MAYA JUNGLE RESERVE

Kinkajou, Potos flavus, the only member of the genus Potos and is also known as the "honey bear". In many ways are the most charming mammals to observe at Hacienda Chichen Resort’s Botanical Gardens and Maya Jungle; they love jumping through tree branches at dusk in search of ripe avocados and mamey fruits. Nocturnal, lively, and very likable, Kinkajous can be domesticated as pets but we prefer to enjoy them in their natural wild habitat. Called "Ak'ab ma'x" in Maya or "mico" in Spanish, this lovely creatures move with grace atop fruit trees and royal palms in search of foods or insects. They are great seed dispensers and pollinators. Their long tail makes them look like monkeys but watch their face!

"Visitors often photograph the Hacienda Chichen’s grounds as they are filled with life and beauty. This boutique hotel is commitment to preserve the Maya heritage has paid off. Here, you will find a truly soulful relationship with Mother Nature, as you explore this lovely land. I invite you to take the time to enjoy its wildlife, both flora and fauna, as I have done."

Jim Conrad
MSc Botany & Naturalist

More than a collaborator, a member of the family in Hacienda Chichen

Jim Conrad received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Geology, then a Master of Science in Botany from the University of Kentucky. “At first I wanted to major in Zoology but when they refused to let me draw insects for Entomology instead of kill and collect them, I changed to Botany,” explains Jim. After graduate school for three years he worked at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri. He left working as a botanist and began his freelance journey to teach on learn about life

Jim Conrad a Botanist & Naturalist that has helped Hacienda Chichen catalog its flora & fauna.

Explore our private maya jungle resort were naturalist Jim Conrad spend over 4 years cataloging the wildlife and helping us preserve the ecosystem enrich nest found in this unit maya jungle with it's many archeological sections, which are restricted to visitors as support to INAH.

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“Give yourself the opportunity to discover the gifts of Mother Nature in this wonderful Maya Jungle. As a Naturalist that has enjoyed my research time at Hacienda Chichen Resort for over four years, I can tell you this place is amazing. Hope you marvel at the wildlife found here.”

By Naturalist Jim Conrad

Hacienda Chichen is committed to taking active measures to preserve, conserve, and enrich the flora and fauna habitats, aiming to increase diversity and protect the habitat of endemic wildlife. This responsible actions have stopped the illegal hunters within the property limits of white tail deer and other endangered animals (fauna); thus, increasing the safety of many endangered endemic species in the region, including families of kinkajous, oscillated turkeys, and white tail deer.

Toh birds are special to the ancient Maya, they are part of their legends about Creation. Learn more about them while birding with us, our local Maya birding guides will share with you their knowledge about so many birds.

Nine-banded armadillo - Dasypus novemcintus

A shy nocturnal small mammal named "Uech" by the Mayas. A likeable chubby fellow with a strong ossified armor that has nine flexible bands and shields that cover the entire upper body.

"Chulul" is the Maya name for a small wild cat that is a joy to observe in the wild dense tree tops; at maturity weights an average of ten pounds.

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As previously mentioned, Mr. Bruce Gordon directs all the Nature & Wildlife Conservation, and Reforestation programs at the Hacienda Chichen property. Hacienda Chichen is committed to taking active measures to preserve, conserve, and enrich the flora and fauna habitats, aiming to increase diversity and protect the habitat of endemic wildlife. This responsible actions have stopped the illegal hunters of white deer and other endangered animal species (fauna) for entering the property; thus, increasing the safety of many endangered endemic species in the region, including families of kinkajous, oscillated turkeys, and white tail deer. Mr. Gordon and his forest-guards have planted over 2,500 indigenous hardwood trees in the property and reclaimed over 80 acres of unauthorized farmed land. This green hacienda hotel also created a Bird Refuge Sanctuary where 157 and more bird species find safety all year.

OUR ROOMS

Take time to be in contact with Mother Nature at our botanical gardens and Maya Jungle Reserve, where wild flora and fauna will bring you full surprises as you come in contact with its creative life.

Maya Jungle Reserve

More than a collaborator, a member of the family in Hacienda Chichen

Jim Conrad a Botanist & Naturalist that has helped Hacienda Chichen catalog its flora & fauna.

By Naturalist Jim Conrad

Motmot bird- called Toh in Maya.

Nine-banded armadillo - Dasypus novemcintus

Margay - Leopardus wiedii