ECOLOGICAL
PARKS

|   Celestun National Park   |   Calakmul Biosphere Reserve   |  

|   Contoy Island Bird Sanctuary   |   El Eden   |   El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve   |  

|   Montes Azules   |   Rio Lagartos   |  

|   Sian Ka'an   Biosphere Reserve   |  

|   The Maya    Biosphere Reserve   |  

There are nine different types of natural protected areas. Of these the Biosphere Reserves and Flora and Fauna protected areas are the genuine biological diversity zones. In the biosphere reserves, Mexico has pioneered the use of a zoning system that allows use of parks for tourism while keeping other areas off limits except for scientific study. Biosphere reserves allow people to continue to live in these protected natural areas, however, new population centers are strictly prohibited.

 

These parks are also inhabited by species that are considered to be threatened or in danger of extinction. Protected areas have three goals: conservation, training, and sustainable human development compatible with conservation. That means that you should visit. Keep at least one of these ecological sites in mind for your next vacation, you will be doing the environment a service and enjoy yourself at the same time.

ECOLOGICAL PARKS

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Celestun lies about 90 minutes west of The Yucatan capital city of Merida. The drive to the park takes you through 56 miles of countryside and small pueblos. It is possible to see some ancient nearly abandoned sisal (heneken) plantations which in days past was the life blood of this part of the peninsula. The people along the road side are, for the most part, descendants of the Maya Civilization.

 

The park is located on the west coast of the Yucatan on a beautiful protected estuary which is nearly a mile wide and over 14 miles long. Over 66,000 acres of this park is covered by mangrove forests which provide excellent breeding grounds and protection for wild life which includes many riparian species.   

 

A virtual paradise for birds from all walks and wings of life. Over 500 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and tropical fish make up the ecological system at Celestun. But, of all the wildlife found at the park the one that attracts more visitors each and every year is "Flamingos", the American Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber. Celestun provides a feeding, reproduction and nesting sanctuary, in the estuary. And here they are protected by law. 

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These flamingos almost seem to be tame as they have little fear of man. Up close you can see the white mixed in with the reds and completely overlaid in pink. The wings are almost solid black on the back side. As you approach the flocks of flamingos you can see them feeding, dipping their long bill into the shallow water. They move in groups of two or three or two thousand. The view of the flamingos at Celestun is a sight you won't soon forget. Celestun is home to over 30,000 flamingos, the largest in all of the Americas.

 

Boats can be hired in a variety of different trips. These boats hold up to 8 people. The trip to the north takes you to see the flamingos near "Isla de Pájaros". But, this trip will also bring cormorants, pelicans, frigatebirds, and great egrets among other birds into view.

 

On the trip to the south there aren't many flamingos, but there is a Petrified Mangrove Forest and an abandoned ghost town. You can also hire boats to visit the lighthouse at El Palmar. The lighthouse is very tall and you can see for miles in all directions. There are also islands called hummocks which can be toured. 

 

These islands are individual little ecosystems and are home to many species of wildlife. Some of these islands have fresh water pools in the middle of the island as the watershed from the peninsula pushes its way up at these locations. Truly a wonder to see. Swimming is available in many of these lagoons.

Celestun has much more to offer than just the beautiful flocks of flamingos and hundreds of species of birds. The estuary being cloaked by mangrove trees provides a very tranquil relaxing environment. Celestun may be home to the birds, but it is a wonder for humans.

Ecological Parks

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 723,185 hectares or 1,600,000 acres. The elevation is from 150 ft. to 1140 ft. above sea level in a tropical humid forest. One of the last virgin rain forests in Mexico. 

 

The reserve is located in the Campeche Tropical rain forest and was designated as biosphere reserve in 1993. The major projects of the reserve are agricultural research, soil studies, traditional systems of landscape development, inventory of fauna and flora including rare endangered species, forest management research, cultural anthropology and some social sciences studies.

The biosphere reserve has established a wildlife station housing puma, jaguar, and wild pigs. Another initiative is the Calakmul Botanical Gardens featuring nature trails and facilities that showcase an impressive array of local flora, including edible plants and 56 species of orchids native to the region. 

 

The six-hectare parcel of land is owned by the region and provides a base for workshops, information sessions, and educational tours to the local Maya ruins also called Calakmul.

Ecological Parks

CONTOY ISLAND BIRD SANCTUARY

 Contoy Island is located off the coast of Quintana Roo, just north of Isla Mujeres and can be visited by guided tour or private boat from Puerto Juarez or Isla Mujeres. The birds, fish and animals are all protected. And a wealth of wild life there is! Birds from all walks (or flights) of life can be seen on and near the sanctuary. A real birding paradise.

Ecological Parks

EL EDEN -

The El Eden Reserve was created to protect, manage and restore the ecosystems of Contoy Island, Rio Lagartos and El Eden itself. The reserve itself is located at the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayan name of the region is "Yalahau", which means " where the water is born". while the reserve is located just north of Cancun it takes about 2.5 hours to reach because of the roads.

