ECOSYSTEM
The ecosystem is an interaction of subtropical ecosystem, estuaries of saline water and the seasonably flooded sea coast, it is habitat to a great variety of fish and crustaceans and a sanctuary for migrating birds.
Its principal river system became the Chiquimulilla Canal when it was created in 1895 in order to navigate 785 miles of marshland, lakes and pools parallel to the south coast.

The climate of the region is characterized by its warm temperatures, combined with high humidity. Two principal life zones are found here. : Dry, Subtropical Forest, and Humid, Hot, Subtropical Forest.
These two zones include flora species such as the mangrove swamps (red, white, and black), papaturro, chicozapote, pepper, corozo, and wood producing trees.
 
Fauna
Various species of fauna are also found in this region, such as fish (bass, sardine, yellow jack, catfish, and pepesca, etc.); reptiles (iguana, masacuata, cutete, crocodile, and marine turtles). With respect to avifauna, acuatic species are very common, such as herons, ducks, blue herons, gallinetas and pelicans.
This coastal region serves as a refuge to the sea baule and parmala sea turtle while nesting. The beaches are nesting areas for two kinds of sea turtle, the parlama and the baule, especially in the months from May to September.

This region is an important stop for migratory birds, especially pelicans. Mangrove forests remain is good condition, and the programs for sea turtles have had a positive impact on both species.
A great variety of animals are found in the estuary during the summer : around 300 species of birds plus reptiles and a great variety of fish and crustaceans.

Flora
Flora includes mangroves, bulrushes, white water lilies and bromeliads.
On the coastal sand banks there are fruit, medicinal and timber trees.
The zone is very rich in agriculture, especially the coffee plantations, cardamom, sugar, cotton, banana, sesame seed, corn and a wide variety of fruits.

The combination of seashores, sandy marshlands, estuaries, mangrove trees and reed, creates a Unique tropical spot.

The land where we created Isleta de Gaia is situated between the Laguna of Chiquimulilla and the Pacific Ocean on one of the most preserved beach of the Guatemalan Pacific coast.