Cuxtal Ecological Reserve, Nature reserve in Mérida, Mexico
Cuxtal Ecological Reserve is a nature reserve on the southern edge of Mérida, Mexico, made up of deciduous forests, cenotes, and open natural areas. It sits within the city limits and shelters a wide range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and over 160 bird species.
The reserve was officially protected in 1993, making it the first natural area that the city of Mérida placed under its own municipal protection. The forests are largely secondary growth, having recovered after the land was used for farming, including by the haciendas still visible today.
The name Cuxtal comes from the Maya language and means "life." Visitors walking through the reserve can still find old haciendas, former farming estates with thick stone walls and large gardens, scattered among the trees.
The reserve sits in the southern part of Mérida and is reachable by car since it falls within the city limits. Guided tours are available and recommended for finding the best spots for birdwatching and cenotes.
Underground water deposits beneath the reserve supply a large part of Mérida's drinking water, meaning the city depends directly on protecting this land. Archaeological sites and stone structures found inside the area show that people lived and worked here long before colonial times.
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