Ecotourism on the Riviera Maya…The Sustainability Factor

The Riviera Maya is an amazingly blessed area of Mexico, semi-tropical in nature, limestone based, shrub jungles, cenotes (sink holes with vast underground water systems), Mayan ruins, beaches and coves of pristine white sands, star studded skies, clouds practically touchable and warmth…plenty of warm, sunny days touched by humidity, but manageable by mother nature’s trade winds that bathe this lush coast.

The Riviera Maya begins in Cancun (southeastern tip of the Yucatan peninsula), and ends in the UNESCO declared World Heritage Biosphere of Sian Kann. Between these two points, lies the small town of Puerto Morales, the bustling and rapidly growing Playa del Carmen, turtle nesting grounds of Akumal and the Mayan ruins and town of Tulum.

This is a rich coast, loaded with biodiversity, dotted with multi-million year old caves and underground water systems, filtering through limestone and tree roots into mangrove swamps, supporting all surrounding structures, flora and fauna.

Before venturing into our jungle eco-tour, a stay in Playa del Carmen at the tranquil Hotel Las Palapas, gives one the decompression time needed to acclimate to the sub-tropical surroundings. Located on one of the most beautiful beaches, General Manager, Pierre-Andre Ruegg and his staff welcome you to an ultra lush setting of palapa like bungalows, where detachment from the electronic world and reading a book on the beach provides an escape into another reality.

Electronics are not found in the rooms but wireless and free computers are in the lobby. This hotel beckons one to toss the shirts and shoes, put your worries aside, watch the iguanas and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Riviera Maya. Hotel Las Palapas is one of the favorites of the Europeans.

If even more tranquility is in order, a short ride via a four-lane highway and you enter the ancient Mayan fishing village of Tulum, where the pristine turquoise waters and beaches and balmy palms propel one into a complete state of relaxation and time lapse. If lying in a silk hammock on your private verandah overlooking the Mexican Caribbean with a good book or sipping your drink of choice sounds appealing, then the eco-oriented Hotel Nueva Vida de Ramiro is a must.

With the gentle sounds of waves lapping the beach and cool trade winds, a deep slumber is only minutes away. With thirty bungalows on seven and a half acres of manicured jungle, this piece of paradise is completely solar and wind powered along with a carefully planned sewer treatment system. One week in this enchanted hotel and you might start rethinking your priorities.www.tulumnv.com

Ecotourism along this coast has been spotty in the past with the exception of some of the major theme parks, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor, with their several million year old caves, lagunas and jungles. Collaboration between government and private enterprise has expanded on the theme of cultural and natural reserves preservation as now seen with new and innovative tourist endeavors.

In 1999 a group of young adventurers (Altournative Encuentro Maya) dedicated to sustainable development, maintaining Mayan culture and economic stability of local Mayans, decided to bring to the market a combination of immersion into mother earth and its culture along with entertaining and adrenaline pumping activities.

And so begins our journey to the 1,500 year-old ancestral ruins of Coba (“cloudy waters”), an archaeological site deep in the rain forest of the Yucatan peninsula. Looking sharply upward one sees tiny steps heading towards the clouds where a small Mayan structure is perched on top of Nohoch Muul temple, the tallest in the state of Quintana Roo. Nearby lies a self-sufficient Mayan community living next to a lagoon, providing walks through the local jungle with information on fauna and flora.

After treks in the jungle and wanting of more excitement, you have several options…zip-lining over a cenote (sink hole) where lurks a croc or two, rappelling down into a cenote or a leisurely swim or canoeing around a lagoon. And to finish it off, a delightful traditional lunch prepared by local Mayan women. Click on www.alltournative.com for a quick peak into Mayan history, terrain and culture.

In the 1980’s a vast network of sparkling caverns and lakes beneath the jungle floor were discovered by diver Gordon “Buddy” Quattlebaum and fellow divers, which ultimately became Hidden Worlds, an Indiana style ride deep into the jungle to experience nature propelled physical activities… Sky cycling (originated here), self-propelled pedaling across tree tops and through cenotes in specially designed bicycle like open enclosures, Splashdown, a gravity propelled zip-lining at full speed into a million year old cenote, Avatar, (invented here) an adrenaline pumping gravity propelled roller-coaster ride with splash down in a nearby cenote. All of these gravity oriented, non-energy using systems, are cost effective, all natural and fun.www.hiddenworlds.com

“Natural well inside a cave” translated in English and Aktun Chen in Mayan. National Geographic traveler’s, best underground walks of the world, Aktun Chen is an above and below ground experience. Venture into the underworld of stalactites and stalagmites with a trek through their large, illuminated, walkable five million year old cave or wander around, a six acre wildlife zoo, watching animals interacting with nature.

Aktun Chen has been dedicated to preserving nearly extinct flora and maintaining natural reserves in a sustainable system. Descending thirty feet into one of the ancient Mayan cenotes and a refreshing swim in it’s cool, clear waters is the perfect way to beat the heat of the brilliant Yucatan sun or for those more activity inclined, zip lining over a kilometer through 10 canopies and 2 suspended bridges might be in order.www.aktunchen.com.

Just outside the once sleepy village of Tulum, Mexico Kan Tours takes a limited number of tourists to the Mayan ruins of Muyil, where motor boats skim over calm waters heading to ancient trading canals where one can don a life preserver and leisurely float through thousand year old mangroves, propelled by gentle currents…and topping off the descending sunset with wine and cheese. For the more adventuring soul, a wet suit, waterproof flashlight, mask and snorkel and the Mayan underground cave system becomes your playground for a look into Mayan bygone times.

 As we travel southward down the coast, the last destination is Sian Kaan, another great day adventure where one visits the picturesque fishing village of Punta Allen, observing a vast array of exotic birds, dolphins and sea turtles.www.mexicokantours.com.

All of these destinations have one common denominator…conservation of energy, preservation of terrain, culture and economic support for the local communities. These are prime examples of man nurturing nature…a win-win for all. Flights from the U.S. and Canada arrive in Cancun, taking between two and six hours. Paradise, culture, ancient Mayan ruins and adventure await you.