The Mayan Resorts' Great Escapes

Sightseeing at the Grupo Mayan Resorts: Sian Ka’an –A Gift From Heaven to the World

The Biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an (in the Mayan language one of its interpretations is “gift of heaven”) is a protected natural area of 528,147 hectares. According to the Grupo Mayan travel experts, it was named a Biosphere Reserve in 1986 and later it was included in the UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Sian Ka’an is located a few kilometers from the impressive archaeological site of Tulum in the Rivera Maya.

In prehispanic times, it was ruled by the Mayan chieftaincy of the Uaymil and Cohuah, say the Grupo Mayan Resorts researchers. They have found 23 archaeological sites through out the reserve. Among the most impressive ruins are the Chenchomac and Chunyaxche buildings, which can be visited after a tour of the canals that cross this idyllic place. Investigators have found what appear to be sacred human burials, pottery, figurines and tools that date 2300 years.

Today, the ecological reserve is a natural sanctuary inhabited by pumas, tapirs, opossums, toucans, white and loggerhead turtles, as well as endangered species such as the howler, spider monkeys, jaguars, anteaters, ocelots, and even dolphins and whales.

The wetlands of this biosphere as noted remarked by the Grupo Mayan experts, also home a vast and well kept crocodile population. On the other hand, human presence is limited to only a few fishermen, farmers and other service providers – about 2000 inhabitants that give life to the villages of Punta Allen and Punta Herrero y Javier Rojo Gomez.

To avoid leaving unexplored treasures, be sure to bring your snorkeling equipment, as within the limits of this paradise is a reef of more than 100 miles long, which is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world. The underwater experience it truly amazing attest the Grupo Mayan Resorts travel experts.

This is definitely a place you must visit when you stay at the Grupo Mayan’s Grand Mayan and Mayan Palace Riviera Maya.