The 200 kilometers stretching along the coast of the Riviera Maya offer more than just sun and paradisiacal beaches. They also provide a springboard to discover another lesser-known, yet equally exclusive, part of the Mexican Caribbean.

Swim with turtles in Akumal Bay

Sea and jungle merge in this Mexican corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, hosting a diverse array of native fauna.

In Quintana Roo, you can find four of the seven sea turtle species that exist in the world: the white turtle, the leatherback turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the green turtle.

The green turtle is the most commonly spotted species, especially in the bay of Akumal. In its shallow and crystalline waters, it finds abundant seagrass to feed on.

For a unique experience, hire a tour to swim alongside sea turtles and enjoy snorkeling. Maintain a safe distance of approximately 3 meters to avoid causing stress to the reptiles, as they may seek quieter, less crowded areas.

These beautiful reptiles come to Akumal to lay their eggs between May and September.

Between stalactites, stalagmites, and tree roots

It is estimated that there are approximately 6,500 cenotes in Yucatan, but their exact number remains unknown.

While many cenotes have been discovered, some still remain hidden, and others interconnect within an extensive network of underground rivers, spanning a remarkable 259 km, making it the world’s longest.

Moreover, experts predict that a smaller network will eventually merge with the larger one. Exploring these captivating routes can be done by swimming or on foot while taking care to preserve the delicate limestone formations.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

One of the most exclusive experiences in the Yucatan Peninsula takes place in Sian Ka’an, the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, inscribed on the UNESCO list since 1987.

Sian Ka’an is a natural reserve and home to over 4,100 species, creating a sanctuary inhabited by tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, crocodiles, as well as spider and howler monkeys.

The Muyil and Chunyaxche lagoons boast crystal-clear waters and eventually flow into the area of marine reefs, where you can spot ospreys, dolphins, and turtles swimming alongside the boats.

Take a swim in the pristine pool of crystalline waters, safely nestled in a beautiful bay, which usually remains free from the threat of sargassum, often found in the Riviera Maya.

The closest small town is Punta Allen, with 400 inhabitants. Here, electricity is limited and primarily sourced from solar panels, and telephone coverage is unavailable.

Colonial Valladolid

Valladolid is one of the 132 magical towns in Mexico. Valladolid is a beautiful colonial city that is easier to reach from the Riviera Maya, unlike Mérida, which is a bit farther away from Cancun or Tulum.

The city of Valladolid was founded in 1543 by Francisco de Montejo and is distinguished by the pastel colors of its houses and its vibrant market filled with delightful smells and flavors.

Visit its old Plaza de Armas, which is adorned by the Church of San Servacio and the fountain of La Mestiza.

Valladolid is also known as a heroic city. It was in this very place where the indigenous people rose up against the criollos and mestizos of Yucatan during the Caste War in 1847, resulting in nearly 250,000 deaths.

An authentic Mayan village

While Tulum or Chichén Itzá are popular sites in the Riviera Maya, you can also explore small towns where Mayan is still spoken alongside Spanish and traditional ways of life are preserved.

One such example is Dos Palmas, a community of around fifty inhabitants, mostly women, and children, who live without electricity.

The houses maintain a traditional oval shape without corners and are constructed using palm trunks, leaving open spaces to prevent fungal growth and better protect themselves from hurricanes.

During the visit, you can witness the making of classic tortillas over an open fire using instruments like the molcajete and the metate to crush chili, beans, onions, or corn, and observe how an entire family can sleep in a hanging hammock.

Experience a temazcal, a pre-Columbian ceremony led by a chamal, which takes place in a ‘heat house’ where volcanic stones are heated, and a cold infusion of medicinal herbs is poured in total darkness.

The inside temperature can reach 50 degrees, allowing the sweat to cleanse the body of toxins and benefiting the respiratory system. After spending half an hour inside, participants can refresh themselves with a bath in the cold waters of Cenote Dos Palmas.

Holbox, from a pirate nest to an exclusive island without cars

This 42-km-long island can only be reached by boat, and the use of cars is prohibited. Instead, golf carts serve as taxis, gliding through a network of unpaved streets adorned with striking murals.

Holbox, an old pirate nest, has gained significant fame as an authentic sanctuary for flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic birds that are highly visible on the small Isla Pasión or at Punta Mosquito, the latter located in the Yum Balam nature reserve.

