Why You Should Visit Sian Ka’an in Tulum

Besides the glorious beaches and the world renowned archaeological site, Tulum has yet another attraction you should visit: the astonishing Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, a magical place that you must visit if you’re in the Riviera Maya. If you’re interested in eco-tourism, you consider yourself a conscious traveler and you care about the environment, then visiting Sian Ka’an is for you.

This Biosphere is one of the many natural beauties that our planet has for us to enjoy; here you will find thousands of species of flora and fauna, both terrestrial and marine, some of which are unique of this environment. Sian Ka’an is home of thousands of animals that found comfort and easily have fitted in this magnificent place.

It’s important to highlight the fact that Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by the UNESCO. This title is only given to sites with highly natural or cultural value for the general heritage for the humanity. For this, and many others reasons, this is one of the most protected areas in the Mexican Caribbean. Sian Ka’an Biosphere covers 10% of the State of Quintana Roo, with a total size of 150,000 hectares.

Also, Sian Ka’an is part of the program “Man and Biosphere” (MAB), this Project is dedicated to improve the relation between people and their environment.

If you’re into nature and you like to be surrounded by its beauty, then the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an is the perfect place for you. Enjoy a peaceful getaway and go camping while you coexist with nature. There are different activities available, like taking a boat ride to discover the amazing crystal-clear waters. If you like snorkeling, book a tour to the reef for an amazing adventure. It’s said that the coral reef is made out of 84 different species of coral… I bet you want to see that yourself! To finish an amazing journey, sit and relax in one of the few boutique hotels or camping sites to admire the sunset or gaze at the starry night; the perfect way to end the day!

Some recommendations

  • The best way to get to the reserve is by car or motorbike. Public transportation is scarce, and finding a taxi to go back to Tulum can be a challenge, so don’t risk getting stranded there.
  • Plan ahead and carry everything that you will need to make your trip prosperous. Include a mosquito repellent, enough water, food and snacks, and of course, a camera so you can keep all the memories from this fantastic paradise… and it’s even better if you have a waterproof camera!
  • Be conscious and respect the environment. The unique and incomparable biodiversity found here must be kept clean and every visitor must respect the environment. If coming here is in your plans, help us to conserve this World Heritage site!
  • Be careful. Even when the road has a good share of traffic, the beaches at the reserve are almost empty. Swim carefully and avoid risks; if you find yourself in trouble, finding help can take some time.
  • Some areas of the lagoon are known for being home of crocodiles. If you book a tour through the lagoon, make sure to double check with your guide if it’s safe to swim before jumping out of the boat!

Live an eco-sustainable experience and have fun in a different and unique way in the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an!

Thriving Ecotourism in The Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is home to one of the fastest growing cities in Latin America: Playa del Carmen. It also hosts millions of international tourists each year, through its abundance of all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels and strong vacation rental market. There is so much fun to be had in the bustling tourist scene of the Riviera Maya.

Is this all the Riviera Maya has to offer? Or is there another side to this place? Can you find peace and tranquility? Nature that is unobstructed by man? Beautiful places where one can experience and connect with nature? Well yes, you sure can!

The Riviera Maya literally has so much to offer, even a thriving ecotourism scene. Below is a list of the top 6 ecotourism destinations in the Riviera Maya!

  1. Akumal (Turtle Sanctuary)

This hidden treasure is apart of a small community just 39 km from Playa del Carmen, and 105 km from Cancun. Akumal Bay is home to an array of fish, coral, and sea turtles. It’s a true paradise that allows you to be one with nature and swim amongst the sea life.

They have protective measures in place to protect the marine wildlife, especially the sea turtles. Snorkeling tours are great to learn about the habitat and different species that live there. Or, you can bring your own gear and go out on your own. Make sure to wear a life jacket though, they are mandatory to protect the sea floor from diving destruction. An experience like this is truly special, you can learn about the habitat and connect with marine life.

  1. Cancun, MUSA (Museo Subacuático Del Arte)

Another beautiful eco marine zone is, “The Underwater Museum of Art” in Cancun. This place is a true spectacle of the interaction between environmental science and man-made sculptures. The whole museum shows how beautiful and powerful a marine biosystem is, by creating a complex reef structure with thriving marine life. Experience the beauty by glass bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba diving.

