Welcome to El Centro Ecologico de Cuyutlán (El Tortugario), one of Colima State's most important environmental study areas. The Palo Verde Estuary is the site of a number of exciting ecology programs. The best-known is our sea turtle conservation program but my staff and I, along with doctoral student volunteers and others from our community promote several on-going projects in this beautiful setting.

I am Doctor Marycruz Rivera. My initial professional studies were completed at the University of Michoacan and my doctorate was awarded by the University of Colima. I have been a part of this enriching and vital conservation effort since its inception 13 years ago. At the Center our main projects are:

1. Sea turtle
2. Environmental education
3. The study of sea turtles in captivity
4. Conservation of the Palo Verde Estuary

Our sub-projects are study and conservation of:

1. Crocodiles
2. Green Iguanas
3. The birds that use the lagoon

On this site you will find explanations of each of these activities. I encourage you to read them to discover the depth of our commitment and many of the reasons for our advocacy.

Although the primary mission of the Center is research and conservation we welcome the many who visit us each year. Last year we hosted over 21,000 visitors; both tourists and students.

Except for national holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day our hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Admission costs are 20 pesos (less than 2 U.S. dollars) for adults and 15 pesos for children. Boat tours of the Palo Verde Estuary aboard one of our five motorized launches cost 40 pesos for adults and 20 pesos for children. A longer trip through the mangrove tunnel to El Paraiso is 65 pesos and 30 pesos. For added comfort you will want to bring a hat, insect repellent, and possibly a pillow to use as a seat cushion.

Other attractions and amenities available to our visitors include:

1. Golfina (Green) and Negra (Black) sea turtles in their specially designed pools
2. Green Iguanas in their own area - the Iguanario
3. Crocodiles in an outdoor enclosure
4. A large swimming pool for your use
5. Several palapas where you can picnic or rest
6. An education center where you can view a video presentation about the Center (with English subtitles).
7. A snack bar and souvenir shop
8. Educational exhibits
9. In season; the turtle, crocodile, and iguana incubation areas
10. The beauty of both the beach and the coconut plantation surrounding the Tortugario
11. Clean restrooms
12. The 120 meter Muelle de Esperanza, or Pier of Hope, the wide wooden walkway that leads you from the boat dock into the mangrove forest and to the edge of the Palo Verde Estuary
13. In season; Saturday afternoon releases of sea turtle hatchlings.

We ask that you become a part of our mission during your visit. Please leave your pet with friends.

You are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and spend the day with us but please don't share food with the animals here because they are all on regulated diets. And please don't eat in the swimming pool.

One of the first things you may notice is how clean our facility is. We provide a number of basureros, or waste containers for your use. Please restrict your drinking to non-alcoholic beverages, and leave your boom box at home.

Balls and balloons are dangerous to the health and well-being of our animals so we request that you not introduce them onto the grounds. And of course we expect that you will treat the animals with respect.

Any attempts to interact may cause harm or distress to the animal, and could be dangerous to you. If you have questions or need more information you can e-mail tortugacuyutlan@hotmail.com.mx or call 313-328-8676 or 313-322-8209 or contact Don Adams at dondelmundo@yahoo.com