The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Cancun, was established in 1986 and is one of Mexico’s largest parks. Covering over one million acres of coastal jungle, the reserve became

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme in 1986 and in 1987 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Complete with wetlands, flooded savannas, dunes, mangroves and lagoons the reserve is ideal for not only nature lovers but also sports enthusiasts. The reserve also includes part of the the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest coastal barrier reef. Home to a huge range of animals and plants, it is also home to over 350 species of bird and is the nesting ground for two species of endangered sea turtle and for many different species of wading birds. Species of birds found here include white-fronted parrots,roseate spoonbills, belted kingfisher,egrets, blue and boat-billed herons, frigate birds and jabiru stork, along with more than 300 species of butterfly. Animals found here include puma, jaguar, ocelot, margay, jaguarondi, Caribbean manatee, spider and howler monkeys, Central American tapir, white-tailed deer, collared

Sian Ka'an ruin

 anteater, crocodiles and four species of turtle. The reserve has more than 20 known archeological sites where relics, human remains and ceramic pieces that are more than 2,000 years old have been found.

The reserve covers about a third of the Caribbean coast of Mexico and is home to more than 2,000 inhabitants, a mix of wealthy landowners and poor campesinos. Fishing and tourist boat trips to the reefs and lagoon system are the main industries of these inhabitants.

Sian Ka'an Reserve

Here at Sian Ka’an (Mayan for ‘where the sky is born’) you can observe the reserve from an observation tower, kayak in the wetlands, explore the jungle on foot and go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Beh Ha cenote (a sinkhole with caves).

Many environmental groups are involved with research and the protection of the reserve including the World Wildlife Fund, the Ecotourism Society, the Smithsonian School and many more.

A visit to the Sian Ka’an Reserve provides a great experience on your last minute holidays to Mexico.

There are many holiday deals to Mexico on offer throughout the internet that can include a visit to this intriguing diverse reserve.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico, covering 1.8 million acres of forest. You will find the ancient Maya city of Calakmul spread over 10 square miles deep in the tropical forest of the Tierras Bajas of Southern Mexico near the Guatemalan border in Campeche. The well preserved structures here give an insight of life in an ancient Maya

Calakmul pyramid

city. Calakmul was once one of the mightiest cities of the Maya civilization and is believed to have been home to more than 50,000 people who lived around the central religious centre.
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2002, Calakmul is not only a site of great archaeological significance but is also home to more than 230 species of birds, some resident and some migratory, Baird’s tapir, white-lipped peccaries, spider monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, ocelots and pumas which are all protected by the reserve.

Calakmul in Maya means ‘the city of two adjacent pyramids’. The views from the top of these huge pyramids are spectacular, providing fantastic photography opportunties across into Guatemala and the surrounding forest. Four tombs were discovered inside the largest pyramid at Calakmul which stands at over 180ft tall.

Calakmul stelae

So far only a small part of Calakmul has been explored and restored as the site has more than 6500 buildings and more than 120 stelae (tall sculptured stone shafts). However archaeologists have already discovered and restored a ball court and a large pyramid with a burial crypt which contained thousands of pieces of jade and tombs containing jade burial masks, many of which are now on display in Campeche’s Archaeological Museum.

For an experience of a lifetime visit the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and explore this intriguing ancient Maya city when on your direct holidays to Mexico.

You won’t be disappointed on your package holidays to Mexico as there is so much to see, do and discover in this fascinating country that is steeped in culture and history.