  1. Bacalar (Eco Friendly Escape)

The most secluded, non-touristy, eco friendly place is probably Bacalar, also known as “The 7 Color Lagoon.” You wont find all-inclusive giants here. Accommodations consist of eco friendly hotels and resorts. Many of them utilizing alternative energy sources. It’s a beautiful place to take a boat tour of the lagoon to see the colors, wildlife and thriving ecosystem. Or you can simply rent a kayak or paddle board to explore on your own.

  1. Cozumel (Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park)

This national park is located off the coast of Cozumel and is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest coral reef system in the world. The park is home to several species of sea life that are under some degree of protection. It’s an amazing place for avid divers and snorkelers. With the crystal-clear waters far away from shore or any man made structures, it makes for a wonderful and clean experience.

  1. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

This place is fully committed to protecting the area and its fragile ecosystems, being a World Heritage Site and the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. That being said, there are many environmentally friendly tours to bring people into this region’s spectacular wildlife and awe-inspiring Mayan ruins. Here you will be able to find snorkel tours, nature encounters, bird watching, Mayan ruins and fly fishing expeditions.

  1. Isla Holbox

Holbox Island has 21 miles of white sand beaches and is part of the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve. Its a quiet piece of paradise in the north of Quintana Roo and boasts natural beauty through its scenery and wildlife. Here you can experience an array of things, from swimming with whale sharks to bird watching, there is something for everyone.

There you have it, the top 6 ecotourism opportunities in the Riviera Maya. A destination as bustling and busy is this, still has plenty of relaxing and peaceful attractions for the eco-tourist enthusiast.

Camping and the Outdoors around Playa del Carmen


When most people think of Mexico, they think of resorts, beaches with bars and restaurants nearby, colonial cities, ancient pyramids, etc. While people know that there is beautiful nature in Mexico, when making their choice to make this their new home many soon-to-be expat is the actual “roughing it” outdoors lifestyle that can be enjoyed, alongside of the more comfortable ways of enjoying nature.

 

 

Camping

Like every other outdoor activity, camping in tents can be enjoyed year round; unlike other favorite camping locations, in this area, you’ll be camping on some of the nicest beaches in the world.  You choose your location to be as near to or far from conveniences as you like; some good spots, like Xpu-Ha Beach are next to little rustic shops and restaurants to make the experience easier and give it a unique flavor; others, like Sian Kaan, would be miles away from the nearest building.

 

Rustic Cabins

In addition to camping, Tulum especially has some rustic beachfront cabins.  When I say “rustic” I really mean rustic – no electricity, basic beds, simple wooden huts with thatched roofs.  These are a beautiful experience, because, as with camping, you can see the bright stars in the sky over the Caribbean Sea in a place where lights from hotels and towns don’t overpower them.

There are many reasons to love Mexico, and nature lovers who really love to get away from civilization can easily do so here and in many other parts of the country!

 

-by Thomas Lloyd
Questionnaire

An adventure through Paradise to Punta Allen

I would like to share an experience of friend who traveled through the Jungle to the small little fishing village of Punta Allen.  The way she described it to me was somewhat humorous as they did not travel the traditional way through the jungle to arrive there.  Punta Allen is a very cute and small fishing village past Tulum and Sian Ka’an.  In order to get there you must travel through a rocky dirt road through the jungle.

 

There are many beautiful things to see as you travel through before arriving to the quaint little town.  My friend’s journey began in Playa del Carmen where she and her husband rented a scooter to take a spontaneous weekend getaway.

 

In Tulum

Although very close to home they stayed one night in a tiny but sweet and clean hotel room in the center of Tulum.  When they awoke in the morning they decided to head off to Punta Allen as they had heard about this destination yet knew nothing about it.  Still they wanted to find out.  They asked a few locals in town how to get there and received some directions but were advised to rent a jeep or a 4×4 if at all possible.

 

Adventurous Mishaps …
Being adventurous and spontaneous as they are they decided to ignore the advice and swing it on the scooter! Well about a quarter of the way through the long dirt road of Sian Ka’an, they finally realized the importance of the 4×4 as the ride was very slow and very bumpy.  None the less, they took frequent stops to take a look and snap photos of all the beauty that surrounded them.

