As a tourist in Mexico, there is an enormous amount to discover and experience. The choice can be quite difficult. If you’re looking for an adventure where you can explore tropical rainforests, unwind on glistening white sandy beaches and observe the fascinating underwater world while snorkeling, we have an exciting excursion destination for you! Dive in and find out more about this very special natural gem: the nature reserve “Sian Ka’an”
The place where heaven was born
Even the Mayans appreciated the beauty of this area. Not for nothing did they give it the name Sian Ka’an, which translates as “the place where the sky was born”. The second largest nature reserve in Mexico covers an area of 5,280 km² and is more than 120 km long – one of the reasons why it is worth having a local German tour guide show you the region. That way you won’t miss any of the highlights and you’ll also learn something about this exciting nature reserve. German excursions to Sian Ka’an are offered here, for example: Sian Ka’an
Biodiversity for nature lovers
The protected biosphere reserve is located to the east on the Yucatán Peninsula, around 140 km from the popular vacation resort of Cancún. Above all, the ecological diversity and biodiversity are a particular attraction for many holidaymakers: this region is home to thousands of plant species, over a hundred mammal species,
379 bird species and countless reptiles. For this reason, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Thanks to its direct location on the Mexican Caribbean coast, you can not only enjoy beautiful hikes on land and marvel at nature, but also watch dolphins and other marine animals from the comfort of a boat. The numerous lagoons, canals, bays and coral reefs bear witness to a rich aquatic world and invite you to explore.
Untouched nature for generations
Due to the special protection status, settlement in the area is prohibited with a few exceptions. Only Punta Allen, a former fishing village, is still inhabited by Mayans and had just 393 inhabitants in 2020. The “soft ecotourism” practised there also ensures that tourists leave the smallest possible footprint in the resort. This allows you to experience nature in its most pristine form. Access to the reserve is also strictly controlled – there are only five official entrances (Pulticub, Santa Teresa, Chumpon, Chunyaxché and Chac Mool).
Historical Mayan heritage
History buffs will also get their money’s worth in Sian Ka’an. To date, around 20 Mayan archaeological sites from the 13th-16th centuries have been discovered. The most famous of these, the “Ruins of Muyil” are located approx. 20 km southwest of Tulum. In addition to these excavation sites, there are also smaller temples such as the “Xlahpak” to discover, which point to the rich cultural diversity of the Mayas.
On tour by bus & boat
Sian Ka’an is located south of Cancún and can be reached from there within 3 hours by bus, for example. Another good starting point for tours to Sian Ka’an is Tulum, a Mayan site with numerous hotels and accommodation options nearby. Guided tours of the nature reserve can be booked through various local providers. However, we recommend organizing excursions online in advance. There is also the option of booking specific German excursions, which also take care of transfers and offer exciting boat tours. The travel companions usually have extensive
Sian Ka’an – Not a Spanish village
It can sometimes be difficult to find your way around Mexico as a German-speaking tourist. Many locals only speak broken English, so your own knowledge of Spanish can be very helpful. But don’t worry, you don’t have to take a Spanish course to enjoy a relaxed vacation in Mexico! Fortunately, there are some providers who offer guided excursions in German to Sian Ka’an in German. This way, you can learn a lot about nature and biodiversity while the guides take you through the area in a relaxed manner.
Interesting facts at the end
– The area consists of an incredible 9 different ecosystems (including tropical forests, coastal lagoons, coral reefs, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches and savannah)
– The size is roughly comparable to Luxembourg
– The name comes from the Mayans and means “where the sky was born”
– There are only 5 official entrances and roads into the area
– A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987
The incredible beauty of this jewel of the Yucatán Peninsula is not to be missed!
