Activities Merida Yucatan Mexico - Yucatan Peninsula Attractions. Travel Yucatan.

ECOTOURISM

Merida's environs provide spectacular landscapes, where you can find various sinkholes, underground river systems with crystalline waters and lagoons hidden within mangroves. The lush vegetation makes it ideal for observing flora and fauna or going on a photo safari.

Cenote Simbala - This beautiful sinkhole with waters of intense blue offers surroundings where you can observe a variety of plant and animal species. Located in the town of Motul on 43rd Street and 26th Street off Highway 281. It lies about 45 km (28 mi) from Merida.

Jardin Botanico Regional - A botanical garden with an important variety of indigenous vegetation: agave, orchids, aquatic plants, palms, cacti and other species. It also has a patch of low jungle. Along the tour, you'll come across information about the plant species, making it an educational experience as well. Located at the Centro de Estudios Cientificos de Yucatan in Puerto Progreso, 36 km (22 mi) north of Merida along Highway 261.

Reseva Especial de la Biosfera Ria Celestun - Located 95 km (59 mi) west of Merida on a state highway that you can catch near the town of Uman. Has 51,139 hectares (126,313 acres) and a 20-km-long (12.4-mi) estuary, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Campeche. At this biosphere reserve, you can witness the spectacular sight of pink flamingos in flight and you can admire more than 170 indigenous and migratory bird species that inhabit the area. You'll also spy crocodiles in the marshes and you may have the pleasant surprise of watching green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles laying their eggs.

Cuzama - Located 40 km (25 mi) southeast of Merida on a state highway that you can catch in the town of Kanasin. This place has various sinkholes you can visit as a horse-drawn cart takes you along a 7-km (4-mi) path full of underbrush. Here you can observe flora and fauna typical of the region, as well as some endangered species.