Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

The reserve covers about 7,231 km2 and was declared a biosphere reserve in 1989, forming one of the largest protected areas in Mexico and covering more than 14% of the state of Campeche. It sits in southern Yucatán and borders the Guatemalan department of El Petén, with contiguous forest that makes up one of the biggest tracts of rainforest north of Colombia.

Forest types range from dry forest in the west to tall and medium-height subperennial rainforest in the east, with ceibas, Honduras mahogany, strangler figs, chaká (Bursera simaruba) and chicle trees among the canopy. The reserve is extremely biodiverse - the literature counts nearly 70,000 plant and animal species - and supports about 86 mammal species including five of Mexico’s large cats and primates such as spider monkeys and Yucatán black howlers.

Inside the forest lies the important pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site of Calakmul, set amid jungle and largely undeveloped. Visiting feels remote: facilities are basic in most places, access is by rural roads, and tours or local guides are often the easiest way to combine ruins, birding and wildlife watching. Conservation is a live issue here: population growth, subsistence hunting, roads and expanding tourism put pressure on resources, and management involves complex relationships with local campesino communities.

• Calakmul archaeological zone: A vast Classic Maya city of pyramids, causeways and plazas set deep in the forest, experienced in a quiet jungle setting.
• Jungle wildlife and big-cat habitat: Dense forest provides habitat for jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis and many other mammals, best approached with knowledgeable local guides.
• Birdwatching and canopy life: Look for toucans, crested guans, ocellated turkeys and parrots in the treetops, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Forest trees and botanical diversity: Stand among ceiba, mahogany and strangler figs and notice the rich understory of a largely intact lowland rainforest.
• Nearby Maya sites: Smaller archaeological complexes in the region, such as Becan, Río Bec, Chicanná and Xpuhil, can be visited as part of wider explorations of Campeche.

The main gateway town for visits is Xpujil; larger regional airports are at Chetumal and Campeche and both are used by travelers coming from elsewhere in Mexico. Overland from these towns involves long drives on rural highways and secondary roads into the reserve.

The last stretch to ruins and remote parts of the reserve is on unpaved or rough roads; many visitors use a taxi from Xpujil, arrange transport through local tour operators, or hire a 4x4. Public transport is limited, so check current access, road conditions and opening days locally before you go.

• Start early in the day for cooler temperatures, better wildlife activity and to avoid afternoon showers in the rainy season.
• Carry plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent; facilities inside the reserve are basic and often cash-only.
• Hire a local guide or join an organized trip to learn about archaeology and to increase chances of wildlife sightings while supporting local communities.
• Avoid traveling on minor roads during the wet season, when heavy rain can make routes impassable and restrict access.
• Respect protected-area rules, do not feed or disturb wildlife, and follow guidance from park staff and guides.