 

There are beautiful jungles, pristine bays of water, and sheer quiet and relaxation!  In some points of the route you will even see camping areas where people come to enjoy a place where the jungle truly meets the sea.  They realized half way that they hadn’t even arrived to their destination yet and they were already taking in quite a beautiful experience.  Alas, they arrived and there was the sign “Welcome to Punta Allen”!  It probably should have taken them half the time in a jeep but they didn’t mind because it was an experience.

 

Definitely Not a Resort!
Punta Allen is a tiny fishing village that attracts some attention for a quiet weekend or night away however fully maintains its charm.  There is only one restaurant there and they have some options for cabanas.This is not a place for resort goers!

 

The cabanas are small, simple, clean and nice!  You are surrounded by beauty and nature.  There is a light house if you stroll down the path and in the little town you will see what some may think of as typical Mexico as this is not a tourist destination in general. The main activity there is fishing and as a tour option you can head out on a boat with a guided tour out into the ocean.  Other than that it’s all about the relaxation.  My friend thought it to be quite cute and funny that the restaurant owned a turkey for a pet, which had been tied to a tree in the restaurant, you know, just in case it ran away!

 

The Journey Home

The duration of the stay was not too long; only one night but enough to have a beautiful experience.  Then they headed home back on the scooter back towards Tulum and back to Playa.  It is truly wonderful that when you live here you have the option to just pick up and go somewhere and explore in such a beautiful place!

 

We should remember that some people save up for a year to take a vacation out to the Riviera Maya to explore and experience as much as they can because for many it is only a once in a lifetime event or at least every once in a while.  Take advantage of what you have surrounding you and go!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 
 Mexico Real Estate e-book

Love Is in the Air in Playa del Carmen – 10 Most Romantic Things to Do (#2)

In yesterday’s post, Tom revealed 3 of our top 10 romantic things to do in (and near) Playa del Carmen (#10, 9 & 8.) Today, I will continue with 3 more ways spark up a new romance, or re-kindle one that started decades back!

 

7. Boutique Hotel Downtown Playa
The charm of a beautiful, small luxury hotel with views of the beautiful beach and Caribbean combined with excellent restaurants and the unique ambiance of Fifth Avenue a very short walk away make boutique hotels like Mosquito or Acanto very, very romantic places to spend time with your Valentine.

6. Camping in the Jungle

The sound of the waves, birds singing, wind in the palm trees, hammock swaying, and a beautiful, beautiful beach all to yourself – camping on Sian Ka’an‘s beaches (a very large natural reserve) or on the shores of Bacalar’s lagoon offer something romantic that goes well beyond any hotel or restaurant!

5. Eco-Hotels in Tulum

Imagine waking up in a beachfront cabin, surrounded by jungle, no electricity, no buzzing of cars, but still with the comfort of a Mayan-style cabin and a nice pool, only steps away from the Tulum’s gorgeous beaches.

Cabins such as “Zebra” or Luna Maya are excellent choices; there are also some in the Sian Ka’an.

 

 

 

Tomorrow, we will see three more very romantic ways to spend Valentine’s Day – #4, 3 & 2.

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

In yesterday’s post, I revealed 3 of our top 10 romantic things to do in (and near) Playa del Carmen (#10, 9 & 8.)  Today, I will continue with 3 more ways spark up a new romance, or re-kindle one that started decades back!

7. Boutique Hotel Downtown Playa
The charm of a beautiful, small luxury hotel with views of the beautiful beach and Caribbean combined with excellent restaurants and the unique ambiance of Fifth Avenue a very short walk away make boutique hotels like Mosquito or Acanto very, very romantic places to spend time with your Valentine.

6. Camping in the Jungle

 

The sound of the waves, birds singing, wind in the palm trees, hammock swaying, and a beautiful, beautiful beach all to yourself – camping on Sian Ka’an‘s beaches (a very large natural reserve) or on the shores of Bacalar’s lagoon offer something romantic that goes well beyond any hotel or restaurant!

5. Eco-Hotels in Tulum

 

Imagine waking up in a beachfront cabin, surrounded by jungle, no electricity, no buzzing of cars, but still with the comfort of a Mayan-style cabin and a nice pool, only steps away from the Tulum’s gorgeous beaches.

Cabins such as “Zebra” or Luna Maya are excellent choices; there are also some in the Sian Ka’an.

Tomorrow, we will see three more very romantic ways to spend Valentine’s Day – #4, 3 & 2.

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials