Category Archives: Nature

Ecotourism in Mexico: 5 Amazing, Eco-friendly Hotels to Enjoy

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Travelers who aspire to be earth-friendly and who wish to contribute to local communities while traveling often participate in ecotourism. Green-friendly and chic, ecotourism is a growing industry around the world. Many resort destinations in Mexico have made the eco-friendly switch. The country’s beautiful, varied natural landscape provides the perfect background for the discriminating ecotourist. Consider these five beautiful resorts when planning an eco-friendly trip to Mexico.

Xinalani Retreat

Located on Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta, this serene resort is surrounded by both the Pacific Ocean and a lush jungle. Xinalani Resort is a small hotel composed entirely of high-class suites. Designed to accomodate wellness retreats and group workshops, this retreat provides the perfect combination of luxury and serenity. Guests can enjoy being close to nature without sacrificing the conveniences of modern living.

Escudo Jaguar Hotel

Located on the Usamacinta River in Frontera Corozal, Ocosingo, in the state of Chiapas, this beautiful resort offers camping areas in addition to single, double and triple rooms. This stunning ecotourist resort is operated by a group of native people called the Choles. The owners have worked hard to ensure that guests enjoy the enchanted land surrounding the Usamacinta in a fashion that is eco-friendly and beneficial to the local economy. Unique, delicious local dishes are served at the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Visitors can swim, hike and explore nearby archaeological sites while staying at Escudo Jaguar Hotel.

Xaloc Resort

Situated on beautiful Holbox Island, visitors of Xaloc Resort enjoy an eco-friendly getaway on an incomparable white sand beach. This boutique resort is composed of bungalows that have been constructed with care. The owners of Xaloc Resort have paid careful attention to all the small details that make an eco-friendly getaway a truly remarkable experience. The resort offers a full-service restaurant and beautiful views of the night sky. Visitors can enjoy relaxing, swimming and exploring local craft arts from the comfort of this innovative resort.

Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxin Spa

Visitors enjoy the best of ecotourism and luxury travel at this resort and spa located near Chicen Itza, Mexico. The hotel boasts luxury accommodations and is located in proximity to the many Mayan archaeological sites of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Yaxin Spa provides a variety of holistic services inspired by Mayan culture to help guests relax and unwind. The Hacienda Chicen Resort staff are happy to help visitors make arrangements to see local sites and participate in a variety of ecotourist activities.

Puerta Calakmul Ecovillage

Travelers who want to explore the jungle will love the opportunities afforded by staying at Puerta Calakul Ecovillage in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico. The eco-resort is located near the largest archaeological zone in the area and the astounding Calakmul biosphere. Guests are encouraged to relax, unwind and escape from their daily routines when visiting this gorgeous resort. Guests are offered a variety of luxury amenities on-site. Resort staff can assist travelers who wish to make arrangements to explore the many archaeological sites in the area.

If you are seeking a completely different travel experience, book an eco-friendly hotel.

The Whale Sharks Are Arriving in Mexico!

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Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico

The largest of the fish species, the whale sharks of the Caribbean are beginning to arrive from their annual migration to the waters just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Each year, these mammoth sharks migrate from tropical waters around the world to certain feeding spots of which Mexico’s Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are two favorites.

Although these giants of the fish kingdom can grow to be over 40 feet in length, they mainly feed on plankton and pose no threat to humans, which makes swimming with whale sharks in their natural habitat a must-do for every true adventurer’s bucket list.

Thousands of whale sharks migrate to Mexico each year, the season starts May 15 and goes through September 15. Their distinctive patterns of pale-yellow spots and stripes make them a truly beautiful sight. In fact, they photograph so well, we’ve made them the star of  Our Mexico web-ad dedicated to the nature of Mexico, which can be viewed here. You can also view thew whale sharks of Mexico in action in the video below.

