Reserva Cuxtal is a municipal protected natural area in southern Mérida, Yucatán. Its tropical deciduous forest and role in supporting the city’s water supply make it a meaningful place to learn about the landscape beyond central Mérida.
You can pair a visit with an educational presentation offered by the reserve, but check current arrangements before setting out.
- Location: Southern Mérida, Yucatán.
- Protected area: 11,894.56 hectares.
- Presentation: free videomapping, lasting 15 minutes.
Where is Reserva Cuxtal?
Reserva Cuxtal lies in the southern part of Mérida, and its boundary reaches communities and neighboring municipalities around the city. The 2018 management program describes Mérida city as its northern border; Yaxnic and Texán Cámara lie to the south, Kanasín municipality to the east, and San José Tzal and Ticimul to the west.
The reserve’s creation was approved by Mérida’s City Council on June 28, 1993, and the decree appeared in Yucatán’s Official Gazette on July 14, 1993. Its original area was 10,757 hectares; an expansion in December 2022 brought the protected area to 11,894.56 hectares.
What does the conservation area protect?
Reserva Cuxtal protects natural ecosystem processes and environmental services, especially the water cycle that supports Mérida’s water supply. Its landscape is predominantly tropical deciduous forest.
Conservation priorities include regional endemic species, endangered species, and species under special protection. The reserve’s official website provides species guides and free downloadable educational resources, which can help you get familiar with its ecology before a visit.
What can you do at Reserva Cuxtal?
At the Centro de Capacitación y Educación Ambiental in Molas, a free videomapping presentation lasts 15 minutes. Each session admits up to 15 people, and afternoon sessions require a minimum group of 10.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the presentation area, and the activity is recommended for students. The reserve also offers visits to Hacienda Dzoyaxché as a recreational and educational outing. For the presentation, confirm availability and arrangements with the reserve before you go.
How can you plan a responsible visit?
Start by choosing an activity and confirming its current arrangements, rather than assuming the reserve has general visitor hours. The reserve’s educational resources include species guides and videomapping information, which can help you plan around its conservation and learning focus.
The reserve office is at Calle 149, No. 261, between Calle 50 and Calle 52, San José Tecoh, Mérida, Yucatán, postal code 97299.
Its telephone numbers are (999) 983-5030 and (999) 932-4940; office attention hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check the official site before you go, since office hours do not necessarily describe access hours at visitor sites.
The mapped reserve boundary is about 6 minutes on foot from Hacienda Santa, making it possible to consider Cuxtal alongside plans in southern Mérida.
What else can you pair with a Cuxtal visit?
Hacienda Dzoyaxché is an outing within the reserve’s recreational and educational offerings, giving you a way to keep your plans focused on Cuxtal’s cultural and educational setting. The reserve’s educational resources can also complement a visit without adding another destination.
If your wider Mérida itinerary depends on seasonal conditions, a guide to Mérida’s weather by month can help with that planning.
Feria Xmatkuil is a separate local outing covered in the Feria Xmatkuil visitor guide.
FAQs
What is the official name of Reserva Cuxtal?
Its full name is Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica “Reserva Cuxtal.”
Where is the reserve office?
The office is on Calle 149, between Calle 50 and Calle 52, in San José Tecoh, Mérida.
Does Reserva Cuxtal have educational resources?
Yes. Resources include species guides, free downloadable materials, and the Centro de Cultura y Educación Ambiental.