Yum Balam is located in the town of Lazaro Cardenas, north of Quintana Roo. It covers an area of protected forest in 1994 by the Maya people: an Area of Protection of Flora and Fauna (APFF) with a coastal-marine of 154.052 hectares. Its waters are the richest and most abundant fishing grounds of Quintana Roo and home to more than half of the total catch of finfish in the state. From May to September they are home to the largest congregation of whale sharks in the world: from 800 to 1.400 specimens of this fish, the largest in existence. In 2003 the people of Holbox and Chiquilá led the regularization of non-extractive use of whale sharks and established good practices of observation through regulated species swim. In 2009 the area was declared a Biosphere Reserve (RB) Whale Shark. A mid-nineteenth century were Chiquilá Holbox and refuge for pirates fleeing the Caste War. Late last century this area was virtually uninhabited. Currently it brings together various Mayan groups. Yum Balam has two populations: Holbox (1,164 inhabitants) and Chiquilá (1,463 inhabitants). The neighboring towns are Solferino (854 inhabitants), San Angelo (1,057 inhabitants) and Kantunilkin (6,833 inhabitants). The main economic activities of Holbox and Chiquilá are fishing and tourism. In San Angel, Solferino and Kantunilkin dominates agricultural production. Kantunilkin highlights in honey production of bee melipona, listed on the international market.

Yum Balam, a protected natural area on the banks of Holbox, was declared when authorities in the region understood the importance of the natural wealth that this portion of land contained. Its name symbolizes the Mayan legend "Lord Jaguar" and extends over more than a hundred hectares including beautiful landscapes including the Isla Holbox. The latter is undoubtedly the favorite entry gate to enter the area of Yum Balam and all its wealth, the best way to arrive at it and explore majestic landscapes overflowing treasures.

Yum Balam in the crystal clear ocean become transparent and allow to observe the colorful backgrounds, full of underwater creatures. Dolphin sanctuary, the area has several foci particularly keen to see from very close, even almost touch them, these friendly mammals that thrive in their natural habitats. Along with dolphins ocean next to Holbox Island it is prolific in terms of one of the most amazing creatures of Mexico: the whale shark. An amazing adventure awaits you in the vicinity!

The area consists of diverse landscapes and dissimilar geographies within which the beaches are only one. On the other side, and a few steps from Holbox Island, discover stunning scenery, rainforests and wetlands where the flora and fauna abound. Here you can enjoy many activities, particularly in the context of respect that imposes the protected area, from hiking, rappelling, zip lining or horseback riding amid steep roads leading into the colorful jungle. Jaguars, pumas, ocelots and jungle cats come their way and visitors are left to contemplate from afar in all its glory.

The truth is that a vacation in Holbox Island invite you to unique experiences that go far beyond the break in the sun and relax on pristine beaches. Yum Balam adventure stands out as the best way to explore unusual places, discover the wealth of the region's ecosystem and raise awareness about the importance of caring for the natural environment.

Holbox is located within the greater ecological reserve Yum Balam covering more than 380,000 hectares of protected areas. The reserve is a mosaic of ecosystems ranging from wetlands, barrier islands and reefs, open ocean, lakes and tropical forests, to the most important aquifer of the Yucatan peninsula. The animal life varies between species from endangered cats like the jaguar, ocelot, ocelot, to the whale shark, pink dolphins and giant manta rays. There orchid gardens, butterfly gardens and trees dedicated to the thousand years old shrines. More than 546 species of birds, 74 different families, are native to the region, and there are at least 120 known types of birds migrate through the island of Holbox.

The Protected Area Yum Balam Flora and Fauna is, since 1994 is a protected natural area located in the southeast of Mexico, particularly in the northeastern tip of the Yucatan peninsula, north of the state of Quintana Roo in the municipalities of Lázaro Cárdenas and Isla Mujeres. The climate is warm, humid and rainfall throughout the year. In the natural place you will see the the Yalahau lagoon, the mangroves, wetlands and low and medium upstate forests. The nesting hawksbill turtles, pink flamingos, gulls, white pelicans, horseshoe crabs and a variety of reef fish are examples of the natural life of the area.