 

Established in 1990, El Eden is the first privately owned and protected area dedicated to research in biological conservation in Mexico. The area was founded by scientists and people interested in the conservation of northeastern Yucatan. The major ecosystems include medium semi deciduous tropical forest, low deciduous secondary forests, swamp forests, savannas, wetlands, micro cenotes and cenotes.

 

This reserve is the habitat of the spider monkey, jaguar, and many species of fishes, crustaceans, algae, insects, flowering plants, crocodiles, amphibia, etc. El Eden is just beginning to study the diverse biologically-rich area it controls and welcome visitors and see this reserve as a hands on site. In order to do this El Eden has developed a series of guided tours for visitors who may want to spent a night or two at the station and contribute to the conservation of the region.

 

The whole area has been revealed to be an important rural settlement of the ancient Maya. Initial archeological research at the reserve has been very encouraging, with the possible discovery of a major unknown wetland management system of the ancient Maya. Mapping of the system is being performed at this time and later reconstruction will be performed.

Ecological Parks

EL TRIUNFO BIOSPHERE RESERVE

El Triunfo is located in the highlands of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains. The reserve covers almost 270,000 acres broken into 5 different zones and has elevations above 6,000 ft and valleys that drop down to a cool 3,000 ft. The tour of this reserve is not for the faint hearted and actually takes some doing. The total tour is walking, and walking... nearly 4 hours of up and down hill trekking. But, what a place!

 

Due to the changes in altitude the climate varies from dry-hot to cold and humid. Different climates, elevation, terrain and types of soil has created a ultra high bio diversity at El Triunfo. The woodlands range from Tropical Deciduous Forest, Montane Rain forest , Pine-Oak Forest to Evergreen Cloud Forest.

 

In 1990, El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve was established by the federal government to protect one of the largest water sheds in Mexico, but also an extremely fragile environment. The conservation of forests in this region is very important for Chiapas and the whole country. 

 

The reserve has evergreen trees that reach over 270 feet tall. Some of these trees are covered in vines, moss and beautiful orchids that give the image of hanging gardens in the mist. There are hundreds of reasons why El Triunfo is one of the greatest, not only in Mexico, but in the entire world.

With 392 registered bird species, El Triunfo is considered one of the finest birding areas in the country where over 37% of Mexican bird species can be found. And while the reserve is home to the birds it is also the home to a delicate mix of non winged creatures such as the jaguar and, tapir. 

 

Some of the others that seem to attract a lot of attention are the horned guan, which belongs to a group of birds that can only be found in the in the cloud forests of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Guatemala. The blue morpho, a beautiful butterfly. The resplendent Quetzal, one the most beautiful birds of the Americas, was regarded in ancient Mesoamerican culture as the fertility symbol. Quetzal's feathers were very valuable. 

 

Their plumage varies from golden, blue to green emerald tones. Some ferns that reach up to 15 meters tall. The yaguaroundi is a small cat, that lives in the top of the trees. The "turipache de montaña" lives in the under forest, camouflaging to trap insects for lunch. The "temazate" is the smallest deer in the Americas, it is easy to identify for its shorter front legs and reddish color.

Ecological Parks

Montes Azules is located in Chiapas. The reserve was established out of real need to save a rain forest. Because of the efforts of Montes Azules 760,000 acres of rain forest, both inside and outside the Reserve, will be saved.

The rain forest is located between the Guatemalan border, including the Lacantún and Chan-Kin protected areas of flora and fauna, and part of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve itself. Together these three reserves encompass an area of a million acres.

As with most rain forests the problem has been the absence of viable economic alternatives in an area suffering nearly 100 percent unemployment, local residents were basically destroying the rain forest for subsistence. Slash and burn agriculture and vast amounts of timber removal among other destructive practices were endangering its ecological balance. 

Montes Azules is dedicated to the preservation of the Reserve and the surrounding region through the establishment of a buffer zone. Local residents are provided with environmentally sensitive jobs in this buffer region, enabling them to utilize the rain forest in a sustainable manner. Current conservation projects include: Extensive Butterfly Ranching, Edible Mushroom Farming, Embroidery Products, Woodcrafts, Essential Oils and Ecotourism. 

These programs are designed to provide a sustainable livelihood for the residents while at the same time saving the natural resources and the forest itself. A visit to this biosphere is one way of helping the rain forest.

Ecological Parks

RIO LAGARTOS -

The port of Rio Lagartos is situated in the northern most part of the Yucatan on the gulf o f Mexico . It lies north of the city of Tizimin and just east of the fishing village called San Felipe. For more than 50 years the population of Rio Lagartos was 326 people. 

 

The town now boasts more than 3000 inhabitants who are fisherman and salt workers. The town hasn't only changed in population, there are more streets, a new large hotel, frozen storage for the town's fishing industry, new schools... yes, Rio Lagartos has changed. 

 

To the old timers the town is huge and cumbersome, but only to them. To a visitor from central Mexico or points further away, the town looks like a picture post card, quiet and serene. A fishing port on one end and a river delta guarded by a beautiful lighthouse on the other. 

