Punta Laguna: The Home of the Puma and the Monkey
Written by Alex Ruelase
From the air, the jungle of Quintana Roo looks like a mushy green carpet. Trees are pressed together like threads in a fabric, closely knitting an elegant rug that stretches all the way to the horizon. Under the canopy, this apparently monotonous landscape is exploding with life. The biological richness of the mysterious forest is astounding and a true wonder every visitor to the Yucatan Peninsula should see at least once.
There are few places where one can come in direct contact with the wildlife of this vibrant ecosystem. The experience of walking among the foliage, watching troops of monkeys swing around the upper tiers of the forest while toucans and other tropical birds fill the air with song, is confined to some very special places.
Punta Laguna is possibly the best of them. Located some 20 kilometers north of Coba, one of the best-known archeological sites in Quintana Roo, and about 60 kilometers northwest of Tulum, this natural reserve is known for being one of the best places to watch spider and howler monkeys in their natural habitat. At the same time, it is a wonderful place to spend an evening away from everything and hop on a kayak to explore the calm waters of a charming lagoon that’s surrounded by nothing more than endless greenery.
The Mayan name of the natural reserve is Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh, which means “the home of the puma and the monkey”. It’s administered and looked after by community rangers who live in the nearby village, and if you’re up for a walk in the rainforest they will guide you through paths among the trees where spider monkeys usually hang out. Babies and their mothers, rowdy youngsters, and territorial males are a common sight. Keep in mind, your best chance of seeing these amazing animals is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when families come out to feed.
And if you hear a growl -the kind of noise that would make you think if being in the jungle is such a good idea- don’t panic. Howler monkeys or saraguatos make ferocious sounds to communicate with each other. Look up and you’ll see them perfectly calm balancing on treetops. And while there are wild jaguars and pathers in the park, they rarely approach human settlements and keep to the far coast of the lagoon.
The lagoon is also a favorite spot for local families who come to swim and freshen up. You can even spend the night here. Pitch your tent by the water, get a campfire going, and sleep surrounded by the fascinating sounds of nocturn creatures.
When you visit this marvelous place, please keep in mind the health of the jungle and follow the rules. Punta Laguna is one of the last strongholds of a vitally important ecosystem. Every plant and animal is environmentally essential and represents not only the natural richness of the Maya forest but the livelihoods of the communities who live in it. These people are happy to share their heritage with you, and if you have a chance to experience the jungle first hand, you are guaranteed to take that feeling with you everywhere.
