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Cancún and the Riviera Maya

While Cancún is a hotspot for traditional tourism, Mexico’s eco-tourism mecca is just south of Cancún, in the Riviera Maya. Centered mainly around the spectacular beachside community of Tulum are a number of fantastic eco-resorts that aim at coexisting peacefully with nature. A favorite is Zamas, where you will be able to look out the bathroom window of your enchanting Mayan hut (that needs no air conditioning thanks to its ingenious construction) right onto the beach. The hotel generates all its own electricity, so bring a flashlight for when the supply might be shut off. Cabañas Ana y José, Hotel Las Ranitas, Azulik and Zahra are also excellent upscale choices for those looking for high-end eco-hotels.

Along the same unpaved jungle road, there are a number of less luxurious accommodations, where you can rent simple huts and cabins for very affordable prices. The Maya Spa, located on the Cabañas Copal property, is eco-tourism at its best. Here, you can receive a massage in an oceanside tent, be spoiled with holistic Mayan rituals, or take quiet walks through the serene walkways carved into the thick jungle.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is located south of Cancún. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this immense reserve is somewhat difficult to access but a true paradise for fauna and flora enthusiasts. You can opt for a guided bird watching tour, as there are more than 300 bird species in the Biosphere.

Cenotes, which are unique to the area, are an ecotourist’s ideal swimming pool alternative. Cenotes are natural limestone pools filled with fresh water; their usage dates back to the ancient Maya. Located in secluded spots in jungle, cenotes have low impact on their natural surroundings, as there are very limited services available, if any. Cave diving is available at cenotesthrough certified dive shops only.

For culture enthusiasts, Yucatán offers unparalleled sites, including the steep pyramids of Chichén Itzá, the enchanting seaside ruins at Tulum, the ruins in Cobá (which are still partially undiscovered), Uxmal and many others. A number of tour companies offer eco-tours to these destinations.

Cozumel

This Caribbean island is very popular with ecologically-minded travelers, and the best part of nature can be seen underwater. Conservation is very important, and divers here are instructed to be especially careful around coral when diving the world’s second largest reef, the Great Mayan Reef.

Chankanaab National Park, bordered by tropical vegetation, is a land-locked pool connected to the ocean via a tunnel. There are underwater caves full of tropical fish, and you will also see some inland reefs. Snorkeling is permitted in many areas, but not in the lagoon. It’s best to arrive before noon in order to avoid the cruise-ship crowds.

Cozumel is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world, so explore the magical underwater ecosystems with thousands of tropical fish and the occasional hammer head shark. Some of the most impressive reefs are the Santa Rosa Wall, well-known for its depth, sea life and sponges, and the Palancar Reef, renowned for its canyons, caves and variety of sea coral.

-- By Dagmar Jenner

Try some of the outstanding sites just outside of the city, where climbing is possible almost year-round thanks to the mild climate. The El Diente climbing area is located outside of Río Blanco, and is a good site in beautiful surroundings that offers climbs at all difficulty levels. During the weekends, El Dientecan get crowded, and not all visitors are respectful of nature. Set a good example by carrying all your trash out with you. La Hidro, located close to Mesa Colorada, is another beautiful climbing area. More than 30 climbing routes in impressive natural surroundings make this a great option for more experienced climbers.

Mexico’s largest lake, Lake Chapala, is located within a few hours’ drive south of Guadalajara. The lake is beautifully set in mountainous terrain and has attracted the likes of D.H. Lawrence and many American snowbirds. However, swimming is generally not advisable because of the pollution levels. Most of the hiking trails aren’t clearly marked, but it’s very difficult to get lost, so don’t hesitate to explore the green hillsides. After you have worked up an appetite, enjoy lunch and ice cream at one of the charming outside cafés in the city of Chapala. 

-- By Dagmar Jenner

Baja California Sur is the ideal place for whale-watching during the winter months. From several locations, including Magdalena Bay, the San Ignacio Lagoon, you can see the majestic gray whales playing, mating, and nursing their young. Excursions to see these graceful mammals are offered by almost every tour company from January through March, when the whales head back to the Arctic for their summer feeding season.

The San Ignacio Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is part of a 250-mile coastal wetlands area that includes sandy beaches, salt flats, and mangroves. The lagoon, which is one of the world’s most biologically significant coastal sites, is being threatened by land speculation and an industrial salt production project. Conservation efforts are currently underway.

-- By Dagmar Jenner

The capital’s unique and stunning location – a vast high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains – offers some great choices for ecotourists.

