The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Yucatan Peninsula, Yucatan Peninsula

March 22, 2022 Diedre Savory

Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.
Restaurants in Yucatan Peninsula

1. Calakmul Archaeological Zone

Mexico
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 687 reviews

Calakmul Archaeological Zone

Ancient Mayan city historians now believe to have been bigger than Chichén Itzá.

Reviewed By giblinVanBauzanum

Saying that Calakmul is breathtaking will not give this place enough justice. It has beautifully preserved ruins, clad in vegetation, which gives them this mysterious and adventurous look. Waliking amids the jungle and discovering all this ancient places is totally a different experience compared to any other ruin. The site is also so huge and vast , that is likely that you will see very few tourists even in crowded periods. The site is reachable by a 40km bumpy road, which will take you 1h and a half from the main road. Be prepares to stay there at least 3 hours and bring lots of water. You will need them. A bit off hand but totally worth it

2. LabnaHa Cenotes & Eco Park

Federal Road 307. Kilometer 240, Tulum Mexico +52 984 278 6188 [email protected] http://www.labnaha.com
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 699 reviews

LabnaHa Cenotes & Eco Park

Labnaha’s Eco Park called the Magic Mayan World is exclusively open for a few visitors daily. This Park offers different activities surrounded by an exuberant jungle and a subterranean world known as magical and sacred in the Mayan culture.Experience a unforgettable descend on a zip line into the entrance of a fascinating Sacred Lakes which leads to into most spectacular Kayac traverse in the area. Refresh yourself afterwards in the Cenotes on a once a life time snorkel tour. Labnaha operates only with small groups and counts with a visitor limit per day to avoid mass tourism and the negative impact on the Eco system which allows you to enjoy without being surrounded by hundreds of people. Labnaha makes a big effort trying to teach how to enjoy this Magic Mayan World in full terms without destroying it.All activities are conducted with highly qualified and professionally trained guides. The three visited Cenotes are connected by Eco paths guided through theme paths with explanations and names of the local flora and fauna in the park. The entrance fees are used to protect a great variety of animals and trees in danger of extinction because of the ecological changes in the Riviera Maya caused by extensive constructions in the area.We are located just 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen or 10 from Tulum which makes it perfect to plan a last minute tour without having to travel hundreds of kilometres on the highway and sitting for hours in a vehicle or moving from one activity to a other one by car since all three activities are located inside the Magic Mayan Park. Age is not a limiting factor since the activities adapt depending on the exigencies and possibilities of the visitor.Included in the tour.Transportation Zip Line at the Sacred Lakes Snorkel tour in Cenote Labnaha Professional Zip Line EquipmentKayac TourOpen Cenote swimming. Snorkel equipment and live jackets Professional multilingual guide.We do not have customers we have explorers, and later...friends!!!!

Reviewed By akbentley

This was a highlight of our trip to Tulum! We arrived early, before anyone was onsite. However Raphael was right on time as promised! After getting fitted for lifejackets and snorkels, we tucked away our belongings in the provided locker. We hopped into a very rustic jeep down a bumpy jungle road and about 10 minutes later we parked and took a short walk to the cenote. The water was chilly at first but we warmed up quickly. The water was so clear, it was incredible to see the amount of stalactites below. Would highly recommend!

3. Solferino Village

Mexico
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Solferino Village

4. Cozumel Pearl Farm

Franja de Montecristo North of Cozumel, Cozumel Mexico +52 1 987 564 8698 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/CozumelPearlFarm/
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 353 reviews

Cozumel Pearl Farm

Cozumel Pearl Farm is a family owned and operated pearl farm nestled in a beautiful white sand beach on the north shore of Cozumel Island. Being the only active Pearl Farm in the Caribbean, Cozumel Pearl Farm is located in a natural protected area that remains pristine and untouched; it is only accessible by boat since it is surrounded by the mangrove lagoon ecosystem on one side and the fascinating turquoise color waters of the Caribbean on the other.Conceived as a project of research and development of the species Pinctada radiata in 2001, this spectacular place opened its doors for ecotourism in early 2012 with the purpose to promote responsible travelling and preserve the area in its untouched state for future generations to enjoy.Be one of our exclusive guests, enjoy this unique experience and become part of our project.Off the beaten path... Where tourist become travelersJoin us on this authentic and unique experience.Let us share our piece of paradise with you and our passion for nature. Enjoy the amazing landscape untouched and in pristine conditions.Ideal destination for those who want to experience sustainable ecotourism away from crowds.We like to have small groups, so we can give you the best personal attention.

