Noh Bec Town: A Forest Paradise
Hidden deep in the southern reaches of Quintana Roo lies Noh Bec. This is a peaceful forest town founded in 1936 by chicleros from Veracruz. Just 40 miles south of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It is very near the municipality of Othón P. Blanco. This small community of fewer than 2,000 residents is a gateway to one of the most treasured jungle preserves in the Yucatán Peninsula. Here are some words on Noh Bec Town.
A Community Rooted in Conservation
From the moment they arrived, the founders of Noh Bec made a visionary decision. They would protect the 700 most pristine hectares of their newly acquired ejido land. This untouched section of forest, rich in mahogany, red cedar, and countless native species, was named La Huasteca, in honor of their Veracruz homeland.
Today, this lush green reserve remains a living memory, a cool and shadowy jungle alive with biodiversity. It now features an interpretive trail, ideal for walking tours led by local biologists—descendants of the original settlers—who know the forest intimately.
Noh Bec Town. The Beauty of the Trees
Noh Bec’s forests are a treasure trove of native tree species that once covered the peninsula. Some of the fascinating trees you can encounter along the trail include:
- Chacá and Chechén (often found growing side by side)
- Chicozapote, known for its latex, once harvested for chewing gum
- Ramón, Amapola, and Granadillo
- Sak Chaká and Tzalám
- Katalox and Caoba (mahogany)
- Chakte Kok and Chacte Viga
These trees not only tell the ecological story of the region, but also form the raw material and medicine chest of Mayan communities.
The Jungle Lagoon: Kayaking in Serenity
Not far from the heart of the village, Noh Bec offers another stunning attraction: a large lagoon surrounded by forest. It’s a perfect place to rent a kayak and glide through still waters, immersed in bird calls and gentle breezes.
To enhance the experience, locals have built two wooden birdwatching towers that provide panoramic views and a chance to spot a variety of birds, from toucans and motmots to herons and hawks.
A Cool and Shadowy Place Even in Midday
Thanks to the density and height of its trees, La Huasteca offers a uniquely cool and dim atmosphere—even at the sunniest hour of the day. Walking its trails feels like stepping into a secret world, with rays of light piercing the canopy and the earthy scent of the jungle underfoot.
This peaceful ambiance is part of what makes Noh Bec so magical. It’s not just a nature destination—it’s a living museum of the forest, protected by the very people who have called it home for generations.
Getting to Noh Bec Town
- Location: 62 km south of Felipe Carrillo Puerto
- Estimated travel time from Cancún: ~3.5 hours
- Access: Via Federal Highway 307
- Ideal for: Eco-tourists, birdwatchers, families, kayaking enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quiet nature getaway.
Noh Bec is more than a stop on the map—it’s a reminder that conservation and community can go hand in hand. When you visit, you’re not just exploring the jungle; you’re walking through a living legacy that began nearly a century ago and continues to thrive under the guardianship of the people who cherish it most.