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If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, you should consider visiting the Jaguar National Park (Parque Del Jaguar) in Tulum, Mexico. This is a new natural reserve that protects the wildlife and the environment of the Riviera Maya, while offering visitors a chance to enjoy and learn about the natural and cultural richness of the region.
What is the Jaguar National Park and Why is it So Special?
The Jaguar National Park is a project initiated by the Mexican government in late 2022, with the support of the Ministry of Agrarian, Land and Urban Development (Sedatu) and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).
The project aims to stop excessive urban growth and pollution in the area, and to preserve the natural and cultural wealth of the Riviera Maya.
El parque Del Jaguar is named after the jaguar, the largest and most iconic cat in the Americas, and one of the many endangered species that live in the region. It provides a safe habitat for the jaguars and other animals, such as monkeys, tapirs, birds, and reptiles, by restoring degraded areas, developing productive activities, such as beekeeping, and creating passageways for the wildlife to move freely.
The national park also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy and learn about the natural and cultural richness of Tulum. The park features tours along the cliff, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the ancient Mayan temples, such as the Nauyacas and the Cresterías. You can also access the public beaches, such as Mangle, Maya, Pescadores, and Santa Fe, and visit the Mirador Temple and the lighthouse.
A visitor center and a site museum are also in the work, where you will discover more about the Maya culture, the biodiversity, and the use of local medicinal plants. The park is designed to be a site for low-impact tourism, that respects and enhances the ecological and archaeological heritage of Tulum.
How is the Jaguar National Park Connected to the Archaeological Site of Tulum?
The Jaguar National Park and the archaeological site of Tulum are closely connected, as they share the same territory and history. The park encompasses the archaeological site, which is one of its main attractions and a testimony of the Maya civilization that inhabited the area. The park also preserves and enhances the natural and cultural heritage of the site, by protecting the environment, promoting education, and offering low-impact tourism.
The archaeological site of Tulum was once a thriving Maya city, known as Zamá, which means “City of the Dawn”. It was an important seaport for trade and commerce, as well as a religious and ceremonial center.
The city flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries, reaching a population of about 1,600 inhabitants. It was surrounded by a wall, which served as a defense and a symbol of its status. The city had several temples, palaces, and public buildings, decorated with paintings and sculptures that reflected the Maya cosmology and worldview.
The archaeological site of Tulum was discovered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who were amazed by its beauty and location.
It was later visited by archaeologists, travelers, and artists, who documented and studied its structures and artifacts. It was declared a national park in 1981, and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. The site is now one of the most visited and photographed in Mexico, attracting millions of tourists every year.
What Activities Can You Do at the Jaguar National Park?
The Jaguar National Park offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. You can explore the park at your own pace or join a guided tour. Some of the highlights of the park are:
The archaeological site of Tulum, where you can admire the impressive Mayan ruins that date back to the 13th century. The site is divided into three areas: the ceremonial center, the residential area, and the wall that surrounds the city. The most iconic structure is El Castillo (The Castle), a temple that stands on a cliff overlooking the sea. You can also see the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, the Great Palace, and the watchtowers.
The cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water. The park has several cenotes that you can visit, such as Cenote Calavera, Cenote Cristal, and Cenote Escondido. These cenotes are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or diving, as they offer clear and refreshing waters, and a variety of marine life. You can also learn about the importance of cenotes for the Maya culture, as they were considered sacred places and sources of life.
The beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. The park has seven public beaches that you can access, each with its own charm and personality. You can relax on the soft white sand, swim in the turquoise water, or enjoy the views of the coast and the ruins. Some of the beaches are Mangle, Maya, Pescadores, and Santa Fe. You can also visit the Ruins Beach, which is located below the archaeological site, and the Mirador Beach, which is next to the Mirador Temple and the lighthouse.
The butterfly garden, which is a colorful and peaceful oasis. The garden hosts hundreds of butterflies of different species, such as monarchs, morphos, and swallowtails. You can observe them as they fly around the flowers and plants, and learn about their life cycle and behavior. The garden also has a nursery, where you can see the different stages of the butterflies, from eggs to caterpillars to pupae to adults.
How Can You Support the Jaguar National Park and its Conservation Efforts?
By choosing to visit the Jaguar National Park, you are not only enjoying a wonderful experience, but also contributing to the conservation and development of the park. You can support the park by visiting it, donating to it, volunteering for it, or spreading the word about it. You can also adopt sustainable practices in your daily life, such as reducing your waste, saving water and energy, and using eco-friendly products.
The Jaguar National Park is a project that involves the participation of the local community, the private sector, and the civil society, who share a common vision and commitment to the park. The project is expected to generate social, economic, and environmental benefits for the region, such as job creation, income generation, education, health, and security.
The site will also be the main tourist attraction of the area, and will boost the local economy and the quality of life of the residents³. The park will also promote the cultural and creative tourism, as well as the natural tourism, by offering a variety of activities and services, such as guided tours, camping, picnic areas, restrooms, and parking.
How Can You Access the Jaguar National Park and Enjoy its Attractions?
The Jaguar National Park is easily accessible from Tulum, one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya.
You can get there by car, bus, bike, or taxi from the town center, or by taking the electric train that connects the Maya Train Station to the archaeological zone and the public beach. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the entrance fee is 80 pesos (about 4 USD) for adults and 40 pesos (about 2 USD) for children and seniors.
Once you are inside the park, you can explore its attractions at your own pace or join a guided tour. You can also rent a bike, a kayak, or a snorkel equipment to enjoy the park in a different way. You can also book a stay at one of the eco-friendly hotels or campsites near the park, and enjoy the nature and the tranquility of the place.
The Jaguar National Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, and adventure. It is a place where you can discover the beauty and richness of Mexico, and its commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural and cultural heritage.
It is a place where you can have fun, learn, and make a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity and plan your next trip to the Jaguar National Park in Tulum. You won’t regret it.
What will be the Economic Impact of the Jaguar National Park?
The Jaguar National Park is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region, as it will generate income, employment, and development opportunities for the local population. The park will also attract more tourists and investors, who will contribute to the growth and diversification of the economy.
According to the Sedatu, the park will create about 1,500 direct jobs and 4,500 indirect jobs, mainly in the tourism, construction, and service sectors. The park will also generate an annual income of about 600 million pesos (about 30 million USD) for the local economy, from the entrance fees, tours, and other activities. It will also stimulate the production and consumption of local goods and services, such as handicrafts, food, and transportation.
The park will also increase the tourist appeal and competitiveness of the region, as it will offer a unique and attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. The park will enhance the quality and diversity of the tourism offer, by providing a range of activities and experiences that cater to different interests and preferences.
It will also help promote the cultural and creative tourism, as well as the natural tourism, by highlighting the Maya heritage and the biodiversity of the area. The park will also foster the sustainable and responsible tourism, by encouraging the conservation and appreciation of the environment.
The park is scheduled for completion in April of 2024.
