Just a few miles east of Puerto Escondido [1], in Barra de Colotepec, just after (east of) the big Río Colotepec bridge, visit the Producción Ecoturístico Colotepec (tel. 954/588-7376 or 954/582-0720, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) turtle, iguana, and crocodile sanctuary of Galo Sánchez. Galo, his wife, family, and neighbors started with a beachfront turtle rescue effort that now includes crocodiles and iguanas.
Their aim is to return all of the endangered creatures that they are nursing to the wild. They’re happy to receive visitors daily, and ask a nominal donation of about $1 per person; if you can afford more, give it.
Get there either by car or colectivo from the Puerto Escondido [1] highway crossing. About four miles (6.4 km) east of town, just after the big Río Colotepec bridge, turn right onto the side road to the village. Continue about 0.4 mile (0.6 km) straight ahead to Galo’s house on the left side.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oaxaca/pacific-resorts/puerto-escondido