Mexican wonder-The Reserva De La Biosfera Sian Ka’an
Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve or Reserva De La Biosfera Sian Ka’an is one of Mexico’s largest protected areas, located on the Eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo. It is a World Heritage Site and consists of unique ecological features, including the largest mangrove forest in Latin America and the second-largest tropical dry forest. The reserve is also home to a variety of endangered species, including the jaguar and the ocelot. The Sian Ka’an sits atop a mountain overlooking the Bay of Salinas in Guatemala, and it offers breathtaking views of both the bay itself and the surrounding mountains. Sian Ka’an is home to a brilliant diversity of fauna too, Spider monkeys, howler monkeys, American crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, Central American tapirs, four sea turtle species, giant land crabs and more than 330 bird species including roseate spoonbills and flamingos. Sian Ka’an was protected as a biosphere reserve in 1986. See the map of Reserva de Sian Ka’an showing the location of Sian Ka’an near the Gulf of Mexico.
Sian ka’an covers 528,148 hectares of intricately linked marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems. The area boasts diverse tropical forests, palm savannah, Pristine wetlands, lagoons, extensive mangroves as well as sandy beaches and dunes. The lush green forests and many shades of blue lagoons in the Caribbean Sea offer fascinating visual impressions. In the language of the Mayan civilization who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka’an means Origin of the Sky. The site comprises a variety of habitats including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. It is home to numerous endangered and endemic species, as well as important cultural sites. The reserve is also important for its role in the conservation of the Yucatan Peninsula’s biosphere.
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What is the Yucatan Peninsula?
The Yucatan Peninsula is a long, narrow strip of land that runs along the southern coast of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by the Gulf of Mexico and on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean. The peninsula is made up of a number of different climates and ecosystems, including rainforest, cactus-covered hills, and rocky beaches. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many unique species of plants and animals, including jaguars, pygmy parrots, and Baird’s tapirs. It has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique natural features.
The geology around Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve
Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve ( Reserva de la Biosfera de Sian Kaʼan) is located in the municipality of Tulum in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It was established in 1986 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Part of the reserve is on land and part is in the Caribbean Sea, including a section of coral reef. The reserve has an area of 5,280 km2. The Sian Ka’an site lies on a large karstic plain along a 120 km-long barrier reef. Two large, shallow bays surrounded by mangroves, as well as numerous sinkholes are the main landmarks in a landscape of tropical deciduous forests.
Tulum town in the area is world-famous for Sinkholes- a series of crystalline freshwater pools connected by a maze of underground rivers. This astonishing natural phenomenon is unique in Yucatan Peninsula and there is no place on earth comprising such an extensive system of underground rivers as we find here in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Things to Do in the Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an
The Yucatan Peninsula is an area of great natural beauty and many interesting attractions. Some of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula include exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a Unesco World Heritage Site, visiting ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza, and Uxmal, and enjoying the beaches and palm-lined streets of Playa del Carmen. Reserve offers birdwatching tours and kayaking through lagoons, Hiking, visiting Maya ruins, swimming in ancient canals and snorkelling along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was inhabited by ancient Maya peoples for over 1200 years and 23 known archaeological sites exist in the reserve, the earliest dating to 350 BC. By the mid-1500s, the Maya abandoned Sian Ka’an for unknown reasons. its waterways formed an important trade route between the coastal city of Tulum and the interior.
Tulum town? Sian Ka’an
Tulum is a charming coastal town and popular tourist resort in the reserve. A site of enormous archaeological significance, it is home to a large number of traditional Mayan buildings. the town is Famous for its Sinkholes and white sandy beaches, considered by many to be among the most beautiful in the world. The Spectacular Mesoamerican Reef is one of the most extraordinary places to snorkel in this area with dolphins, marine turtles, and up to 500 species of fish. the Mesoamerican Reef is the jewel in this magnificent region and declares one of the top 10 coral reefs’ “Biodiversity Hotspots” in the world.
Chilling out on an untouched sandy beach is a great experience. Tulum has beautiful beaches, where visitors can enjoy a picnic in the mid-afternoon sun or snooze in the coconut tree. Geotourist can enjoy the Caribbean coast via a winding mangrove canal to the lagoon of Boca Paila and the Mayan Canal, and visit a small ancient Maya Ruin on the way. Then you will have the possibility to float in the fresh and crystal-clear waters of the Mayan Canal.
How to get The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
There are two main entrances to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. The most popular follows the coastline, south of Tulum’s beach road. A huge arch marks the reserve’s entrance, From the arch, a rutted dirt road runs through the reserve, with occasional openings in the palm forest leading to gloriously empty beaches and peeks of turquoise lagoons. The road ends at the village of Punta Allen. A second, lesser-known, entrance to Sian Ka’an is next to Muyil Ruins. Several buses make the 20-minute trip from Tulum to Muyil each day.
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