Get Back To Nature In Mexico:
Explore Sian Ka'an Biosphere
There are 27 United Nations World Heritage sites in Mexico
and only three of them made the list primarily for their natural
significance, as opposed to historical. The most beautiful
and diverse is Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a 1.3 million acre ecological
park filled with lagoons, forests, marine habitats, and wetlands.
It is the largest marine protected area in Mexico and offers
one of the few natural treasures of the Yucatan peninsula
that is accessible to tourists.
Added to the UNESCO list in 1987, Sian Ka'an translates as
"Origin of the Sky". It provides a habitat for a
diverse population of flora and fauna, as well as over 300
species of birds. There is a small ecotourism and education
center there that serves as a model for sustainable development
in sensitive tropical ecosystems. The center is funded by
the various tours, fishing, accommodation on-site, and various
other activities offered there. Some of the ecologically responsible
techniques the center uses are rainwater collection, using
wind and solar power, and employing systems for wetland waste
management. It also provides educational outreach and biological
research opportunities.
Accommodations at Sian Ka'an consist of tents that are raised
off the ground to allow ecological and hydrological processes
to continue. They have gorgeous views from private patios,
as well as plenty of shade and cooling breezes. Bathrooms
are shared, but they are always clean and also have stunning
views over the water. The dining areas and kitchens are designed
to maximize comfort while minimizing impact on the surrounding
environment. The menu for the restaurant is wide and varied,
but the best choice would be the fresh seafood dishes that
are offered.
Activities in the park include fishing excursions, kayaking,
or taking one of several tours that will highlight the canals
and the Mayan ruins, abundant flora and fauna, and the history
of the reserve. There is also a sunset tour that centers on
bird watching where you will float along in an open-air boat
through beautiful lagoons while viewing birds, plants, and
diverse ecosystems. The tour then culminates in watching the
sunset over the mangrove forest and lagoon.
The kayaking tours are designed to give visitors a more intimate
access to the natural splendor of the park. Single or double
kayaks are available and expert guides, who speak both English
and Spanish, can accompany you through the reserve to bird
watch and explore the wetlands. Free basic training is provided
if you have never kayaked before. If you would like to explore
alone, the guides can give you directions and information
on where to go to use ancient trading routes through the park
used by the Mayans. This is an excellent option for experienced
kayakers, but an additional fee can give someone basic training
to undertake this more advanced tour.
Sian Ka'an is a beautiful ecosystem to visit and learn about
history, ecology, and sustainable technology that will open
your mind to possibilities you may never have otherwise known
about. At the very least it will give you an appreciation
of conservation and natural beauty that should stay with you
forever.
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