Aware of the rapid development of tourism, the Punta Laguna community wisely chose to engage in ecotourism by promoting activities aimed at preserving its culture and land.
Don Serapio Canul Tep, the village elder, began this work 30 years ago, well before the area was designated a Protected Natural Area (ANP) and attracted the interest of Pronatura.
The interest shown by the NGO Pronatura in the local spider monkey population made it possible to build a genuine conservation project for the species and its environment, leading to the area’s designation as an ANP in 2003. A group of elected community members then took on the management of this area, combining ecotourism and protection of the “moño arañas” (spider monkeys).
Today, one of Don Serapio’s sons, Eulogio, is studying monkey ecology remotely at an English university and assists Pronatura with its research.
The cooperative now counts 27 members who take turns each week handling visitor welcome, reserve maintenance, guiding, reserve security, and more.
The remarkable natural environment of this region is characterized by striking lagoons, a crystal-clear cenote, and semi-deciduous jungle with trees reaching up to 30 metres in height, alongside an extraordinary biodiversity of flora (over 300 species) and fauna (potential habitat for more than 300 bird species and numerous other species under special protection status, such as jaguar, puma, ocelot, collared peccary, white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, agouti, and many others).
Visit to the Punta Laguna nature reserve (explore the jungle in search of monkeys and other wildlife, canoe on the turquoise lagoon, zip-line over the lagoon, take part in a Maya ceremony, and cool off in a cenote).
