Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the Meaning of Caribbean Wilderness
By Alex Ruelas
What do you think of when you think of wilderness? The concept that transports us to the frontier of untamed nature has different meanings in different parts of the world. Maybe you picture a snow-capped mountain range, or a powerful river flowing through a valley. But what does wilderness mean in a place that is best known for its beaches and palm trees?
In the Mexican Caribbean, wilderness means to be teeming with life. Beyond the familiar contrast of the blue ocean that touches the vibrant green of the jungle, there is a wild landscape that is home to astounding biodiversity.
Perhaps the place that best represents this natural richness is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Established in 1986 and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name means Origin of the Heavens in the language of the Maya, and it is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Mexico.
It’s hard to overstate the ecological significance of Sian Ka’an. Spanning more than 652,000 hectares, it comprises mangrove forests, wetlands, old-growth tropical forests, savannah, and a substantial part of the world’s second largest barrier reef. These ecosystems host all sorts of wildlife, from sea turtles, manatees and dolphins to spider monkeys, tapirs and jaguars. It is pure wilderness, and one of the reasons the Riviera Maya is such an exceptional part of the world.
View of the horizon on both sunrise and sunset is one of Sian Ka’an’s unique highlights.
Visiting the Biosphere Reserve
The main entrance to the reserve is right at the end of Tulum’s hotel zone. The town famous for its bohemian vibe and world-class art scene is also the gateway to this amazing nature reserve.
What is the easiest way to visit? Honestly, to hire a guided tour. The reserve is huge and the jungle is not a place to take lightly. Having a guide will guarantee you stay safe and make the most of your day outdoors.
There are many tour options available, which go from leisurely boat rides to more adventurous experiences that include bike rides through the jungle and boat trips to explore the mangrove forest. With a bit of luck, these trips will feature local wildlife, such as manatees, crocodiles, and many species of tropical birds.
However, if you do decide to go on your own, you have two options. The first is to take Tulum’s beach road and drive until you reach the Maya Arch, the entrance to the reserve. Here, you’ll pay a fee to access the park (keep in mind, there is a maximum number of people allowed in daily, so it might pay off to go early).
The unpaved coastal road will take you to the Boca Paila Bridge, one of the trip’s most photogenic spots, along beautiful beaches and all the way to Punta Allen, a fishermen’s village 55 km from downtown Tulum. Here you can hire a boat ride that will take you to the best snorkeling spots, where it’s not uncommon to see dolphins in the wild.
The second option is to go to the other side of the reserve, where just 23 km south of Tulum on the main highway you can visit the ruins of Muyil, a wonderful prehispanic city, and the breathtaking Muyil and Chunyaxché Lagoons.
Where to stay
While it might sound remote, staying in Sian Ka’an is not impossible. There are several lodging options to stay either close to the reserve or actually within it.
Staying in Tulum is the first choice for most travelers, which gives them access to both amazing nature and all the town’s attractions. Now, if you want to immerse yourself in the reserve’s wilderness, you can stay in one of the eco-friendly villas located along the beach road to Boca Paila. Regulated by park policy, these residences follow strict environmental guidelines, and some of them even generate their own solar and wind power.
One more option is to spend the night in Punta Allen. Several small hotels will allow you to experience the tranquility of its sandy roads.
PLAYÄÄKUN, Sian Ka’an, Mexico.
Hacienda Palancar, Sian Ka’an, Mexico.
Sian Ka’an is a wild place. It is home to the most diverse forms of life and a reminder of the importance of preserving our ecosystems and the creatures with whom we share the planet. It is also an invitation for us to get closer to nature. If you want to experience the Riviera Maya in its most primal state, this fantastic Biosphere Reserve is where you have to go.
