Reserva de la Biósfera de Los Petenes, Nature reserve in Celestún, Mexico
The Reserva de la Biósfera de Los Petenes is a protected area along the Gulf coast featuring distinctive vegetation islands known as petenes. These floating islands form through underground springs and create layered ecosystems in waterlogged zones.
The area received protection from the Mexican government in 1999 as a Natural Protected Area with Biosphere Reserve designation. International recognition followed shortly after when the region was added to the RAMSAR convention.
The Maya left several archaeological sites within these boundaries, including Isla Jaina with its ancient structures. Visitors can encounter traces of this civilization while exploring the reserve.
The best time to explore is during drier months when water levels drop and islands become easier to access. Visitors should prepare for wet conditions and abundant wildlife, especially birds and reptiles.
This type of ecosystem with floating vegetation islands exists in only a few places worldwide: the Yucatan Peninsula, Cuba, and Florida. The petenes are therefore a rare natural wonder, offering visitors a glimpse of a system found nowhere else on Earth.
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