Born from the determination of one group to protect endangered animals, this amazing park has grown and become a sanctuary for Palenque’s wildlife.
The Aluxes Eco Park (Ecoparque Aluxes) is a non-profit organization that rescues and breeds species that are in real danger of extinction. A local group saw the dramatic effects that deforestation and illegal animal trafficking were having on the environment, so they decided to act. They created this beautiful place to help those that could no longer survive for themselves. Visit a park with lush green vegetation, learn about the important work they do for Palenque and have close encounters with beautiful plants and animals of the area.
Explore the delightful home and refuge of mammals, birds, butterflies and reptiles. The majestic águila elegante (ornate hawk-eagle) hadn’t been seen in the area since the 1980s, but you can now admire it soaring over the park. Find out how Aluxes reintroduced a bird that had been extinct in the region, the gorgeous red, blue and yellow parrot called guacamaya roja. The park rangers discovered that the few guacamayas living in other parts of the country belonged to the same subspecies as the one that had been extinct in Palenque for more than 50 years. They brought a few young specimens to the park, raised them in special facilities and released them to the wild with great success. As they say, “we repainted the sky with red, blue and yellow.”
While you are in the Ecoparque Aluxes be sure to experience some of the fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a lovely boat ride, discover how the jungle looks in the dark with the special nocturnal tour and have close encounters with a guacamaya roja and a giant turtle. Meet a baby crocodile and watch a huge adult crocodile being fed.
The park is located at about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Palenque’s Maya ruins and about 2 miles (4 kilometers) from the center of town. Pay a fee to enter the park. Extra fees apply for some of the activities. Support the vital work of the Ecoparque Aluxes with your visit.
