Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
by Carly Roden

Tucked away in the jungle where Yucatan meets the neighboring state of Quintana Roo near the Gulf Coast, sits Punta Laguna, a small Mayan village where roosters and pigs have the right of way and the smoke from women making tortillas over an open fire filters through the thatched roofs of their houses. Guided tours through some of the jungle trails reveal a wealth of exotic plants and animals, as well as partially buried pre-hispanic ruins.



Above: The sign that greets you at Punta Laguna village.

Along with some four other villages, Punta Laguna is part of a 5,000 hectare, government-protected nature reserve called Ma'ax Yetel Kooh, which is Mayan for "House of the spider monkey and the jaguar." In addition to the unique subspecies of spider monkey that inhabits the area, the preserve is also home to howler monkeys, pumas, coatis and a variety of birds.

The village was established in the 1930s by a Mayan man named Ignacio Canul, whose two sons and their families still live there today. Just off the main road there is a one-room schoolhouse where children study up to the sixth grade, learning both Spanish and Yucatecan Maya.

Many of the villagers have spent their entire lives in Punta Laguna and its surrounding area, and have never been to any of the larger cities like Valladolid or Merida. Only in recent years has electricity become available, with solar panels allowing most homes the use of a single light bulb at night and occasionally a T.V.



Above: A woman in Punta Laguna displays her handiwork.

A few feet from the school there is a church where patrons practice Catholicism while simultaneously adhering to the religious traditions of their ancestors. Crosses double as both an emblem of Christ and a symbol of the four cardinal directions, which the Mayans believe to be sacred. Ceremonial tributes to Mayan gods - especially Chaac, the god of rain - are commonplace, as much of the local economy depends on the harvest from local cornfields.

There is also a small building for local government, a store that sells cold drinks and snacks and a palapa where local women proudly display their crafts. Gorgeous huipils (the traditional Mayan dress), blouses, bags, handkerchiefs and bracelets with intricate embroidery can be purchased here for far less than what you would pay at a store in town. In addition to a truly authentic souvenir, you get the satisfaction of knowing your money is helping the community and not a chain or corporation.

The locals are friendly and generally willing to chat about their culture and daily life. If you establish a good rapport with someone, they might allow you to have a look inside their home. However, it would be considered impolite to not buy at least a small trinket from the lady of the house. Most people will gladly pose for a photo, but you should always ask for their permission first.



Above: The path leading to the lagoon.

A smaller road splits off at the palapa and passes several trails and a cenote before hitting a dead end at the saltwater lagoon. Down a few steps there is a dock that stretches about 20 feet over the water, but a spectacular view can be enjoyed from the road. Fishing is strictly prohibited and because crocodiles have been sighted, swimming is allowed at your own risk.

To hit any of the trails there is any entry fee of 30 pesos per person, and you must be accompanied by one of the local guides, who charge 150 pesos for a group of up to 10 people. Group size is limited so as not to frighten animals and to minimize the disturbance to their habitat. Not only are the guides knowledgeable as natives, but a research team of primatologists has

Above: At Punta Laguna, they take their monkeys very seriously.

provided them with more specific training regarding the wildlife. As with most of the villagers, the guides speak Spanish and Yucatec Maya, and there are a few who have limited English skills.

As you head into the jungle, you are actually hiking on a pre-hispanic platform that has cracked and crumbled from meddling tree roots and is often obscured by vegetation. Despite the thick jungle growth, there are several spots where temples and the tops of pyramids can be clearly seen. Most of the ruins are from the late classic to post-classic periods, around 700 to 1000 A.D., and are a fascinating alternative to popular sites like Chichen-Itza and Uxmal because they are in the same condition they were discovered in and have not been restored by archaeologists.



Above: One of the ruins along the trail.

The spider monkey is found in Central America and along the northern edge of South America. The name comes from the ability to use its prehensile tail to hang from trees while keeping its arms and legs free. This sub species, Ateles Geoffroyi yucatanenses, is most active in the early morning when the sun rises and around 5 or 6 p.m.



Above: Spider monkey observing the observers.

When it comes to observing the spider monkeys, or any of the animals, remember that they are wild. They are not on a schedule and may or may not feel like making an appearance at the time you are out hiking. However, if you are patient, keep your voice down and listen to your guide, there is a good chance you'll see something. You may take as many pictures as you like, but be prepared because the animals move quickly.




Above: Spider monkeys in the treetops.

The jungle terrain is not especially difficult or steep, but a good pair of boots or tennis shoes that have grip is recommended because some of the rocks can become slick from moss or afternoon showers. Where there is jungle there are bugs, so to protect yourself bring plenty of insect repellent and cover as much skin as possible. Long socks, breathable pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat are necessities. While the heat and humidity are more extreme in this area, the shade from the canopy will provide some relief - and as always, carry plenty of water and sunscreen. As there are no restaurants in Punta Laguna, you should plan on either packing a lunch or stopping along the way. Valladolid, about two-thirds of the way, is the last city you will pass through, so grab any last-minute water, food or film while there. The only restrooms in the village are two outhouse-style facilities behind the schoolhouse, so bringing a roll of toilet paper and some hand-sanitizer is advised.

Punta Laguna is about 300 km Northeast of Merida and takes about four hours by car. Since it is far from the beaten tourist path, there are no buses going to and from the village. Your two best options would be to either rent a car (about 500 pesos/day) or arrange for a driver through a local travel agency (about 2.000 pesos/day.) If you have a large group or are anxious about navigating unfamiliar roads, hiring a driver is the way to go because everyone can relax and save their energy for the exciting day ahead.

For more information on what the government and others are doing to preserve the flora and fauna of this area, and for information on how you can help, go to ProNatura's website:

http://www.pronatura-ppy.org.mx/e_proyectos-mono.html

Another websites of interest:

Yucatan Wildlife - a guide to the natural world of the Yucatan Peninsula

Backyard Nature of the Yucatan - Plants, animals and ecology of the northern Yucatan Peninsula.