 

For the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks of Mexico, check out our  Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip. One of the highlights of this adventure includes swimming and snorkeling with docile whale sharks (ranging from 10 to 65 feet in length) on a secluded island. After a few days of nature immersion, explore the ancient Mayan ruins at the world renowned Chichen Itza. Your private guide will explain the significance of this archeological site and the achievements of the Maya civilization. You will also have the chance to cool off in a beautiful sinkhole before enjoying a picturesque lunch nearby. Accommodations at the Isla Holbox (a tranquil island 3 hours from Cancun) are in a quaint eco-friendly hotel.

Ecotourism in Mexico – Top 5 Tours

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Mexico EcotourismAt Journey Mexico, we take a responsible approach to tourism. In addition to luxury vacations, we offer the best options for eco-minded travelers interested in discovering the true essence of Mexico. If you’re new to this term, ecotourism has been defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

Ecotourism combines sustainable travel, environment conservation and community improvement into a unified approach that follows these principles:

  • Minimal impact to the environment or native communities
  • Fosters awareness and respect of the environment and diverse cultures
  • Creates a positive experience for both native hosts and visiting tourists
  • Raises funds for local conservation efforts
  • Empowers the local residents and improves their financial welfare
  • Increases awareness of the social, political and environmental climate in the host country

If you’re looking for a true adventure that combines fun and education with community involvement, we can help you find it! Here are the top five ecotourism trips operated by Journey Mexico:

Chiapas Adventure Trip – Ziplines, Waterfalls and Ruins
Immerse your entire being in the allure of ancient Mexico! This tour provides an up-close look at the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque as well as the surrounding jungles. Discover the thrill of flying through the canopy on a zipline and swimming at the foot of a majestic, 100-foot waterfall as you traverse this rugged terrain.

Hiking Oaxaca’s Mountains to the Pacific
Over the course of this nine-day trek, you’ll discover remote mountain villages and explore several archeological sites as you bask in the tropical warmth of Mexico’s Southwestern coast. In addition to a very active vacation, you’ll leave this lesser-traveled region with the knowledge that you helped contribute to the progress of the traditional Zapotec communities that populate the Sierra Norte.

The Migration of the Monarch Butterflies Trip
During this tour, you’ll travel to Michoacan to view the fields filled with elegant Monarch Butterflies. Each year, millions of these gentle creatures converge on this single part of Mexico to spend the winter. Your tour guide will tell you more about this miraculous feat, and you’ll also have the chance to explore neighboring Patzcuaro, the legendary “door to heaven.”

Sea Turtles and Whale Watching Adventures
Join the Ocean Revolution to help preserve the delicate ocean ecosystem that lies along the western coast of Mexico. This trip gives you the chance to spot sea turtles and a variety of whales in both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez as you travel along the coastline of Baja California.

Oaxaca Cycling Excursion
Combine your love of bike riding with your desire for adventure with this tour! Along the way, you’ll travel through a variety of Oaxacan cities, towns and forests to learn more about the interesting culture, delicious cuisine and amazing natural resources of this part of Mexico.

At Journey Mexico, we’re committed to sustainable travel. Whenever possible, we create engaging tours that provide our clients with the trip of a lifetime while minimizing any negative impact that our presence could create. In addition to promoting local prosperity, our eco-tours help increase cultural understanding and cooperation. Join us in preserving the pristine natural areas that make the remotest regions of Mexico truly special! Give us a call today to plan your next adventure.

To read more about eco-friendly hotels, read our blog about top eco-friendly hotels on the Pacific Coast.

The Monarch Butterfly Reserves Near Michoacan (Mariposa Monarca)

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Monarch Butterflies in Michoacan (Mariposa Monarca)It’s hard to believe that the dramatic orange-and-black monarch butterflies that flit around your garden make an epic journey each year. Before you even notice a change in the weather, these majestic creatures instinctually start their trek south to sunny Mexico. For many, this is a 2000-mile trip! To provide a safe haven for these annual guests, this country has set aside over 200 square miles of protected land to serve as butterfly reserves.

To witness this spectacle, plan to visit the Michoacan region between November and March. Each year, the majority of the butterfly reserves open their gates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during these months to allow the public to get a closer look at the billions of monarch butterflies nestled in the native oyamel fir trees. Near the end of February, the Festival Cultural de la Mariposa Monarca celebrates the peak of butterfly season. Although this week is a great time to experience this phenomenon, it is also the most crowded time to visit.

