Balam Ku

The Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve is a giant nature reserve on both sides (north and south) of the Calakmul station of the Tren Maya in Campeche. The reserve is a giant area intended to protect the wildlife, history, and biodiversity of the area. The preserves surrounds the Balamku archaeological site, which is how most visitors come to visit the area. 

The name Balam Kú comes from the Yucatec Maya words for sacred jaguar and reflects the importance of the majestic species that still stalks the jungles of the region. The reserve is home to some 1,750 different species at seven different types of biosphere, from high and medium forests to wetlands that welcome back seasonal migratory birds of every variety. 

The famous Bat Cave spews millions of the flying mammals every evening at sunset. An estimated three million of them spend their days within, and the unique natural spectacle every night plays an important role in pollination and insect control. The ecological balance of the entire region depends on it, and people get to witness something incredible and timeless every night as they return to the skies. 

People visit Balam Kú for a trip into the vibrant jungle as well as to see the ancient ruins of the City of the Maya, one of the most important archaeological excavation sites in the region. The city is most famous for the polychromatic frieze, popularly known as the Frieze of the Universe. It dates from between 550 and 600 CE. 

The Balamku archaeological site is actually quite a bit closer to the Calakmul train station than is the site for which the station is named.  The town of Nuevo Conhuás, which hosts the Calakmul train station is also home to the local experts in the archaeological site, if not the broader Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is managed by CONAMP (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas) who also govern access to the site.