Articles with the theme green travel

5 Ecoparks to Visit in the Riviera Maya

Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are known for their beautiful white sand beaches, aqua blue Caribbean Sea, Mayan ruins and amazing nightlife, but the area is also quickly becoming a destination for more adventurous vacations as well. The nature beauty of the area, including the countless cenotes (natural sinkholes) and the tropical jungle make the Riviera Maya the ideal place to visit an ecopark.

The Riviera Maya boast some of the best ecoparks, a kind of natural amusement park, in the world. Zip lining, snorkeling, rappelling, swimming with dolphins and scuba diving and just a few of the many activities these ecoparks offer.

Here are 5 ecoparks to visit in the Riviera Maya:

Xcaret

With more than 50 attractions and activities, Xcaret is one of the most famous eco-archeological parks in the world. Here you will find among other things, ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes, an underground river, a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, an underground Mexican wine cellar, a rotating scenic tower and a Mexican cemetery. You will be able to participate in activities such as temascal (Mexican sweat lodge), swimming with dolphins or sharks, and various different ways of snorkeling and diving. Xcaret is also known for its amazing Mexican folklore evening show and is located 46 miles south of Cancun and 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen. It is open 365 days a year from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Xel-Há

Xel-Há calls itself the largest natural aquarium in the in the world. The impressive lagoon contains hundreds of colorful species of tropical fish. There are also 100 tropical bird species and 350 plant species on the park grounds. Spend the day snorkeling or floating on a tire in the lazy lagoon and surrounding rivers. There are also small cliffs from which you can leap into the aqua blue waters and caverns to explore. Xel-Há is also known for its quality all-inclusive plan with open bar. Xel-Há is located 76 miles south of Cancun and 34 miles south of Playa del Carmen. It is open 365 days a year from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Xplor

Xplor is made up of different circuits where you can “explore” (Get it?) the tropical jungle and underground rivers and cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula. The park consists of almost 2.5 miles of zip lines, some of which end in a refreshing water landing, 1,600 yards of underground rivers, some of which are seen from rafts and others while swimming, and 6 miles of rough jungles roads that visitors navigate on their own in an amphibious vehicle. Xplor is located 46 miles south of Cancun and 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Selvatica

“Selva” means jungle in Spanish, and true to its name, Selvatica is located in the heart of the Mayan jungle and you can explore it from top to bottom. Fly over and through the canopy, then navigate off-road on an ATV or a Polaris Ranger RZR and then dive into the cool waters of a cenote. There is also a complex that includes seven aerial challenges, including a daring leap from a tree house. Selvatica is located 34 miles from Cancun and 32 miles from Playa del Carmen and is open daily.

Garrafón

Unlike the previously mentioned eco parks, Garrafón is not located on the mainland, but on the island of Isla Mujeres, and is perched on a beautiful spot overlooking unbelievably aqua blue ocean waters. Activites include snorkeling, swimming (with or without dolphins), kayaking, zip lining, biking and even lounging on handmade silk hammocks. Complete tours leaving from Cancun are available. The park is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

When you visit these parks, remember to wear comfortable clothes and to bring your bathing suit and water shoes. Check if the park supplies towels, some do. You will also need biodegradable sunblock (most parks sell this) and money for extras. Leave valuables in the safe at your resort. Then, enjoy your vacation adventure!

Have you been to any of these parks?  Which is your favorite? Can you name any other ecoparks in the area?

About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Some Ideas to Travel Green | Earth Day 2010

From turquoise blue oceans to exuberant vegetation, Mother Earth has given us striking, beautiful places to visit, one being Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Unfortunately, as travelers our visits tend to strike the environment in a negative way.

Responsible, sustainable tourism is necessary if we wish to preserve the sustainability of the environment and the beauty of the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean, the white sand beaches of the Riviera Maya, and the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. There are certain actions we can take as responsible visitors to compensate for the damage we have caused and prevent further deterioration of our ecosystems.

Making these small gestures will help decrease the impact we have on natural habitats, while still ensuring an exceptional vacation as we enjoy the natural wonders of the Riviera Maya.

