Eco tourists of all persuasions will find the Sian Ka’an biosphere in Mexico to be a little piece of heaven on earth. Covering nearly 75 miles of Mexico’s Caribbean coast and encompassing over 969,000 hectares, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a unique tropical landscape that takes you into the heart of the Mexican wilderness and offers a once in a lifetime experience to visitors.
What does “Sian Ka’an” mean?
The meaning of the Mayan name, “Sian Ka’an,” is something along the lines of “the origin of the sky” or “where the heavens were born.” Anyone who has ever had the fortune of visiting the Sian Ka’an biosphere will know that this is a very fitting name. From any point within the biosphere you can see the entire horizon catch the most inspiring sunsets and sunrises.
Eco-tourism and Travel
It is very easy to see why this UNESCO world heritage site has been considered a national treasure for over 30 years now. The federal government and locals alike all work hard to keep this nature reserve in as good condition as possible. The Sian Ka’an biosphere is a perfect example of how eco-tourism and sustainable travel are possible in tandem.
The biosphere is home to many diverse landscapes including pristine sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and many different archaeological sites including Tulum and Muyil. The forests, tropical areas and marshes are home to many rare and endangered species such as the black-handed spider monkey and the West Indian manatee. The habitats within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere are so unique in part because they are largely untouched by human development and expansion.
Mystical Mayan Ruins
The mystique of this brilliant place is also heightened by the archaeological sites, of which there are no less than 20, in the biosphere. Most of the Mayan ruins within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere are open to the public, but there are some that you will need a guide to get close to due to the fragile nature of the sites. Muyil, for example, is one of the most popular sites in the biosphere because of its location on the banks of a majestic lagoon. Not all areas of this ancient trading post are entirely safe for entry, however, so pay attention to any signs or instructions given to you.
So, if the Sian Ka’an Biosphere in Mexico sounds like the kind of paradise you wish to explore, check out the rest of this blog on what else you might experience while on vacation.