Reviewed By 741adriennel

We loved our day trip to Cozumel Pearl Farm! Isabel was very responsive leading up to our trip and she is so knowledgeable and passionate about their pearl farm project. The 45 minute boat ride to the farm is very enjoyable. The private beach is amazing and the turquoise waters are so beautiful. It was a nice variety of activities including snorkeling, beach time, educational time, and eating a delicious lunch. 2020 was a difficult year for them with COVID, hurricanes and even robberies on their property, but their positive attitude shines through and with the return of tourism, they have many plans to rebuild and improve upon the farm. Book this tour- you won't be disappointed!

5. Homun Cenotes

Homun 97582 Mexico
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 128 reviews

Homun Cenotes

Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada

I visited five amazing and unique lesser known cenotes in the town of Homun which is an area of the Yucatan known for its many cenotes. I didn't use a tour to go here and just figured out a DIY version on my own, which was a fun adventure in itself! I started off by taking a colectivo van from Merida to Homun, which took around an hour to arrive. The colectivos were located on Calle 67 across from the Noreste Bus Terminal. The drivers were often yelling out Homun, so just confirm with the driver that this is where they are going before getting in. The one-way ride was around 30 pesos. I had told the driver that I wanted to see cenotes, so he dropped me off on the edge of town at the corner of Calle 19 and the Restaurante El Cenote. I followed the gravel road a short ways which led to two beautiful cenotes (Cenote Pool Uinic and Cenote Tza-Ujun-Kat), which appeared to be located on a local family's property. The family came out and was eager to show me to the first cenote - Cenote Uinic - as I was their first visitor of the day. The mother of the family led me down a gravel pathway which led to the entrance of the cenote. There was a small hole in the ground with a large tree growing out of it and the entrance to the cenote was down a steep set of stairs down a second small hole. The stairs led to an open area with a few more steps leading further down to the completely closed cenote in a small cave area with a small pool of crystal clear freshwater to swim in! It was absolutely beautiful and so refreshing. The second that I visited, Cenote Tza-Ujun-Kat, was located directly across the road from the first one. The stairs led to a large circular platform in the cenote that was surrounded by water. In the centre of the platform were tropical plants and trees reaching up to the small hole above them in the rock ceiling. I once again found myself alone in this cenote and it was lovely! There were lots of stalactites hanging from the rock ceiling here. After visiting these two cenotes, I found a few moto-taxis (half motorcycle on the back and small cart with bench on the front) waiting along the main road and I hired one to take me on a tour of three more cenotes. The cost was 250 pesos for the local to drive me to the cenotes and wait while I swam, which I thought was pretty reasonable. The final three cenotes that I visited - Cenote Canchunen, Cenote Bal-Mil and Cenote Hool Kosom - were all located along the same bumpy gravel road just outside of Homun, about a 10 minute drive on the moto-taxi. My driver played fun upbeat music on his stereo as we bounced along through the jungle to these off the beaten path, hidden cenotes. All three cenotes were close to one another and they were all partially closed cenotes, with only a small hole at the top. The entrance for all of them was 35 pesos. Accessing these cenotes consisted of a steep metal staircase through a small hole in the ground to a rocky platform at the bottom. Each cenote was very quiet and there were only a couple of locals there when I visited. It was almost a completely private experience which was great! I loved how these cenotes were not built up for tourism at all and they maintained a natural, authentic, simple and rugged feel. Each of these cenotes was beautiful and unique. I loved swimming in all of them. Cenote Hool Kosom was my favourite though, as it had interesting white rock on the walls of the cenote with small holes scattered throughout. It was absolutely the most stunning! The cost to enter each cenote ranged in price from 25-35 pesos (super cheap). This was in addition to the cost of the moto-taxi guide. After my tour of these cenotes, my moto-taxi driver dropped me off at the colectivo stop in the centre of Homun (across from the main plaza on the main road through town), where there were benches for waiting. I didn't have to wait long before a van showed up and brought me back to Merida for another 30 pesos. Overall, I felt safe in Homun as a solo female traveler on this DIY adventure. Homun is a very peaceful and friendly town and the locals are proud of their cenotes and eager to show them to you. I would highly recommend visiting some of the many cenotes in and around Homun! It's an easy day trip from Merida that you can do on your own without a tour. This is a really authentic and off the beaten path adventure, as these cenotes have a more natural feel which I loved.