Before you leave for your Riviera Maya or Cancun vacation, make your home eco-friendly to help save the environment and help you save money.

*Turn your water heater to the lowest setting.

*Adjust air-conditioner or heater thermostat to the lowest level.

*Turn water off from the outside connection.

*Unplug appliances and switch off surge protectors.

*Discontinue your newspaper delivery during your vacation.

Environmentally conscious hotels and resorts with “green” policies such as Hacienda Tres Ríos in the Riviera Maya are contributing to a more responsible, sustainable tourism industry. When arriving to your resort, make these small gestures and you’ll l help decrease the impact we have on natural habitats:

*Request your room towels and sheets not to be changed everyday.

*Turn off AC, heater, lights, and TV when you are not in the room.

*Take shorter showers and shut-off the water while you apply soap and shampoo.

*Open shades for natural light, but shut them when you’re out to maintain the room temperature.

*Use biodegradable sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

*Do not feed or disturb fish, animals, plants, and other living creatures.

*Do not buy souvenirs made out of animal or plant parts.

*Do not litter and use recycle bins when available.

*Reduce your carbon footprint by supporting projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions to counterbalance the emission from your vacation, otherwise known as carbon offsetting.

Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, one of Yucatan Holidays world-class resorts, developed a set of Best Environmental Guidelines as a foundation for its planning, construction, and operation. The Green Team—composed of engineers, architects, and scientists—is in charge of following the Tres Ríos’ mission for sustainable luxury tourism in Mexico; this means ensuring the conservation of the area’s jungles, mangroves, and dunes without sacrificing luxury and comfort.

Visit the Yucatan Holidays website and discover how the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort offers you a real green travel experience for this Earth Day 2010

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun | Part Two

In part one of the Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun series, we introduced you to the magical appeal of colonial cities in Mexico and some of the wonders created by man. With this post, we would like to take you through a journey back in time to discover the beauty that can only be present in the untouched natural environments of the Yucatan Peninsula.

 

Holbox

A pristine paradise of white sand beaches untouched by industrial development, Isla Holbox is one of those rare secrets that no one wants to share. For years, Holbox was an off the beaten path favorite. Now, the 7-mile long island has entered the 21^st Century through tourism and its placement as THE top place in the world to swim with the ocean’s largest fish, the whale shark. The tiburon ballena gather just off the coast of Holbox each May through September, opening the doors to the tourism industry since the discovery of this gathering place 6 years ago. The main economic sustainability of the island is fishing, which can be seen and felt in the picturesque scenery of the island that time left behind. The only mode of transportation is rented golf-carts, bicycles and foot traffic through the sand-filled streets of Holbox. Without an ounce of asphalt in the whole island, this destination beyond Cancun is made for ultimate relaxation, amazing fresh fish, and nature gloating at its finest.

 

Mahahual (or Majahual)

Mexico’s newest upcoming tourist destination, Mahahual—like most beach towns in Mexico—used to be a small fishing village that is growing thanks to international and national tourism.  Mahahual, is the heart of the Costa Maya which runs from the Sian Ka’an to the town of Xcalak. About a 25-minute walk from the town there is a major cruise port in Costa Maya that draws thousands of visitors to this area of Mexico. Part of the appeal besides the beautiful beaches and luscious tropical Yucatan Peninsula jungles is the scuba and snorkel in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The second biggest barrier reef in the planet, 400 m away parallel, is the perfect spot to see a diverse collection of underwater life. But the real charm of Mahahual is found in the rugged vegetation and feel of its town and beach roads, a major magnet for travelers looking to get out of Cancun  to explore and discover.