Holbox is a place of contrasting beauty, with turquoise waters and white sands that beckon you to bathe and relax.

It teems with bird wildlife and other animals and is an awesome place to explore and take pleasure in nature. The reserve in addition houses many different varieties of tropical birds, which makes it a fantastic bird-watching spot.

Sian Ka’an Reserve

Sian Ka’an, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the eastern coast of Mexico.

With its diverse ecosystems encompassing wetlands, mangroves, forests, and coastal areas, Sian Ka’an is home to an impressive variety of bird species, making it a must-visit destination for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.

Sian Ka’an Reserve has many things to offer. One of them is thousands of tropical bird species including the Roseate Spoonbill, Frigate, White Ibis, Tri-colored Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Osprey, and a whole lot more.

Its freshwater inland canals were once utilized by the Maya people for trading about 1200 years back. These inland canals possess the probably most different plant life and animals you’ll ever find in the entire Yucatan Peninsula.

The prosperous ecosystem in the Sian Ka’an Reserve, for that reason, has become a natural nesting place for tropical birds of all kinds.

In the Sian Ka’an Reserve is an isolated mangrove place named Bird Island, where plenty of these sultry avian creatures stay. Furthermore, you can observe the seabirds fly on the distant horizon when you watch the setting sun.

Things to do in Sian Ka’an Reserve

The Avian Diversity: Sian Ka’an boasts over 350 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Among these, you can find both resident and migratory birds. Some of the most sought-after species include the Roseate Spoonbill, the American Flamingo, the Osprey, and the Great Blue Heron.

Birdwatching Hotspots: Within Sian Ka’an, there are several designated birdwatching hotspots that offer excellent opportunities to spot unique bird species. These areas include the Muyil Lagoon, Boca Paila, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve itself.

Muyil Lagoon: This picturesque lagoon is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is known for its incredible birdlife. Here, you can witness an array of waterfowl, including egrets, herons, and cormorants.

The calm waters of the lagoon make it an ideal place for birdwatching by boat or kayak.

Boca Paila: This coastal area within Sian Ka’an is a hotspot for shorebirds. Birdwatchers can spot gulls, terns, and sandpipers along the pristine beaches. Additionally, the nearby estuaries and mangrove forests are teeming with birdlife.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: The entire biosphere reserve is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts. It provides a habitat for both resident and migratory species, making it a year-round birdwatching destination.

Trails and observation towers are available for birdwatchers to explore the diverse ecosystems within the reserve.

Best Times for Birdwatching: While birdwatching in Sian Ka’an can be enjoyed year-round, the best times to visit for birdwatching are during the winter months (November to April) when migratory birds from North America visit the region.

However, resident bird species can be observed throughout the year.

Responsible Birdwatching: When birdwatching in Sian Ka’an, it’s crucial to follow responsible and sustainable practices. This includes staying on designated trails, maintaining a respectful distance from the birds, and refraining from disturbing their natural habitats.

Guided Tours: For those new to birdwatching or seeking expert guidance, there are guided birdwatching tours available in Sian Ka’an. Knowledgeable guides can help you identify various species and provide insights into the local ecosystem.

Sian Ka’an is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and observe a diverse array of avian species in their natural habitats. The biodiversity of Sian Ka’an makes it a top destination for birdwatching in Mexico.

Bird watching in Mexico is an experience for both the seasoned birdwatcher and the novice. Yucatan is home to diverse ecosystems that provide the perfect backdrop for observing hundreds of species of migratory birds.

Yucatan’s great birding destinations

Yucatan is home to an impressive diversity of bird species, including the Yucatan parrot with its striking red feathers, the elusive Yucatan nightjar, and the Yucatan wren, these species are found nowhere else in the world.

More than 300 species migrate to the wetlands and jungles during the winter. The Sian Ka’an Reserve alone is home to around a million migratory birds, making it one of the best bird-watching destinations in Mexico.

Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve

Rio Lagartos Reserve is one of Mexico’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries.

Rio Lagartos is renowned for hosting the world’s largest colonies of pink flamingos. The reserve runs alongside the Celestún Refuge to the northeast, where visitors can witness over 40,000 flamingos in their natural habitat.

Each winter, the Rio Lagartos and Celestún reserves become critical feeding and breeding grounds for flamingos, housing approximately 90% of the world’s population of these vibrant birds.

