Mexico's Heritage Sites: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka'an means "where the sky is born". It was a sacred place for the Maya.
This biosphere reserve The Yucatan is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and has tropical forests, mangroves, marshes and a vast marine area crisscrossed by barrier reefs.
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It has a rich flora, the fauna includes more than 300 species of birds and a large number of terrestrial vertebrates unique to the region, which coexist in a diverse environment caused by the complex hydrological system of the region.
The Biosphere Reserve from Sian Ka'an is one of the main attractions of Quintana Roo and is part of the Maya Ka'an area, a combination of the majestic natural environment with culture and ancestral traditions.
The Biosphere Reserve from Sian Ka'an is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, with an approximate area of 650,000 hectares, 120 kilometers from north to south, located between Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, occupying a territorial extension of 15% of the state's surface.
In addition to being one of the most scenic regions, the environmental services it provides are also of great importance to the region and the world, such as the carbon deposit found in the mangroves.
In 1987 UNESCO declared La Biosphere Reserve from Sian Ka'an was declared a World Heritage Site.
This is one of the successful cases of ecosystem protection.
With the joint efforts of the federal and local governments, academic institutions, international organizations and civil society, the reserve's forests, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs have been protected and projects have been promoted with residential communities to promote their care.
Home of the jaguar, tapir, manatee and peccary
The landscape of the coast varies, where semi-pristine beaches take turns with mangrove landscapes in the lagoon. Countless types of birds and animals such as jaguar, tapir, peccary, among others, hide in the vegetation of petenes, which can be defined as islands of varied vegetation that grow thanks to the freshwater springs that flow from the bottom.
Visit the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
It includes beaches, dunes, cenotes, coral reefs and a tropical rainforest, home to more than 300 species of birds and more than 1,000 species of plants and 100 species of animals.
During your visit to Sian Ka'an, you can stop at some historical sites and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of these places.
There are 23 archeological sites in the reserve. The oldest dates back to the 5th century AD. The oldest is Muyil, which was an important place on the Mayan trade route. It has a spectacular lagoon of the same name and a lookout point from which you can photograph the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The main lagoons of the reserve are Muyil, Sunyaxché and Boca Paila.
Astonishing tours
In the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve You can do such as boat trips to the Caribbean Sea, through mangroves or snorkeling to learn about coral reefs.
A boat trip through the mangrove swamps of Sian Ka'an is a fascinating experience. It is entering the interior of this biosphere to understand the enormous flora and fauna that inhabit the Mexican mangroves, home to hundreds of species of birds and plants. Read on to find out where you can go on these adventures.
What to do in the Sian Ka'an Reserve?
The Mayan Arch
The first thing you will encounter is the Mayan Arch, which is the entrance to the reserve. Here you must register there and pay for your entrance ticket, which is priced at $ 50 MXN per person. Near the arch, you can visit one of the many cenotes in the reserve.
The Muyil Archaeological Zone
The Archaeological Zone of Muyil is the most important Mayan site of Sian Ka'an. It is located near the Chunyaxché lagoon, on highway 307 inland from Tulum to Campeche.
The beaches of the Reserve Sian Ka'an are much quieter than the beaches of Tulum or Riviera Maya, so travelers seeking complete seclusion and relaxation often find themselves enjoying their stay in coastal cabanas or campsites, immersed in palm trees and facing the shores of the beach.
The area is perfect for snorkeling with turtles and dolphins, kayaking or just sunbathing while drinking coconut water.
In the interior of the lagoon, the boats driven by the locals allow you to visit the mangroves and visit various attractions, such as the island of the birds or the almost submerged Mayan temple. You can also appreciate the presence of manatees, which have refuge in the lagoon and know hundreds of species of birds and plants.
Allen Point
It is a small fishing village of only 400 inhabitants, located in the center of one of the most marvelous natural reserves of the Mexican Caribbean: the Reserve of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. You can locate it 43 kilometers from the entrance, at the end of the road. This is a fishing village where you can find lodging and seafood.
Boca Paila
Boca Paila is 11 km from the entrance to the reserve. This paradise is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Muyil Lagoon, its combination of fresh and salt water produces a great variety of fish. If you want to live the experience of fishing with the locals, you can ask about fishing trips and other activities that are organized there.
This area is the natural habitat of crocodiles, but don't worry, if you go on your own or rent a tour, it is very safe to visit this area and always count on the help of the locals. Be sure to follow the instructions, as diving may be prohibited in certain areas.
How to get to Sian Ka'an Reserve?
The closest international airport to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is Cancun. From there, you can rent a car and drive south for more than two hours to reach Tulum. It is recommended to rent a car for more freedom and mobility, or hire a tour group that can organize stops.
We share with you some important recommendations:
- Don't go into the jungle alone, go with a pre-planned route. There are many possibilities of getting lost and the extension of the terrain is very wide.
- Regarding sanitary measures by COVID-19, tourist service companies are disinfecting all contact surfaces, maintaining a safe distance in vehicles, limiting the number of visitors to avoid crowds and, most importantly, the mandatory use of masks.
Now that you know more about this incredible area, what are you waiting for? Riviera Maya? Undoubtedly one of the best areas to live unforgettable experiences.
Are you interested in a property in this area? Contact us, at iBrokers we help you find the property of your dreams.
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