Seeking out Nature

     These are a few of the places that the Mexican government has declared as “protected areas” here in the state of Quintana Roo. Birds, marine animals, monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles and a wide variety of different plants and trees are all protected here in these wonderful parks and reserves. Enjoy yourself as you explore the lush, green jungle with its extensive wildlife and beautiful surroundings. Learn more about the state of Quintana Roo as you take in the sights and sounds of its magnificent flora and fauna.

SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was created on January 20, 1986 and the Uaymil Flora and Fauna Protected Area as well as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reefs Reserve were annexed on November 23, 1994 and February 2, 1998, respectively. The three reserves cover an area of 650,000 square hectares.
They incorporate areas of the principal ecosystems found in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean, where both Mesoamerican and Antillean species flourish.
The barrier reef offshore extends for some 120 kilometers and covers approximately 15,000 hectares.
YUM BALAM FLORA AND FAUNA PROTECTED AREA
The Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protected Area was created on June 5, 1994. It is located on the northern coast, in the Lazaro Cardenas district and covers 154,052 square hectares. More than 12 kinds of vegetation are found here.
MANATEE SANCTUARY
Created on October 24, 1996, the Manatee Sanctuary protects 281,320 square hectares of both land and water ecosystems. This large population of Caribbean manatees, (Trichechus manatus) estimated between 150 and 200 individuals, has found a refuge here.
THEME PARKS
DR. ALFREDO BARRERA MARIN BOTANICAL GARDEN
Covering 60 square hectares, this is the largest botanical garden in Mexico, and contains fine specimens of most of the region’s trees. The garden also has a replica of a chicle harvestin camp.
CROCOCUN
Located south of Cancun at Km.30 on the Cancun-Tulum Highway, this wildlife farm keeps more than 300 swamp crocodiles in captivity for breeding purposes. Trails wind through the jungle.
XCARET
One of the most popular theme parks on the coast. The park protects a range of ecosystems from the jungle to the mangrove and transitional areas to beach vegetation.
The park allows visitors to observe a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. There is a sea turtle area and 44 species of birds can also be observed in aviaries. The park’s main attraction is its underground river system.
XAMAN-HA AVIARY
Located in the Playacar complex, it covers 1.8 square hectares of predominately medium growth jungle vegetation, housing some 60 bird species, some of them on the protected species list.
XEL-HA
Xel-Ha ("Place where water is born") protects one of the region’s largest inlet and lagoon systems. It is thought to be one of the world’s largest natural aquariums.