This unique migration makes the reserve an essential destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. In addition to flamingos, keep an eye out for other fascinating wildlife, including the possibility of spotting a wandering crocodile.

Whether you’re a birdwatching expert or a nature lover, Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve offers an unforgettable experience to observe these stunning birds and the diverse ecosystems that support them.

Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve

A 45-minute drive from Mérida, in the sister city of Rio Lagartos, Celestún is also a great place to see pink flamingos hopping around in their natural habitat. They are probably most numerous between March and August.

One of the most spectacular sights is the huge flocks of pink flamingos in Celestun.

Watching these colorful birds fly over the wetlands at sunset is a breathtaking experience. Every year, thousands of flamingos fly to Celestun to rest, offering birdwatchers an unforgettable opportunity to see their beauty.

Besides flamingos, look out for herons and egrets.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve spans an incredible 1.3 million acres.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to over 1,200 species of wildlife, including a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts.

This extensive reserve contains mangrove swamps, lagoons, cenotes, reefs, and rainforests.

Each ecosystem offers a unique environment for wildlife viewing. The reserve’s diverse habitats provide a rich and varied experience for birdwatchers, who can see an impressive selection of both migratory and resident bird species.

Known for its pristine natural beauty, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is undoubtedly one of the top birdwatching destinations in Mexico, offering visitors the chance to see rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve promises an unforgettable adventure.

Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a small island located off the coast of Isla Mujeres.

Isla Contoy is one of Mexico’s most treasured national parks and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Known for its serene beauty and ecological significance, this bird sanctuary is home to over 100 species of birds, making it a must-see for nature lovers.

Access to Isla Contoy is limited, with only 200 people allowed per day to preserve its fragile ecosystem.

Despite its exclusivity, Isla Contoy is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring Mexico’s rich biodiversity. The island’s diverse habitats, from wetlands and low jungles to lagoons, support a variety of seabirds.

Some of the most notable species you’ll encounter include the frigatebird, brown pelican, and double-crested cormorant. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual observer, Isla Contoy offers a rare opportunity to see these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

“Sian Ka’an” in the Yucatec Mayan means “gate of heaven” or “the place where heaven begins.”

Sian Ka’an covers an area of 528 thousand 147 hectares. The reserve is part of the geological province of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Sian Ka’an main feature is the flatness of the relief. The surface here is mainly made of limestone, which prevents the formation of surface currents of water and favors the outcrop (cenotes).

The famous coral reef complex lies in front of the Sian Ka’an coasts. This coral reef is the second largest of its kind, after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

On the coastal side of the Sian Ka’an Reserve, there are wide sand beaches, small bays, and mangroves, among other ecological systems. Each of these places houses different types of local fauna.

The weather is warm and subhumid. The rainy season occurs during the summer. Due to its location off the Caribbean coast, Sian Ka’an is exposed to hurricanes that take place here between June and November. Due to the deficient natural drainage of the area, in the rainy season, a good part of its surface remains flooded in the summer.

You can find here 4 types of mangroves: red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove, and gray mangrove.

A very peculiar ecosystem in the Sian Ka’an wetlands is that of the so-called petenes, a mass of trees that can measure up to thirty meters high and that rise between the swamp grasses. These plant formations are almost unique in the world because outside the Yucatan Peninsula, they exist only in the US state of Florida and in Cuba.

They are mostly oval or circular and their size varies from a few tens of meters to almost two kilometers in diameter. They are generated due to the presence of freshwater springs, which sprout in the middle of brackish water marshes and allow the growth of large black trees.

There are 23 archaeological sites in the reserve, including Muyil and Tampak, among others.

The Reserve is managed by the federal government of Mexico through the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas that collaborates very closely with non-governmental organizations, producer organizations, research institutions and private initiative.

Quintana Roo has become one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico in recent decades. Although the influx of tourists to Sian Ka’an is still limited, their presence could be a factor that threatens the ecological balance in the biosphere reserve area.

On the other hand, the ecosystems of the region have been affected by human activity in recent years. Some areas of the reserve have been deforested to extract timber species from them. The devastation of the original flora has led to the introduction of strange species such as casuarina. On the other hand, maritime traffic has jeopardized the barrier reef and associated ecosystems.