 

Bacalar

The only town in the state of Quintana Roo to meet the qualifications of a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) by the Secretariat of Tourism standards, Bacalar is the home of mystery, adventure, and bloody tales of pirate attacks all engulfed in the beautiful natural surroundings of the green, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and the blue-turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Located in the southern part of the state, this small paradise nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the Bacalar Lagoon—also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors for its distinctive beauty—and the Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote)—rumored to be the largest. Scuba fanatics have adopted the cenote as a favorite spot because of its intricate passages and mysterious caverns. Part of the appeal, of course, is the rich history that surrounds this town, especially the battle scars left by pirates in their quest for treasures. The most attractive factor in Bacalar, however, continues to be the vivid colors in the natural environment and the ever-so-present hospitality and kindness of people in Mexico.

 

Punta Allen

With only 500 inhabitants, Punta Allen is truly a secluded, little paradise where the only things sitting on its beaches are the palm trees of the Caribbean and the few lucky people who have discovered this Yucatan Peninsula secret. The road to paradise is a sandy coconut road about 30 miles long through the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. The 2 ½ hour drive is aligned with the incredible beauty of Caribbean beaches, pristine mangroves, and serene quietness. Few people have the tolerance to endure the rutted road that leads to this haven, but the virgin beauty of these preserved beaches are a true testament of the gift nature can offer.

As a conscious, eco-friendly company, we would like to end this post with a special request for locals and visitors of the Yucatan Peninsula: to continue to care and respect the natural resources and ecosystems that make places such as Holbox, Mahahual, Bacalar, Punta Allen, and so many others the attractive and beautiful tourist destinations we all admire.

Hacienda Tres Rios’ inaugural plaque unveiled | Riviera Maya

 

Hacienda Tres Rios Resort Sets Economic Example through Ecotourism Practices.

With a message emphasizing the importance of economic growth through ecotourism, the Mexican President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa unveiled the inaugural plaque at Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park marking the official opening of the eco-friendly Riviera Maya resort.

President Calderon congratulated the Tres Rios Group for the completion of the ecotourism luxury complex  which generated more than a 1,000 jobs during the first stage of construction and an additional 1,000 for its daily operation.

Calderon reiterated the importance of “finding the equilibrium between tourism developments with the environment in which it sits,” he stated, pointing out the resort’s best environmental practices.

With an economic profit of 30 million dollars this year and through its eco-friendly  initiatives, the resort has become a leader in sustainable luxury development.

Calderon went on to say: “We must find the ideal formula…to continue to preserve the environment while at the same time generate investment, economic growth, and employment opportunities that are of prime importance for society and government.”

As one of the first green resort in Mexico, Hacienda Tres Rios Resort continues to lead the country by enhancing tourism development and growth without sacrificing the environment conservation initiatives that have distinguished the all-inclusive resort.

Congratulations to HACIENDA TRES RIOS RESORT!

Kanche AC |Sustainable travel with Yucatan Holidays

Taking a vacation is not just about getting away, but about doing something special when you get there. With more than 190 countries to visit and a plethora of activities, choosing the perfect place for you comes down to a combination of options: the perfect hotel, location, and the unique experiences that a vacation can offer.

With all the great travel places found in Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect destination for a special getaway that’s right for you. Located about an hour away from Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Yucatan Holidays, in association with Kanché AC, offers the curious traveler an opportunity to experience the mystical Mayan culture in the present while at the same time helping to conserve the natural environment.

Founded in 2006, Kanché AC works toward the advancement of rural communities through sustainable development, alternative tourism, and education.  It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that uses profits generated by alternative tourism to invest in socially oriented projects that help the local community.  Two major goals of the organization are to improve the conservation of the environment and to create an intercultural center to preserve the traditions and cultural attributes of the region.

The tours offered provide different options for all tastes—including swimming with whale sharks, getting to know the descendents of the Mayan culture, exploring the ecosystems and jungles, among others. The small size of the group tours is designed specifically to preserve the habitat and offer a personalized visit.

Kanché AC provides local communities with the tools to be self-sustained while, in the meantime, working to conserve the natural habitat and provide the sensible, responsible, and curious traveler with a unique vacation experience.

Make your next holiday a different experience planning your vacation with Yucatan Holidays and Kanché AC. For more information, send us an email to  info@yucatanholidays.com or call: 1.800.658.3141 (from US) & 0.800.520.0436 (from UK) and start exploring.