Where the Wild Things Are in Los Cabos, Mazatlán, & San Miguel de Allende

While travelers come to our resorts for golden beaches and vibrant culture, many leave with memories shaped by the unexpected—like the graceful breach of a whale just offshore, the flash of a hummingbird in a flowered courtyard, or the tiny tracks of a sea turtle making its way out to sea. The fauna of Mexico is as rich and varied as its landscapes, and when you stay at any Pueblo Bonito destination, you’re perfectly positioned to see it firsthand.

In Los Cabos, wildlife feels woven into the rhythm of the seasons. From December to April, the ocean teems with motion, as humpback and gray whales migrate along the Pacific coast. You don’t even have to board a boat to see them—although a private charter certainly offers a thrilling close-up. It’s possible to see the whales from various ocean-view lookout spots at Sunset Beach, Pacífica, Montecristo Estates, Rosé, and Los Cabos, including restaurants, pools, and ocean-facing suites. Guests staying in The Towers at Pacífica can catch glimpses right from the VIP Lounge.

Of course, the natural spectacle in Los Cabos isn’t reserved to whale migrations. Along the shoreline near El Arco, a resident sea lion colony makes its presence known, barking from the rocks and swimming alongside boats like playful sentinels. Sea turtles also call this region home, and through our Sea Turtle Protection Program, guests can take part in seasonal hatchling releases. It’s a deeply moving experience that connects you to something far greater than a typical beach vacation. Even a day at Quivira Golf Club becomes a kind of treasure hunting in Mexico, with roadrunners, jackrabbits, and sunning reptiles appearing between fairways. And for a quieter moment in nature, the San José del Cabo Estuary offers a sanctuary for more than 100 species, including frigate birds, sparrow hawks, white herons, and red-tailed hawks.

While Los Cabos pulses with marine life and desert energy, Mazatlán reveals its wild side in different ways. Also known for its whale-watching season, Mazatlán’s waters host migrating whales that can sometimes be seen from the shore, their tails and spouts breaking the horizon. The city’s historic connection to the sea is felt in every way, from the fishermen lining the beaches to the pelicans that glide effortlessly above the surf in formation.

Mazatlán’s charm lies in its blend of natural abundance and cultural texture. Iguanas lounge in palm trees, seemingly unbothered by human commotion, while sea turtles quietly return to their traditional nesting grounds to lay eggs. For those who want to encounter the region’s marine life up close, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán offers a thoughtfully designed look into the region’s ecosystems. Plus, admission is one of the perks of booking an all-inclusive plan, making it an easy and enriching outing for families or curious travelers of any age.

Then there’s San Miguel de Allende, where the wildlife reflects the dramatically different surroundings. No shorelines here. Nestled in the highlands of central Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage city is best known for its art, architecture, and cobblestone streets, but wander into a garden or rooftop and nature is ever present. Hummingbirds dart between flowering agaves, monarch butterflies drift on their way to Michoacán during migration season, and hawks circle overhead, their silhouettes striking afternoon skies.

Just beyond the city, in the surrounding hills and scrub trails, foxes and coyotes leave signs of their activity. And donkeys, long a symbol of rural Mexican life, remain visible in both function and celebration, making cameos in festivals and often featured in art galleries. Starting in January 2026, guests staying at Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende will find themselves immersed in this harmony of nature and culture. As part of the hotel’s immersive V Life program, guests can seek out local wildlife through guided hikes, horseback rides, or day trips to protected reserves like the Sierra Gorda Biosphere.

No matter where you’re staying, the wildlife experiences near your Pueblo Bonito suite go well beyond a standard visit to the local zoo. They’re reminders that you’re in a dynamic landscape that stretches far beyond the resort walls. In every destination, from oceanfront to highland hills, you can find your own wild moment.

Book your Pueblo Bonito escape today! Upon your arrival, be sure to ask your concierge about opportunities to spot wildlife near your resort, whether that requires booking a tee time, chartering a boat, or simply enjoying some time on your balcony.