Maya Ka’an

Maya Ka’an is a region in central Quintana Roo that holds some of the lesser-known natural and historical attractions of the Mexican Caribbean. Home to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and eight indigenous communities, Maya Ka’an invites you to experience both adventure and reflection.

Things to do in Maya Ka’an

The region known as Maya Ka’an stretches from the south of Tulum to the northern edge of the Costa Maya. The historic city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto serves as its cultural and geographical hub. It’s top attractions include its downtown, the Santuario de la Cruz Parlante (Sanctuary of the Speaking Cross), and the Museo Maya (Maya Museum).

Sian Ka’an, whose name means “origin of the sky” or “gift from the sky” is Maya Ka’an’s crown jewel. Covering 328,148 acres, it is the largest protected natural area in the Mexican Caribbean. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and a Ramsar site in 2003, Sian Ka’an offers canal tours through mangrove forests inhabited by various bird species, mammals, and reptiles. 

Jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, crocodiles, and turtles are some of the animals you might encounter in the reserve. Fishing tours in Punta Allen, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the Mesoamerican Reef are also popular activities.

Just outside the community of Chunyaxché lies the archeological site of Muyil, one of the oldest Mayan settlements in the region. Its impressive pyramid shares architectural similarities with the city of Tikal in Guatemala.

Other attractions

Around the region’s Mayan communities, you’ll discover naturally occurring cenote pools and ecotourism attractions such as Rancho Nahpuc-Ha, the Balam-Nah cooperative, and Quinta Laguna Vigía Chico. 

Other noteworthy locations include Kan Temó, the cave of hanging snakes; Señor, a small village where you can glimpse present-day Mayan culture; Noh Bec, a forest community dedicated to the timber trade, chicle gum collection, and the protection and conservation of local plants and wildlife.

Maya Ka’an’s cuisine is unique in all of Quintana Roo, deeply rooted in traditional Mayan milpa agriculture with crops like corn, squash, and beans. Signature dishes include eggs with chaya greens, xpelón bean tamales, Sikil Pak salsa, and delicious handmade tortillas.