The two most popular butterfly reserves in Michoacan are El Rosario Reserve and the Sierra Chincua Reserve, but many smaller venues are also open to the public. If you’re visiting Mexico City, a day trip is all that’s needed to enjoy these butterfly reserves. Angangueo, a nearby village, also offers overnight accommodations if you’re staying farther afield or would like to spend more than a single day in the butterfly fields. Most visitors drive to the reserves or take a tour bus. The buses only go as far as Angangueo, but you can easily hire a driver to take you to the field of your choice.

If you’d like to learn more about the monarch butterfly and its annual migration, here are few interesting facts you may not know:

  • Temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can paralyze the monarch butterfly.
  • During the migration, these butterflies can be clocked at up to 30 mph but average 12 mph.
  • The monarch butterfly can soar up to two miles above the ground.
  • Monarch butterflies have a small amount of a magnetic substance in their tiny bodies. Some think this acts as an internal compass to lead them to their winter grounds.
  • When the monarch is on the move, it can cover 80 miles each day.

This winter, head south to picturesque Mexico to escape the winter weather just like the monarch butterfly! While you’re there, make it a point to visit these heavenly insects in their vacation home. Contact Journey Mexico today to plan your journey:

From Mexico or international: +52 (322) 225 9821
Toll free: 1-800-513-1587

Mexico Leading the Way in Eco Preservation

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sea life park in mexico

#MexicoToday: Over the past ten years, something remarkable has happened just off the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. In 1999, the marine area off the coast of Cabo Pulmo (located on the south-eastern tip of the Baja Peninsula) had been severely depleted of wildlife due to overfishing. But thanks to the efforts of the local communities of Cabo Pulmo, the amount of fish in the region has boomed by more than 460 percent in the past ten years.

Scientists are astonished by how the marine life of Cabo Pulmo has not only recovered from disastrous levels, but has actually reached levels comparable to remote, pristine sites that have never been fished by humans. In fact, no other marine reserve in the world has shown such a turn around in fish population, and this thriving underwater wildlife park is now the most robust marine reserve in the world.

The Cabo Pulmo National Park accredits much of the success to a few local families who have banned together to enforce the parks regulations and policies in regards to fishing and pollution, making Cabo Pulmo a model for other areas depleted by fishing in the Gulf of California and elsewhere. Their efforts have not only brought back the fish but have also increased eco-tourism to the area.

SCUBA diving enthusiasts from around the world have been flocking to the region to witness the coral reefs that are now home to lobsters, octopuses, rays, and small fish. Also swarming the reefs are large parrotfish, groupers, snappers, and even sharks like tiger sharks, bull sharks and black tip reef sharks, who have been found to actually keep coral reefs healthy.

For more information about how you can support the Cabo Pulmo National Park through eco-tourism, contact Journey Mexico.
 

Mexico Shines as a Family/Eco Travel Destination

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students whale watching

#MexicoToday: Mexico was recently featured as one of the world’s top five destinations for family eco-travel in a recent article from the Kansas City Star. The article showcases only Playa Viva, an all-inclusive coastal eco-lodge near the Pacific paradise of Ixtapa, yet due to the country’s abundance of natural phenomena, Mexico is home to endless opportunities for families to enrich their knowledge of the way the Earth, its animals, and its people are interconnected.

Focusing on “preserving the cultures, traditions, communities, species and habitats that make this planet worth exploring,” Playa Viva offers a sustainable boutique hotel for families interested in enjoying “Guilt-Free Luxury” while exploring the hotel’s Sea Turtle Sanctuary, where thousands of endangered sea turtles come to lay their eggs each year.

Like Playa Viva, many local initiatives in Mexico have joined together with international non-profits like SEE Turtles and Earth Watch as well as with operators like Journey Mexico to offer travel enthusiasts an opportunity to enhance their holidays with hands-on interaction with many of the Mexico’s ecosystems and their wildlife.

