Just a few hours south of Cancún's clutter of hotels sprawls one of Mexico's most pristine ecological parks. The 1.3-million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve represents the greatest diversity of habitats in the Yucatán Peninsula, with equal parts tropical forests, wetlands, bays, and marine areas.

Few travelers journey to this far bottom edge of the Riviera Maya. Those who do find an oasis from the heavily touristed corridor: Sian Ka'an's endless horizon leaves a lasting impression, living up to its translation, Where the Sky Is Born.

The park reaches about 30 miles inland from the sea and is close to 75 miles long. Its name was actually given by the fifth-century Maya to the entire southern portion of the state Quintana Roo.

Within its expanse exist more than 100 species of mammals and about 350 species of birds. Aquatic life is also abundant in Sian Ka'an.

Aside from its natural attractions, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its 23 Mayan archaeological sites.

The Mexican government declared Sian Ka'an a protected area in 1986. The goal is to preserve the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the area while satisfying the needs of the local population, according to Amigos de Sian Ka'an.

This nonprofit group is one of the key organizations involved in the careful development of the reserve, as well as the education of the natives who live in the communities inside the reserve in horticulture, lobster management, diversification of fisheries, and eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism is not just a catchphrase at Sian Ka'an. Only about 15 percent of the reserve is open to visitors, mainly along the coast. Within those areas, there are a number of rules prohibiting overdevelopment - piers on poles to avoid erosion, no new access roads, no sand extraction, and no lights eastward on sea turtle breeding areas.

The result of the regulations has been positive for the environment, according to Alfredo Arellano Guillermo, who has been director of Sian Ka'an for the past eight years. "We have very good conditions in all of the ecosystems."

This is confirmed, he says, by frequent sightings of jaguars, tapirs, dolphins, manatees, leatherback sea turtles, and numerous species of birds.

Tourism has been an economic savior of sorts for the local Sian Ka'an population, which today numbers about 1,000. About 160 of them have trained as guides. Some studied natural history to help lead visitors along the nature trails in the park, others ornithology, and others English.

Most of the tourist facilities are centered at Punta Allen, where popular activities include boating and kayaking. The town, which offers restaurants and lodging, is also a base for exploring the park.

Other tourist centers are in more isolated Punta Herrero and Muyil, where important bird populations draw visitors.

Tour operators from outside the park run day trips from Cancún and enlist the services of the local tour guides who are required within the park boundaries.

The variety of tour options is vast. Popular trips from the Riviera Maya include a jeep safari along the bumpy, unpaved road to Punta Allen. Often a day trip will also include a boat trip in Ascensión Bay for bird-watching, as well as viewing sea turtles and dolphins. It's possible to snorkel among the reefs, as well.

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