 

The town is surrounded by water on three sides and a 'Malecon' or shore line drive stretches from the river delta all the way around to the end of town. This river walk covers almost 2 miles. Watching the sun set into the Gulf, from anywhere in Rio Lagartos, is a very memorable experience. It may well be the most beautiful and well preserved estuary on earth.

 

The Caribbean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus Ruber, has found a feeding, reproduction and nesting sanctuary, here in the estuary on both sides of Rio Lagartos. To watch the tall, slender, graceful movement of these feeding flamingos is truly a wondrous sight. They are, perhaps, in their own understated way the most beautiful of all winged creatures. 

 

They are the most distinguished and elegant of all the wildlife to be found in the estuary of Rio Lagartos. In captivity flamingos loose their incredible pink coloring and replace it with a neutral white color. Here, however, the flamingos thrive, and most have little fear of man. 

 

Up close you can see the white mixed in with the reds which change to a solid black on the back of their wings. Each one different and each one the same. They seem to be wearing uniforms, which would be fitting because they at times look a bit like a military organization. 

 

When they fly, they fly in columns sometimes as many as three deep. The leader is followed by the columns with what appears to be military precision and order. This may well be "follow the leader", but they do it with a rigor and precision that is well worth watching.

 

 
 

Before the time of boats with motors and all the noise of modern civilization appeared in Rio Lagartos the flamingos would gather on the shore and wake the residents, much like roosters wake a farmer. They could be heard clearly inviting folks to wake and enjoy the soft breeze of morning. The Flamingos have always been a part of Rio Lagartos, and they still are today.

 

There exists, just one kilometer to the east of the port of Rio Lagartos, a most unusual and wondrous place. It is called "Chiquilá or Chikilá" by the locals which means in Mayan "something that moves or bubbles in the water." 

 

It is called that because a natural underground spring has created a small freshwater lagoon which stands all alone, except for a huge tree which stands guard. The water is refreshingly cool and fresh since it is moving spring water. It is one of the favorite swimming holes in the entire area and for good reason, not only is it incredibly beautiful it also is said to have some curative properties.

 

Many of the local bathers believe it is the combination of the natural plant life and root systems that give the water this healthy aspect while others believe it is just the water itself sent from heaven to heal the masses. Whatever you believe, a visit to Chiquila and Rio Lagartos is always an incredible experience.

Ecological Parks

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is located just south of Tulum. Sian Ka'an is Mayan for "W here the sky is born". The reserve was established as a biosphere reserve in 1986. On the reserves southern border, is another protected area for flora and fauna. 

 

These areas combined cover over 1.5 million acres and comprise one of the largest protected areas in Mexico. The diverse makeup of Sian Ka'an includes semi evergreen tropical forest, low inundated forest, mangrove forest, "cenotes", abundant wetland marshes, savannas, coastal dune, reef lagoon, 60 miles of coral reef and marine habitats.

 

 

The reserve is also home to more than 345 species of birds, including over one million wintering migratory song birds and the rare Jabiru Stork. Ocellated turkey, great currasow, parrots, toucans, trogons, aquatic birds such as white ibis, roseate spoonbill, the wood stork, American Flamingo, 15 species of herons, egrets and bitterns can also be found at Sian Ka'an.

 

Endangered cat species including jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay and the jaguarundi, along with spider and howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, white-tipped and collared peccary and tapir live on the reserve. The marine habitats and wetland marshes are home to the American crocodile, manatee and a variety of sea turtles.

 
 

Native Maya communities border the reserve. This area has been home to the Maya for well over two thousand years. There are over 27 Maya sites identified to date within the boundaries of the reserve. A trip to this spectacular reserve is a must.

Ecological Parks

THE MAYA BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is located in the northern part of Guatemala and is connected to the Calakmul Reserve. The reserve occupies the northern 40% of the Petén, and nearly 10% of Guatemala's land area. 

 

The Petén, is one of the last remaining large wildland areas in Central America and is plateau at an elevation of 500 to 1000 ft. above sea level. The vegetation is considered subtropical semi-deciduous moist forest, savanna and contains wetlands. The reserve contains over 3000 plant species including medicinal plants and over 300 species of useful trees.

 

The Petén is an important refuge for many animal species, such as howler monkey, ocelot, margay cat, jaguar, puma, northern tapir, harpy eagle, macaws, Moreletti's and American crocodiles, iguana, beaded lizard and boa constrictor. 

 

This includes 1453 vertebrate species (not including saltwater fish); and 333 bird species. The Petén wetlands provide significant wintering grounds for many North American migratory bird species.

 

About 133 of these animal species are considered threatened, however, no globally threatened bird species are in this rain forest. The area is of national importance for a number of species of birds of prey, including the near threatened orange breasted falcon.

 

The reserve is also home to a number of ruins of the Maya Civilization including El Mirador, Piedras Negras, Tikal and Uaxactun. These Maya archaeological sites give the reserve a historical and cultural relevance. And besides with the Maya Biosphere Reserve you get to see the ruins and major conservation efforts at the same time.

Ecological Parks