The goals of these trips include:

  • To Educate travelers about the fragility of the natural ecosystems of the world and about what we as individuals can do to build positive relationships with these ecosystems
  • To get travelers physically involved in the solution through volun-tourism activities like helping aggregate sea turtle census data and monitoring endangered animal populations
  • To expose children to new cultures and languages in order to facilitate cultural understanding
  • To inspire a lifelong desire to travel and learn about the cultures and ecosystems of the world

Another benefit of eco-travel is that it can often be incorporated with a child’s science, social studies, foreign language, even art and music lesson plans. The Rainforest Alliance, of which Journey Mexico is a member, offers curriculum guides for kindergarten through eighth grade students, which parents can use to enrich the life-learning experiences of their children.

We all know that Disney World is a blast (and I hear the butter beer at The Wizardry World of Harry Potter is awesome) but how much of a real benefit are these mass-market attractions for children? If you’re thinking, “Not much,” I agree. But imagine your children actually petting a Gray Whale in the Sea of Cortez; running, arms raised, through a blizzard of Monarch Butterflies that have migrated thousands of miles to the Mexican countryside; or exploring a Mayan pyramid built hundreds of years before the Common Era. Now those are experiences that change lives for the better. And in Mexico, they happen every day.

Central & Southern Mexico Trip Photos

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It took a while to get through all the photos, but here are the highlights from a recent trip through Central & Southern Mexico. You can turn the captions on and off by clicking the little speech bubble at the bottom left of the slideshow. Clicking a photo will take you to full sized version in our Picasa album. Let us know if you’ve been to any of these places or seen any of these things in person!

Huatulco First Destination in the World to Receive EarthCheck Gold Certification

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Hautulco Mexico Receives Gold Certification

Huatulco Becomes The First Destination in the World to Receive EarthCheck Gold Certification

HUATULCO, Mexico, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The coastal paradise, Huatulco in southern Mexico [Oaxaca], became the first destination in the world to receive EarthCheck’s Gold certification, in yet another display of Mexico’s sustainable tourism credentials. Previously, EarthCheck awarded Gold certification only to facilities such as resorts, and not communities such as Huatulco. Huatulco received the prestigious certification for meeting the rigorous sustainable tourism requirements of EarthCheck across a range of aspects such as environmental legislation, energy usage, water conservation, wastewater management, biodiversity, and waste reduction.

Speaking at the EarthCheck Sustainable Tourism Forum, also held this year in Huatulco, Adriana Perez Quesnel, director of the Fondo Nacional del Fomento al Turismo (FONATUR), said, “We are immensely proud to receive this certification and even more so to be the first destination in the world to do so. This achievement is a clear demonstration of how government, the private sector and local communities can work together to deliver significant benefits to the world in which we live.”

“FONATUR has driven sustainable practice in the Mexican tourism industry and has forged a vision of respect for nature conservation in Integrally Planned Resorts, to promote tourism, help strengthen the local economy and promote local traditions and culture.”

Huatulco has gained EarthCheck certification for the previous five consecutive years. As a result of the certification, Huatulco will be one of 13 global destinations featured on a new program on the Discovery Channel in 2012. The documentary will be broadcast to over 200 million people over the next two years.

“In Mexico alone, EarthCheck member organizations have saved a combined total of 26,349,880 kg of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) since data started being collected in 2003,” explained EarthCheck Ambassador, Gustavo Ramos Fumagalli. “They have also reduced water consumption by 2,196,674,635L of water, dramatically reducing pressure on natural resources in a country that is familiar with the unforgiving effects of drought.”

To meet Earth Check’s strict requirements, Huatulco constructed new water management infrastructure including:

* 17 km of storm protection channels,

* 23 re-lift stations for sewage treatment and management and

* Harvesting structures which collect storm water runoff.

In May 2011, Mexico was also recognized by the Rainforest Alliance in New York for its achievements in sustainable tourism in the Mayakoba region and the forestry practices of the Mexican government.

