The Calakmul Biosphere is Mexico’s largest remaining tropical forest. This slightly elevated spine on the flat back of the Yucatan Peninsula forms an ecological link between the tropical fain forests of Guatemala’s Peten region and the drier, shorter forests to the north. Within the reserve and easily reached by highway are the Maya ruins of Xpujil, Chicanna, and Becan.

Covering more than 730,000 hectares, Calakmul provides a refuge for nearly a hundred species of mammals, including some of Mexico’s endangered felines, such as the puma and jaguar. There are 235 known bird species, including toucans, parrots, macaws, and peninsula natives such as the ocellated turkey.