Sian Ka'an Biosphere offers Cancun visitors a treasured ecological reserve
Updated: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 1:01 pm
Along with its exquisitive coastline of luxury hotels and a picturesque downtown district, Cancun boasts a tropical ecological reserve with lakes and mangrove habitats that will thrill nature lovers.
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is Mexico's largest natural ecosystem containing fauna, birds and animals that the government and non-profit organizations are committed to preserving as part of a wildlife refuge.
The 1.3 million acres, which also include a nesting area for two endangered sea turtle species, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Included in the 75 miles that span the biosphere are nearly two dozen ancient archaeological sites with structures that recount the history of the Mayan people on the Yucatan peninsula. For travelers on a Cancun vacation, a visit to the reserve presents an opportunity to trace the historical, cultural and environmental history of the region.
On day trips, visitors from Cancun can view the reefs and lagoon system of the Sian Ka'an reserve by joining boat excursions from the city. A small admission is charged to enter the ecological area, which also supports an active fishing industry with sealife that ranges from spiny lobsters to nurse and hammerhead sharks.
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is Mexico's largest natural ecosystem containing fauna, birds and animals that the government and non-profit organizations are committed to preserving as part of a wildlife refuge.
The 1.3 million acres, which also include a nesting area for two endangered sea turtle species, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Included in the 75 miles that span the biosphere are nearly two dozen ancient archaeological sites with structures that recount the history of the Mayan people on the Yucatan peninsula. For travelers on a Cancun vacation, a visit to the reserve presents an opportunity to trace the historical, cultural and environmental history of the region.
On day trips, visitors from Cancun can view the reefs and lagoon system of the Sian Ka'an reserve by joining boat excursions from the city. A small admission is charged to enter the ecological area, which also supports an active fishing industry with sealife that ranges from spiny lobsters to nurse and hammerhead sharks.
