ECOTOURISM

Cancun is a paradise surrounded by jungles, parks and nature reserves. In these places, you can see many different kinds of exotic birds, endangered animals, and abundant and spectacular marine life. You can also explore sinkholes, underground rivers, caverns and caves, where bats and other species live. In short, you can enjoy a close encounter with nature. At crocodile farms and turtle sanctuaries, you can learn about the reproductive processes and life cycles of these species, and you can help protect the region?s Hawksbill Turtles.

Xcaret. Located 72 kilometers (44 miles) from Cancun off the Cancun-Tulum Highway. The natural and manmade attractions at this place offer a wide array of activities: you can swim in underground rivers as you admire ancient rock formations, visit a tropical aquarium, watch an enactment of a Mayan ball game, or gaze at flamingos.

Xel-Ha. Located 115 kilometers (72 miles) south of Cancun off the Cancún-Tulum Highway. The turquoise-colored waters of the lagoon, along with the relatively calm rivers and the lush jungle, offer a truly unique environment by the sea. Within the jungle area, you can find various sinkholes that were once used in ancient Mayan rituals.

Isla Holbox. Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Separated from the mainland by the Yalahan Lagoon, Holbox Island is far enough removed from civilization to allow you to forget about everything and enjoy some quiet relaxation. To arrive there from Cancun, take Route 180 west to Km 150 and then head north about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the town of Chiquila. There you?ll have to cross Yalahan Lagoon in a boat to arrive at the island. The inhabitants are fishermen and they can guide you around the island. Offers photo safaris that allow you to snap shots of the island?s different bird species. In the morning, on a stroll along the beach, you?ll see dozens of pelicans and seagulls hunting for fish. Later, you?ll spot them perched on rustic piers in a perfect setting for those who like to observe indigenous plants and animals.

Isla Contoy. Located northeast of Cancun, it is a nearly uninhabited island. The only way to arrive there is by taking a tour boat from Cancun. It is the most important bird reserve in the Mexican Caribbean, with more than 115 aquatic, migratory and indigenous species. Sandy dunes and bushes predominate the landscape. It also has various shallow lagoons, which attract many of the animal species. Because Contoy Island nearly virgin, more tours are being offered there so that visitors can observe the magnificent flora and fauna. Prepare your camera and don?t forget to take extra rolls of film and a waterproof camera bag to protect your equipment.

Akumal. Located 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of Cancun off Route 307. A quiet place where different marine turtle species arrive to lay their eggs. This is the ideal place for those looking for the calm and balance that nature offers. In this territory, there are more than 200 underground caves, some 150 meters (about 500 feet) deep. In them you can see also kinds of marine life. Akumal is also a great spot for snorkeling, kayaking and hiking.

Reserva Ecologica de Sian Ka?an. Located 157 kilometers south of Cancun off the Cancun-Tulum Highway. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the reserve has 23 archaeological sites. Has five different entrances; most people use the Santa Teresita and Chac-mool entrances. This ecological reserve has more than 859 plant species, as well as such rare species as the jaguar and the Mantled Howling Monkey. Has 47 kilometers (about 30 miles) of coastline and is near the second most important coral reef in the world.