Located a mere 40 miles outside the city, Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl National Park is home to two of the country’s highest and most well-known volcanoes. Surrounded by legends and myths, these twin volcanoes are popular mountain and rock climbing spots for climbers from all over the world – but you must be accompanied by recommended guides. The park consists mainly of pine forests, giving the area an almost Alpine feel. Be sure to get acclimated before you hike, as the altitude makes it challenging. The park offers a hotel with dormitory-style rooms should you choose to spend the night.

For hiking enthusiasts, there’s the Nevado de Toluca volcano west of Mexico City, which is easily visited in a day. It is one of the highest peaks in the country, and has two beautiful lakes in the crater. This is an easy hike, as you can reach the rim of the volcano in less than an hour. Also, the Desierto de los Leones is a large pine and oak national forest, and it’s ideal for day hikes. Be sure to carry all your trash out of these national parks.

-- By Dagmar Jenner

Acapulco

This legendary Mexican resort town is also a great area to enjoy the fauna and flora of the tropics on its many beaches, jungles, lagoons, and virgin beaches.

Coyuca Lagoon, located northwest of the city, is a charming place covered in mangrove trees and water lilies, which you can reach by water taxi. Many species of birds live here, so don’t forget your binoculars. For another freshwater jungle lagoon, try Tres Palos Lagoon in Barra Vieja. You can easily hire a boat that will take you around the wetlands in the area.

For a breathtaking landscape eclipsed only by human fearlessness, stop by La Quebrada to see cliff divers jump off the massive cliffs 130 feet into the ocean below. For a small admission fee, you can see these daredevil divers jump off the cliffs in perfect form after saying short prayers. Don’t forget to tip these athletes after they climb out of the ocean.

Ixtapa /Zihuatanejo

In Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, you can enjoy the beautiful, tropical surroundings and crystal-clear, unpolluted waters in a variety of ways. You can take the 30-minute ferry ride to Ixtapa Island. There are a number of fairly isolated beaches here, including Carey Beach (no facilities), which is a great spot for an oceanside picnic.

Another way to explore Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo is atop one of the friendly horses. Guided rides can be found on Playa Linda beach, located approximately 8 miles north of Ixtapa. You can opt for the early morning ride or finish a wonderful day on horseback with a sunset ride.

To explore Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo on water, rent a kayak at the Zihuatanejo Scuba Center; but be careful: the waters can be rough. You can parasail on several beaches, including La Ropa and Palmar. Ixtapa is also a great place to dive. Juan Barnard, a marine biologist and dive instructor, leads outstanding dive trips in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.

Manzanillo

A few hours’ drive inland from Manzanillo, in the neighboring state of Jalisco, is the rugged Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere reserve. A species of wild corn, in danger of extinction, can be found in this medium- and low-density jungle, which is also home to large pine and oak forests. The diverse wildlife within the reserve includes migratory birds, wild turkeys, and jaguars. The biosphere’s more than 30,000 acres of land protect a variety of endangered species of plants and animals.

Manzanillo and its surrounding areas are a paradise for birdwatchers thanks to several major bird habitats. Wetlands, lagoons and mangroves are home to hundreds of species, including parakeets, parrots, cranes, buzzards, and eagles. The immense freshwater lagoons around Manzanillo are said to be some of the best bird watching habitats in the world.

Mazatlán

The tropical dry forests of the area are home to a large variety of fauna and flora, and Mazatlán is an impressive area for travelers who are interested in conservation. You can jump in a kayak and explore coastal areas and mangrove-lined flats. Also, bird watching in the Sierra Madre Mountains is a highlight in this area, and you can take a jungle tour in San Blas.

The Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort is home to Mexico’s only privately-owned turtle sanctuary, which was established to help protect this species that can be traced back to the days of the dinosaurs. Take a free tour and learn about conservation efforts from the knowledgeable marine biologists.

Puerto Vallarta

The pristine natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta has it all: tropical jungle, rainforest and coral reefs. In recent years, many ecological groups have studied this area in order to preserve its ecosystems, and a variety of ecologically sound activities are available. Try Vallarta by bike: Pedal some 30 miles to remote beach locations or do some serious mountain biking through riverbeds and into the jungle. For a less challenging activity, exploring meandering paths through villages is a great option.

Several tour providers offer whale watching expeditions, swimming with dolphin adventures, and canopy tours in a private eco-reserve of the Sierra Madre mountains. You will swing from treetop to treetop while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the tropical surroundings. Walking on hanging bridges gives you a rare close-up look at fauna and flora found in treetops. If you are scared of heights, skip this one.

Ecotours of México offers unique turtle camps, where guests join the efforts of a team of Mexican biologists working on sea turtle conservation. For one evening, you can take part in saving this Jurassic survivor. Each winter, a great concentration of whales can be found in Banderas Bay, just south of Vallarta. A number of tour operators offer ecologically sensitive whale-watching tours.

-- By Dagmar Jenner