When you choose to vacation on Mexico’s eastern coast, you will discover that the area is home to a great variety of features including 5 star resorts, world-class dining, outdoor activities galore and some of the planet’s most gorgeous beaches, complete with glittering white sand and turquoise water. However, one of the biggest highlights of visiting this spectacular region is experiencing the rich cultural history of the ancient Mayan empire. Scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula are several sites of former cities and temples filled with ruins to explore, as well as mystical underwater pools called cenotes found in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, where the ancient civilization believed they could communicate with the gods. Natural Wonders Beginning millions of years ago, these subterranean groundwater pools were formed when sea levels dropped drastically to expose miles of coral reef and gradually rose once more, filling empty tunnels and caves with water. Cenotes are home to fascinating geological formations as well as a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna. Mayan for ‘sacred well’ or ‘cave filled …
If you live in colder climes, the rain and chill can really get you down, and so the summer vacation becomes more important for your physical and mental health; a little sunshine goes a long way in both departments. As such we’d like to recommend that you consider the Sian Ka’an Biosphere in Mexico due to its stunning natural beauty, cutting-edge amenities and attractions, and year-round great weather. Here’s the low-down on the kind of weather you can expect when you vacation in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Sunny Days and Weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico for many reasons: wonderful attractions, history, and stunning natural beauty are just some of the reasons, but the great weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere trumps them all. Sunshine is not in short supply here; a rough estimate of sunny days per year comes up with around 240 (on average) which means that unless you’re exceptionally unlucky and come during hurricane season the chance of …
With summer here in full swing, the Mexican Caribbean is thrilled to be hosting the exciting migration of schools of whale sharks who seek out the area’s warm tropical waters and its abundant supply of food. You can encounter these magnificent creatures while visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Although they are the largest known fish species found in the ocean, weighing more than 20 tons, they are calm and docile which makes them a delight to encounter. Giant Fish They are named for their similarity in body size to whales, with whale sharks growing to gigantic proportions, normally anywhere from 18 feet to 32 feet long, although there have been recorded sightings of some larger than 40 feet! Despite their potentially intimidating size, whale sharks have shown they pose no threat to humans and are indifferent around divers. Because they swim at a relaxed pace of 3mph or less and favor a diet of small fish and plankton, they are easy to observe while diving or snorkeling for a captivating experience you will treasure forever. …
The popular tourist destination of Tulum, which is the stunning coastal site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city, is a must-see when visiting the Sian Ka’an area of Mexico. Located just 128 km (80 mi) from the hustle and bustle of the resort-filled town of Cancun, Tulum feels as though it is a delightfully slow-paced world away. Taking a day trip to explore this well-preserved archaeological site will prove to be a fascinating experience you won’t soon forget. Get out of your lounge chair and get lost in the mysteries of this remarkable former home of a sophisticated ancient society. Tulum Ruins The Tulum ruins are positioned on breathtaking 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs overlooking the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatan Peninsula. It was one of the final cities designed and occupied by the Maya and reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries. Every Mayan city served a particular purpose, and as the only Mayan city built along the coast, Tulum was a busy seaport which traded primarily …
With so many possibilities to consider when trying to decide on where to visit during your next vacation, it may seem impossible to choose an ideal vacation destination that will have everything you are looking for. Mexico is a fantastic pick for a multitude of reasons including the wide variety of activities to experience, sweeping natural beauty, delectable food and drinks, diverse climates, impressive travel deals and affordable luxuries. Regardless of where your interests may lie, Mexico is a wondrous place to do exactly what you love during an unforgettable vacation. Why Mexico is the ideal vacation destination: Natural Wonders Showcasing amazingly diverse scenery and terrain, Mexico has it all, from arid deserts to sensuous jungles to snow-covered peaks. Whatever you are in the mood to experience, from adventure to pure relaxation, you will be taking it all in among some of the world’s most incredible scenery. Get swept up in the astonishing beauty of nature while you explore underground caves, rappel down a waterfall, kayak down a river or just take it easy …
