Sandos Caracol Hotel Mexico: unique stay in the jungle
March 30, 2020
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Are you touring Yucatán and Quintana Roo or staying in one of the popular beach resorts on the Riviera Maya in Mexico? Then you should definitely put Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on your list for a day trip! About a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Tulum and Playa del Carmen, you will find the UNESCO Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve.
The ancient Maya called Sian Ka'an the place "where heaven was born," and when you see the beautiful nature here, you quickly understand why it is called heavenly. The mangroves, coral reefs, archaeological sites and wildlife you can spot here make Sian Ka'an a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world.
How can you reach Sian Ka'an?
There are several ways to explore Sian Ka'an. For example, you can book several eco-tours, both private and with a group. Some of the tour providers are Visit Sian Ka'an, Mexico Can Tours and TUI. An overview of different providers and how they are rated can be found at GetYourGuide.
Organized tour to Sian Ka'an versus on your own
At our article "How to reach Sian Ka'an. we talk about how to get to Sian Ka'an and the pros and cons of the tours. Since we were only in the region for a short time and still wanted to see as much as possible, we decided to join an organized excursion for a day trip to Sian Ka'an. We did this with TUI.
Also read: What is the best way to reach Sian Ka'an?
Sian Ka'an can be reached in several ways. For example, you can get to the reserve with an organized tour, or you can go there on your own. Use our tips to decide what is most suitable for you!
The highlights of Sian Ka'an during a day trip
Many of the highlights in Sian Ka'an can be explored both by excursion and on your own. However, you should note that the bioreserve is huge! Part of the reserve is on land and the other part is located in the Caribbean Sea. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve has a total area of 5,280 km² and in addition to beautiful nature and coral reefs, it also includes 23 archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization, including Muyil.
Exploring Sian Ka'an by yourself
Want to explore the Sian Ka'an area on your own on a day trip? Then you will have to choose between the green swamp side and Mayan ruins on the Muyil side, or the blue ocean side at Punta Allen. If you want to visit both, you can take several days and staying overnight in the immediate area.
Accommodation near Sian Ka'an
The green marsh side of Sian Ka'an
bird watching in the wetlands and mangroves
Sian Ka'an is also known as the "Bird Watchers Paradise. In fact, in Sian Ka'an you can spot as many as 350 different species of birds. These include water birds such as white ibis, pink spoonbills, the rare jabiru stork, wood storks, flamingos and 15 different species of heron.
Boca Paila Bridge
During an excursion through Sian Ka'an, you will most likely stop at an authentic bridge: the Boca-Paila Bridge. On the Boca-Paila Bridge, you overlook the lagoon of Boca Paila on one side and the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea on the other. With luck you will spot rays, iguanas, barracudas, crabs and pelicans here. A great place to stop during the day trip to Sian Ka'an and look out over the overwhelming nature.
The blue ocean side of Sian Ka'an
Punta Allen
Punta Allen is a village in Sian Ka'an with less than 300 inhabitants. There is little to do in this village, but it is the gateway to the crystal clear blue ocean that is partly part of the Sian Ka'an bioreserve. From Punta Allen you can take a boat out into the clear blue sea to see wildlife. Because of its rich flora, Punta Allen is also a perfect place for fishing and snorkeling. The beaches are beautiful, making it a wonderful place to relax as well.
Dolphin and turtle spotting at sea
From Punta Allen you have the opportunity to go out to the open sea with local fishermen. The water here is so clear and blue, which we have seen in very few places! In the crystal clear water you can see beautiful coral reefs and perhaps sea turtles, dolphins and numerous birds. The coral reef in Sian Ka'an is protected. The chance of spotting dolphins is very high, for spotting turtles you need a little luck.
Visiting Sian Ka'an during your trip to the Riviera Maya
Visiting Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is not something everyone does. But it is definitely worth spending some time during a day trip in the natural wonder and seeing its biodiversity firsthand. You are not surrounded by tourists in Sian Ka'an like you are on the beaches of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Instead, you will be awash in clear blue waters, beautiful landscapes and colorful, singing birds.
Touring through beautiful Mexico
There are several travel companies that offer beautiful trips to Mexico. For example, we took a trip With TUI to Mexico, but Rickshaw's building blocks are also highly recommended. These are unique travel experiences. You indicate your preference and Rickshaw will help you plot the most logical itinerary through Mexico.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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