Valentín Natural

Overview

Description

The Valentín Gómez Farías Ejido (community-owned land), with an area of 564 square miles (14,681 km²), is only 3 miles (5 km) from Xpujil, the municipal seat of Calakmul. As part of the Calakmul Reserve, it is also located within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

This community project has developed a sustainable, organic agroforestry model. From the observation tower in the Carolina lagoon, you can see waterbirds and crocodiles. The area is surrounded by a natural setting where you can admire a collection of wild orchids and hike through the forest to an unexplored Maya city. A ride in a truck on the rural roads takes you to the first village founded in the region (Zoh–Laguna), an old sawmill, and the museum of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 19

Percentage of local employees: 100 %.

Conserving the forest allows the survival of many species and carbon sequestration. It is also an sustainable alternative for the community, since use is depends on natural resources and creates jobs.

Rates

$25 or less

Entrance fee:
$2.50 USD or $30 Mexican pesos.

For camping:
$4 USD or $50 Mexican pesos if you bring your own tent.
$8 USD or $100 Mexican pesos if you need to rent a tent.

Guided visit to the trail, lagoon, and observation towers:
$8 USD or $100 Mexican pesos.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Cancún (CUN)

Nearest local/national airport: Chetumal (CTM)

Travel time to nearest airport: 2 hours from Chetumal Airport

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

November 2010.

Photos courtesy of Valentín Natural, Mexico, for SustainableTrip.org.