Schuk Toak Visitor's Center
NileGuide Expert Says:
The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and Altar Desert is listed as number four of the 13 Marvels of Mexico. This is nature at its most rugged, most harsh, most beautiful and at its best!User Rating:
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(011-52)-638-384-9007NileGuide Expert tip:
There is a fee of fifty pesos per person or 25 pesos for local residents.Plan for $5.00 per person. NOTE: A similar fee applies if you continue onto the El Pinacate Crater self-guided road tour. However, you will NOT have to pay double if you visit the Visitor's Center and the Crater.Description:
This Center serves as an introduction to the Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, El Pinacate Crater and the Sonoran Desert. Each oversized window seems to be a "Window to the Desert" as each frames a view of the Gran Desierto, the Sierra Pinacate, the rough Sierra Blanca Mountain and the amazing lava flows all around. The Center is built on an expansive lava flow which magnifies the unique beauty of the black lava rock against the desert backdrop.The 8 kilometer entrance road winds through an intensely desolate yet intriguing desert land. A stand of saguaros is off to the right and dozens of organ pipe, cholla cacti and ocotillos dot the landscape. But the most distinct landmark is the pitch black rolling lava flows that abruptly transform the land. You can just imagine waves of lava flowing ominously across the desert eons ago.
The building is an ecologically friendly human monument built amidst nature. Large, shaded porches are inviting. Displays of Indian artifacts, skeletal remains of plants and animals and other items are simply placed throughout the room with explanations in Spanish. You may choose to watch a documentary, listen to a lecture or schedule a tour to the El Pinacate Crater.
There are two short interpretive trails which are moderate in difficulty. Each trail includes a series of interpretive signs which are in both English and Spanish. One trail features the biology of the area and the other focuses on the geological aspects.
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