SOURCE Mexico Tourism Board

The Riviera Nayarit – Mexico’s Newest Hot Spot

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Casa Papelillos, Riviera Nayarit

Casa Papelillos in Punta Mita

The Riviera Nayarit has been getting a lot of attention these days, and for good reason. The Riviera Nayarit is home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful coastline, private villas, and resorts. Travel Weekly recently published an article called Culture, Adventure, Sand, and Surf Await Visitors to Riviera Nayarit, highlighting the variety of adventure and nature opportunities available in the area as well as the rich culture and the vivid art of the Huichol people, indigenous to the highlands that tower over the coast.

Celebrities have been sneaking away to the area for years and many own gorgeous cost-line villas in Punta Mita, located just north of the long time favorite coastal city of Puerto Vallarta. Us Magazine.com recently published photos of the international famed Kardashian family celebrating Kourtney Kardashian’s 32nd birthday in Punta Mita.

Punta Mita is also home to the St. Regis Punta Mita the Four Seasons Punta Mita as well as countless private villas available for rent that will make your jaw drop. Due to it’s proximity to Puerto Vallarta (where the main Journey Mexico offices are located), Punta Mita and the Riviera Nayarit is a favorite weekend-retreat and surf destination for the Journey Mexico team.

Mexico Takes Four of Trip Advisors Top 25 Beaches in the World

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Trip Advisor Travelers ChoiceToday’s Trip Advisor Members’ Update included their Travelers’ Choice results for “Top 25 Beaches in the World” for 2011. With more than 5700 miles of coastline in three distinct coastal regions, it’s no surprise that Mexico took four of the top 25 spots – more than any other state/country on the list save for Florida, which also has four.

Mexico’s winners are:

Tulum, MexicoTulum on the Riviera Maya – Tulum is one of the most visited ruins of the Mayan world, welcoming over $2 million visitors each year. The stunning contrast between the ancient stones of the Mayan ruins and the crystal waters of the Caribbean coast make the site a photographers favorite. The rich history of the site as one of the only cities never conquered by the Spaniards make it even more significant and although you have to brave the crowds, it is well worth the visit.

Isla Mujeres just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula – This tiny island off the coast of Cancun was an ancient Mayan religious site dedicated to the goddess, Ixchel (the guardian of fertility and childbirth). Today, the island is a small fishing community and a string of small hotels with one town center, El Pueblo. The tourist infrastructure of the island has grown rapidly in recent years but it remains a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of its neighbor, Cancun.

Playa del CarmenPlaya del Carmen also located on the Mayan Riviera – Once a fishing village and pristine deserted beach, Playa del Carmen has turned into one of the hottest holiday destinations in Mexico. Smaller than Cancun, “Playa” offers the nightlife and dining of a city with the charm of a seaside beach town – all with the same crystalline waters of Cancun.

Cancun located in Cancun, obvio – The sun shines over 240 days a year along the strip of fine, white sand called the hotel zone. With an average daily temperature of 80 degrees, this resort town is one of the most temperate and pleasant Caribbean destinations. The city boasts lively nightlife, high-end shops, and world class restaurants in addition to its pristine beaches and proximity to Mayan ruins.

Punta MitaWhile we agree that Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun deserve their spots on the Top 25 Beaches of the World list, we would also argue that several other beaches in Mexico also deserve international recognition. Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is one of the most unique beach towns of the world as the city has maintained its deep cultural heritage as it’s grown into its role as the most sought after retirement destination in the world. The beaches of Punta Mita, just a half hour north of Puerto Vallarta, are also some of the most breathtaking beaches you’ll ever see.

Further south on the Mexico’s Pacific coast lies Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. This exceptional area consists of numerous beaches and small towns that have been a popular spot for surfers for some time. Lined with great hotels and restaurants, you will also find numerous palapas (thatched roofs for hammocks) and personalized seafood stands.

Los Cabos hotelAcross the Sea of Cortez are the legendary beaches of Los Cabos on the southern tip of Baja California. The beaches of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have made the area a mecca for sport fishing or just a weekend getaway. Luxury resorts pepper the area and offer great locations to embark on activities ranging from hiking, golf, mountain biking, and whale watching to sea kayaking, surfing, dining out, and relaxing on numerous secluded beaches.

In addition to these internationally coveted hot spots, Mexico is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller, more secluded beaches that would blow your mind. What is your favorite beach in Mexico?