Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area in southern Mexico containing one of the largest tropical forests in the Western Hemisphere. The forest features dense vegetation with multiple layers where trees, shrubs, and plants grow closely together.

Mexico's government established this natural protected area in 1989 to preserve the rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula. Since then it has become one of the country's most important sites for forest conservation.

The ancient Maya people shaped this forest for centuries through their settlements, leaving behind stone structures and ceremonial sites scattered throughout the vegetation. These remains show how deeply the civilization was connected to the rainforest environment.

Visitors should prepare for wet, warm weather and challenging hikes since trails wind through thick vegetation. Sturdy footwear and long clothing protect against brush and insects.

Five of Mexico's six native large cat populations make their home here, including jaguars that control the forest food chain. These predators play a crucial role in maintaining the natural balance of the entire ecosystem.