6. Xkopek Parque Apicola

Calle 57 X 38 Ex Aviación Colonia San Juan, a un lado del sindicato de taxistas Los Frailes, Valladolid 97783 Mexico +52 985 125 0964 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/xkopekmx/
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 188 reviews

Xkopek Parque Apicola

Xkopek, a natural area, is located just 10 blocks south of the historic center of Valladolid, offers experiences, products and services that arouse the visitors interest in the fascinating world of bees. The Mysticism of a natural Rejoyada immerses visitors in the culture and tradition of the people of the Mayab. Store honey, Mayan cuisine, apiculture tour, museum, farm, camping area... Daily Bee tour at 10 am.

Reviewed By 823maryannem

After a morning at Chichen Itza, I took this one-hour tour in the afternoon. Gerardo was a fantastic English-speaking guide. He talked about the plants and trees, the birds, the dry cenote and its bees, the roles these all played in traditional Mayan culture... We saw bees in the dry cenote and in the more usual boxes. Then we finished with a honey tasting and learning about the various medicinal things created by the bees. The medicines and honeys are all sold there too. Don't forget lots of bug spray, as the mosquitoes are voracious in the cenote. A phenomenal education!!

7. Refugio Holbox

Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell 1 Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell & Calle Tintorera, Holbox Island 77310 Mexico http://refugioholbox.weebly.com
Excellent
91%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

Refugio Holbox

Reviewed By alexmezcalito - Isla Mujeres, Mexico

I was there and I was very impressed to see how the staff take care of the dogs, I walk a dog it was a great experience you need to stop by and help to keep this place open they need a lot of help’

8. Tulum Tower

Highway Cancun - Tulum Archeological area, Tulum 77760 Mexico +52 998 197 5771 [email protected] http://tulumtower.com/
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

Tulum Tower

You will arrive at our lobby bar where we get ready, store your personal belongings in our lockers, register and enjoy a delicious margarita or piña colada. After a few minutes we went to sit in our revolving gondola where 16 people can fit, we fasten our seatbelts and fly! We climb 35 meters high very slowly, slowly turning 360 degrees, so that everyone can enjoy a moving and unique view. Being upstairs my clients receive very important and interesting information about the Mayan civilization and the region. Then we will take some spectacular photographs, after (30) thirty minutes we go down very slowly. Finally, we went through our souvenir and photography shop. The duration of the experience is (30) thirty minutes, and it is offered in Spanish.

Reviewed By LuisLQ - Monterrey, Mexico

First time getting on this tower; it goes 118 ft up and you spend about 10 minutes up top, taking in the view of the whole area; definitely worth the price, about 8 USD per person; the view is excellent; great service from Salvador, the tower operator; will definitely come again.

9. Mayan Bee Sanctuary

Carretera Transversal Km 10, San Miguel de Cozumel, Cozumel 77660 Mexico +52 987 141 5321 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/Mayan-Bee-Sanctuary-216814582603528/
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Mayan Bee Sanctuary

The Mayan Bee Sanctuary it´s a place to discover the stingless bee and the Melipona honey. The Mayan Bee Sanctuary, is an interactive place in which you become in an explorer of the history of one of the most nutritional food in the world. Behind The Mayan Bee Santuary there is one of the largest operators of tourism of Mexico, Aviomar Adventours, a company with over 50 years of experience and hig

Reviewed By invitationOvoyage - Milwaukee, United States

Happened to pass this place on the way to the East side of the island. Glad we stopped! Joined a family and listened/saw to some Mayan history and legend as well as learn about the awesome bees that be on the island. Nice little gift shop with bee-themed authentic Mexican pottery and lots of different honey products. Staff and guide very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Tour in Spanish and English. Thumbs up!

10. Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Celestun

Celestun Mexico
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 222 reviews

Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Celestun

This preserve is important as a main area in the migratory and reproductive cycle of pink flamingoes, and other coastal birds.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.