Costa Maya is one of the most beautiful areas in Mexico; the mixed landscape makes for interesting viewing while hiking and trekking through the jungle. The issue is that there’s just so much to see! Cenotes (large, natural fresh-water wells), Mayan ruins, and all the delights of nature embodied in the local flora and fauna can be seen here. It’s getting to it all that’s the trouble; you want to see the area, but we know you’d like some time to chill out, too. If only there was a way to see it all (or a lot of it) in one day. Well now there is! Imagine soaring high above the ground, whizzing through the canopy of the jungle with all of the natural wonders of the Costa Maya laid out below you. Does this sound like a scene from a movie? Well it’s not, it is in fact a description of one of the zip-line canopy tours that are now available. Canopy Tours in Costa Maya Couples, families and friend groups alike can make …
Enjoy an unforgettable encounter with one of the most incredible ocean marine mammals during your stay in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Swimming with dolphins is one of the most magical treats you can share with your loved ones and a sure way to remember your vacations for the rest of your life. Dolphin Discovery in Mahahual The Dolphin Discovery in Mahahual – Costa Maya, is a wonderful opportunity for you with your family, children or friends to experience an incredible encounter with one of the world’s most intelligent and beautiful creatures. You can choose from a variety of programs that give you plenty of time in the water with the dolphins and a trainer. You will get to experience wonderful tricks like a kiss, handshake, singing and interaction while learning a lot about dolphins. Some packages also include you being pushed along by the dolphins or swimming with them holding their fins. The dolphinarium is located within the International Costa Maya cruise port, which means that all visitors must have a reservation to be able …
Did you know that Mexico is one of the top countries in the world for the number of World Heritage Sites? In fact it currently ranks number six for concentration of UNESCO world heritage sites in one country. Mexico ranks behind only China, Italy, Spain, Germany and France for the number of World Heritage Sites. This is a country which has a vast cultural heritage and a vibrancy that cannot really be matched. Mexico has 33 World Heritage sites which makes it the country with the most sites in the whole of the American continent! What makes a World Heritage Site? A World Heritage Site, as defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a place with an important legacy or heritage to pass on. This could be a forest, a city, a desert, an island or a monument, but they must be places that are “irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration”. World Heritage Sites can be divided into three broad categories; mixed, natural and cultural. Over the whole world there are …
Punta Herrero located within Mexico’s idyllic Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a small fishing village with around 30 houses inhabited by villagers who have dedicated their lives to fishing for generations. It has maintained its authentic charm and is a great day trip for guests staying at Sian Ka’an Village as it can be reached easily by car or by bicycle, just 15 km (10 miles) from the property. Where time stands still Located at the southern entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere between the Caribbean Sea and a stunning mangrove lagoon, Punta Herrero is one of those remote villages where time seems to have stopped still and its inhabitants have perfected the art of living the moment. Fishermen in Punta Herrero tend to dedicated their time to fishing lobster from the Espiritu Santo Bay and other fish when lobster is out of season. Tours and Excursions in Punta Herrero Besides fishing, many of the local fishermen have formed a cooperative to act as tour guides leading a range of tours and excursions such as fly …
Eco tourists of all persuasions will find the Sian Ka’an biosphere in Mexico to be a little piece of heaven on earth. Covering nearly 75 miles of Mexico’s Caribbean coast and encompassing over 969,000 hectares, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a unique tropical landscape that takes you into the heart of the Mexican wilderness and offers a once in a lifetime experience to visitors. What does “Sian Ka’an” mean? The meaning of the Mayan name, “Sian Ka’an,” is something along the lines of “the origin of the sky” or “where the heavens were born.” Anyone who has ever had the fortune of visiting the Sian Ka’an biosphere will know that this is a very fitting name. From any point within the biosphere you can see the entire horizon catch the most inspiring sunsets and sunrises. Eco-tourism and Travel It is very easy to see why this UNESCO world heritage site has been considered a national treasure for over 30 years now. The federal government and locals alike all work hard to keep this nature reserve …
