Catherwood takes visitors deep into the Yucatán’s natural treasures, in the company of regional experts with whom travelers live experiences that go much further than conventional touring.

With Catherwood Travels, visitors go where almost no one else does: private areas on vast nature reserves that include bird sanctuaries for both exotic and endemic species—particularly flamingoes and pelicans—where visitors can observe their behavior without any outside interference, from the break of dawn till dusk, in the company of biologists and other caretakers. Guests can even assist in conservation efforts.

At some Catherwood properties such as Punta Pájaros, found within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, visitors live the complete diurnal and nocturnal bird-watching experience, both in wetlands as well as in mangrove forests and along the coasts. As they explore nature, they happen upon the reserve’s archaeological sites—just one more island attraction—and can visit them in the company of a regional archaeological expert.

Punta Pájaros is the home of dozens more animal species; visitors discover something new on every expedition. The island’s idyllic, fine-white-sand beaches become a sort of private paradise and the reserve’s enormous coral reef, a particular joy for divers, is the second-best preserved on the planet.

Another exclusive privilege for Catherwood travelers lies at the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where visitors help protect pink flamingo chicks at break of dawn. It is a one-of-a-kind and profoundly moving experience.