The El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is located in the Sonoran Desert in northwest Mexico. Established in 1993, it covers an area of up to 714,566 hectares and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

This vast reserve, when viewed from above, showcases the most prominent topography in the Americas. It is primarily composed of two parts: the eastern side features the dormant volcano “Pinacate Shield”, red volcanic lava flows, and a layer of desert gravel, while the western side is the Gran Desierto de Altar. The sand dunes in this desert are ever-changing and can reach heights of up to 200 meters. The planet-like circular domes of sand and several bare granite hills (some as high as 650 meters) resemble islands in a sea of sand, providing a unique and highly diverse habitat for over 540 plant species, 40 mammal species, 200 bird species, 40 reptile species, as well as amphibians and freshwater fish. Many endangered species have found a refuge here.

Ten large and deep nearly perfect circular volcanic craters are believed to have been formed by a combination of volcanic eruptions and collapses, creating unparalleled beauty in the area. Its unique composite characteristics hold significant scientific value.

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Reasons to visit: One of the newest World Heritage Sites in 2013

Continent: North America

Country: Mexico

State: Sonora