot wildlife from a distance. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially important during warmer months. Carry plenty of water.

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be unmaintained and uneven. Protect your feet and navigate with ease. Reddit

🗑️ Pack Out What You Pack In

Help keep this natural gem clean by taking all your trash with you. Reddit

🔭 Bring Binoculars

Enhance your birdwatching experience and spot wildlife from a distance. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially important during warmer months. Carry plenty of water.

What Travellers Say

4.4
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Estero del Yugo is a natural gem with potential for birdwatching and enjoying a secluded beach. Visitors appreciate the wildlife sightings and the tranquil atmosphere. However, many note the lack of maintenance, litter issues, and informal access points, which detract from the experience. Reddit

"Estero El Yugo is a nature gem right across from Playa Bruja and Riu Emerald Bay resort in North Cerritos, Mazatlan, Mexico.

On my recent first visit to Mazatlan. As an avid bird watcher I was excited to learn it was on my way to a coffee house.

Whilst walking past it‌, I espied some ibis, snowy Egret, neotropic cormorants, pelicans and other shore birds through the fence. My first impression was it is fenced to keep intruders away. As I walked further on I saw several holes along the fence. There was a lot of garbage everywhere. I ventured in through the hole to see a lot more garbage on trails that are not maintained. I suspect a lot of drivers parked outside the resorts go through the holes and use it as a bathroom. It was very disappointing to see that the sanctuary is not being kept protected.

I was told by a tour guide that turtles and crocodiles have been sighted in the past.

I hope that they revive this ecological forest despite multiple high rises being built around it. It is supposed to be a heaven for bird watchers."

Ela Thakore

"A place to live with nature"

Luna Flores

"I had an incredible time, very nice"

Ximena Castillo

What People Like

Abundant birdlife
Secluded beach
Natural beauty

What People Dislike

Litter and trash
Unmaintained trails
Informal access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Estero del Yugo is located across from Playa Bruja and the Riu Emerald Bay resort in North Cerritos, Mazatlan. Access might involve navigating through gaps in the fence, as trails are not always maintained. Reddit

Parking is available along the road, particularly near the resorts. Be aware that some areas might be used by visitors who enter the reserve. Reddit

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber can take you to the vicinity of Estero del Yugo. Just provide the general location near Playa Bruja or Riu Emerald Bay. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Currently, there is no formal ticketing system for Estero del Yugo. Entry is generally free, though access might be through unofficial openings in the fence. Reddit

There are no official opening hours. Visitors typically access the reserve during daylight hours, with early mornings and late afternoons being popular for wildlife viewing. Reddit

While intended as a nature sanctuary, reports indicate it's not always well-maintained or protected, with issues of litter and unmanaged access. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of ibis, snowy egrets, neotropic cormorants, and pelicans. Turtles and crocodiles have also been reported in the past. TikTokReddit

The trails are generally not maintained, and visitors may need to navigate through gaps in the fencing. Wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

There are very limited facilities. Visitors should come prepared with their own water and snacks, and be ready to pack out all trash. Reddit

While generally safe during daylight, be aware of your surroundings, especially if entering through unofficial openings. Stick to visible paths and avoid venturing too deep if unsure. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photography opportunities are along the water's edge for bird and wildlife shots, and the secluded beach for scenic coastal views. Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light. TikTok

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the estuary and beach. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Estero del Yugo offers a unique opportunity for families to introduce children to nature and wildlife. While the trails are not maintained, the excitement of spotting birds like pelicans and egrets can be captivating for younger visitors. TikTokReddit It's a great place for a short, educational outing.

Key recommendations for families:
* Wear sturdy shoes: Essential for navigating potentially uneven terrain.
* Pack plenty of snacks and water: Amenities are scarce.
* Emphasize 'leave no trace': Teach children the importance of not littering.
* Bring binoculars: Makes wildlife spotting more engaging for kids. Reddit

🐦 Birdwatchers

For avid birdwatchers, Estero del Yugo is a promising destination. The estuary provides a habitat for a variety of bird species, including ibis, snowy egrets, neotropic cormorants, and pelicans. TikTokReddit The proximity to the coast and the estuarine environment create a rich ecosystem for avian life.

Tips for birdwatchers:
* Visit during early mornings or late afternoons: These are prime times for bird activity and offer the best light for observation and photography.
* Bring high-quality binoculars and a spotting scope: Essential for identifying and observing birds from a distance.
* Consult local birding guides or apps: To help identify species you encounter.
* Be patient and observant: Wildlife sightings are often a matter of timing and quiet observation. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife and Conservation Concerns

Estero del Yugo is recognized as a significant natural area, particularly for its avian population. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting various species, including ibis, snowy egrets, neotropic cormorants, and pelicans. TikTokReddit There have also been historical sightings of turtles and crocodiles, highlighting the ecological diversity of the estuary. However, the reserve faces challenges related to conservation and maintenance. Reports indicate issues with litter and unmanaged access, which detract from its natural beauty and potentially harm the wildlife. Reddit

Despite these concerns, the potential for Estero del Yugo to be a thriving ecological forest remains. Efforts to revive and protect this natural gem are crucial, especially as development occurs in the surrounding areas. Visitors play a vital role by practicing responsible tourism, ensuring they do not contribute to the litter problem and respecting the natural habitat. Reddit

Navigating Access and Amenities

Accessing Estero del Yugo can be an adventure in itself, as the area is not always formally managed. Visitors often find that the reserve is fenced, but there are frequently gaps or holes that allow entry. Reddit This means that while the intention is to protect the area, practical access might require a bit of exploration. It's highly recommended to wear sturdy and closed-toe footwear, as the trails can be uneven, muddy, or unmaintained. Reddit

Amenities within Estero del Yugo are minimal to non-existent. There are no restrooms, designated picnic areas, or visitor centers. Therefore, it's essential for visitors to come prepared. This includes bringing ample water, any snacks you might need, and importantly, taking all your trash with you to help maintain the cleanliness of the reserve. Reddit The experience is about immersing yourself in nature, so a self-sufficient approach is key.

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