El Refugio de Potosí
A sanctuary dedicated to conservation, showcasing biodiversity with a massive whale skeleton and stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife activity
El Refugio de Potosí
Best Time
Best for wildlife activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to conservation, showcasing biodiversity with a massive whale skeleton and stunning panoramic views.
"A great effort from a wonderful woman to help educate visitors and locals about the flora, fauna, and the ecosystem."
🚗 Pre-book your transport
Arrange a roundtrip cab from Zihuatanejo in advance. Ask the driver to wait for you to avoid calling another one.
🦟 Pack mosquito repellent
Mosquitos can be prevalent, especially in the late afternoon. The refuge offers repellent if needed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Whale Skeleton
Main exhibit area
Marvel at an 18-meter long humpback whale skeleton, one of the world's largest, rescued from Barra de Potosí.
Biodiversity Education
Throughout the sanctuary
Learn about the region's rich ecosystem and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.
Panoramic Tower View
Observation tower
Climb the tower for breathtaking, sweeping views of the entire area and surrounding landscape.
Adorable Dwarf Porcupines
Animal enclosures
Get up close with the charming dwarf porcupines, a highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Wildlife
Booking & Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Pre-book your transport
Arrange a roundtrip cab from Zihuatanejo in advance. Ask the driver to wait for you to avoid calling another one.
🦟 Pack mosquito repellent
Mosquitos can be prevalent, especially in the late afternoon. The refuge offers repellent if needed.
💰 Affordable guided tours
Guided tours are inexpensive and highly recommended for a comprehensive learning experience.
📸 Don't miss the tower view
Climb the tall tower for an absolutely awesome view of the entire area!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Pre-book your transport
Arrange a roundtrip cab from Zihuatanejo in advance. Ask the driver to wait for you to avoid calling another one.
🦟 Pack mosquito repellent
Mosquitos can be prevalent, especially in the late afternoon. The refuge offers repellent if needed.
💰 Affordable guided tours
Guided tours are inexpensive and highly recommended for a comprehensive learning experience.
📸 Don't miss the tower view
Climb the tall tower for an absolutely awesome view of the entire area!
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer parts of the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise El Refugio de Potosí for its dedicated conservation efforts and the passion of its staff. The educational tours, unique exhibits like the whale skeleton, and the stunning panoramic views from the tower are frequently highlighted as major draws. While it's a privately run sanctuary and not a large-scale zoo, its charm lies in its authenticity and the valuable work being done for the local ecosystem.
"This is a great place to visit to learn about conservation efforts in Guerro. It's easy to get a guided tour and inexpensive. Great people doing really wonderful things for the community. Plus the whale skeleton is so cool and the dwarf porcupine are just adorable."
delia woodward
"Beautiful sunrise boat tour of the laguna. Send a WhatsApp for a reservation to enjoy this relaxing gondola style tour with an English guide who knows all the birds and wildlife that you will see."
Lander Foquet
"A great effort from a wonderful woman to help educate visitors and locals about the flora, fauna, and the ecosystem in that area!
It's privately owned and run. So don't expect anything like a San Diego Zoo, but that's a good thing. Pretty small, but well-laid out and I got the impression that they're periodically adding new things.
There are a couple of preserved specimens, a creepy/cool live spider, porcupines, a hog and raccoon-related animal (Puumba and Baloo), a parrot aviary, iguana enclosure, a very large humpback skeleton (real, not cast), and a river otter among a few other things.
Something that blew our minds was the tall tower you can climb while waiting for the guide. Such an AWESOME AWESOME view of the whole area!!!
Tour can be 1.5 hrs depending on how many questions you ask. 500 pesos for a couple. Mosquitos were out in full force in late Oct, but they even offer repellent if you don't have any. Cab ride from Aura del Mar hotel in Zihuatanejo was 1400 pesos roundtrip at the time, 30 min. Fairly cheap and even cheaper if you split the ride with other people. Our cab driver was super nice and stayed with us while we toured so we wouldn't have to call another one. HIGHLY recommend arranging that BEFORE starting your ride to Refugio.
Driver was also nice enough to show us Playa Blanca and Barra De Potosi on the way back. Convinced us to have a late breakfast at one of the many spots on the beach at Barra De Potosi. At the time that area wasn't a very touristy or a party scene, which is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Highly recommend if you have the time.
Lengthy review, but this is all info that would've helped us a lot for planning purposes. Enjoy!"
Omar DeLeon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach El Refugio de Potosí is by taxi or private car from Zihuatanejo. It's about a 30-minute drive. Many visitors arrange a roundtrip cab, with the driver waiting during the visit, which is often more convenient and cost-effective if shared.
It's highly recommended to arrange your return transportation beforehand, ideally with the same driver who brought you. This ensures you have a ride back without needing to call for one upon departure.
Public transport options are limited and may not be direct. Hiring a taxi or arranging a private transfer is generally the most practical method for tourists.
The journey from Zihuatanejo to El Refugio de Potosí typically takes around 25-30 minutes by car.
The closest major airport is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), which is about a 10-minute drive from Zihuatanejo itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
El Refugio de Potosí is generally open, but it's best to confirm current operating hours. Some sources indicate it's 'Open Now'.
Admission is described as inexpensive, with a guided tour for a couple costing around 500 pesos.
While not always explicitly stated, booking a guided tour in advance is recommended, especially if you require an English-speaking guide. Sending a WhatsApp message for reservations is suggested for boat tours.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. Guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing insights into the flora, fauna, and ecosystem.
It's advisable to carry cash, as smaller, privately run attractions may not accept credit cards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including dwarf porcupines, iguanas, parrots, a river otter, and other native wildlife. They also have preserved specimens and a live spider.
Yes, children often enjoy seeing the animals, especially the adorable dwarf porcupines. The educational aspect of the tours can also be engaging for younger visitors.
It's a massive, real humpback whale skeleton, 18 meters long, that was rescued from Barra de Potosí. It's a truly impressive sight.
The tall observation tower offers an 'awesome awesome' panoramic view of the entire area, providing a great perspective of the landscape.
A guided tour can last about 1.5 hours, depending on the number of questions asked. You might want to allocate a bit more time for exploring and enjoying the views.
📸 📸 Photography
The giant whale skeleton, the panoramic views from the tower, and the various animals in their enclosures offer excellent photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
From the tower, you can capture wide-angle shots of the coastline, the lagoon, and the surrounding natural landscape.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always wise to check on-site or inquire beforehand.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer light and potentially more active wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The impressive whale skeleton is sure to spark curiosity, and the panoramic tower offers a sense of adventure with its sweeping views. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at El Refugio de Potosí
The initiative is driven by a passion for educating both visitors and locals about the importance of preserving the local ecosystem and its biodiversity. This commitment is evident in their educational programs, which have hosted local students to foster environmental awareness from a young age. The sanctuary houses a diverse range of animals, including porcupines, parrots, iguanas, and even a river otter, alongside preserved specimens.
Experiencing the Biodiversity
Visitors can expect to see animals like the charming dwarf porcupines, which are a particular hit with guests, as well as iguanas and a parrot aviary. Beyond the animal enclosures, the sanctuary emphasizes the interconnectedness of the ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides lead tours that explain the flora, fauna, and the delicate balance of the environment.
Unique Attractions and Views
The sanctuary is privately owned and operated, which contributes to its unique, non-commercial feel.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit