Yum Balam Reserve

Yum Balam, which in Mayan means "Lord Jaguar, extends over 154.000 hectares, including both the lagoon and its mangroves Conil to Holbox Island. The region covers Yalahau Lagoon, wetlands and forests of the lower and middle northern portion of the state of Quintana Roo, is a mosaic of ecosystems of the Yucatan biotic province that complements Ria Lagartos. It is the most important subject aquifers of northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Sheets in the area are the only included in any protected area in the country. It is an important area for more than 30 species that migrate birds across the gulf route and across the ocean from Louisiana and western Florida to northern Yucatan Peninsula. It is the first resting place on land where the arctic birds arrive, to refuel and continue their journey to South America or remain in the peninsula during the winter.