ECOTOURISM

 

The environs of Playa del Carmen, with their lush jungle vegetation, provide the perfect setting to explore sinkholes, caverns, rivers and mangroves. A direct encounter with nature also allows you to observe many birds, as well as other animal and plant species.

 

Parque Natural Aktun Chen ? Located 42 km (26 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. This park offers the opportunity to explore a large cavern system, where you?ll see thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as fascinating rock formations that are 5 million years old. Open daily from 9:00 to 5:00.

 

Xel-Ha ? Located 47 km (29 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. This is an ecological park where you?ll find coves, sinkholes (ponds connected to underground river systems), lagoons, caves with subterranean rivers and springs that empty into the sea. Open daily from 8:30 to 6:00. Tel. (998) 875-6000 www.xel-ha.com. Here you can witness the enormous biodiversity of Mexico?s southeast region while observing indigenous plants and animals, particularly some of the endangered turtle species.

 

Parque Ecologico Tres Rios ? Located 11 km (7 mi) north of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. At this ecological park embedded in a subtropical jungle you can have the memorable experience of a close encounter with nature. The park is closed due to remodeling, but will reopen its doors in summer 2006. This park has nature walks that allow you to observe countless numbers of subtropical plants and more than 100 animal species.

 

Xcaret ? Located 8 km (5 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. At this place, among many other attractions, you?ll find archaeological ruins of one of the most important ceremonial centers of Mayan culture. You?ll also see plenty of natural beauty such as caves, underground rivers full of colorful indigenous fish, and a reef aquarium. Open daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. Tel. (998) 883-0470. www.xcaret.com. This park has nature walks on which you can observe lush vegetation and an incredible variety of animal species that inhabit the area. You?ll also find a butterfly sanctuary, an orchid greenhouse, an apiary, and you can live the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins.

 

Playa del Secreto ? Located 25 km (15 mi) north of Playa del Carmen. This is a long, nearly virgin beach with fine white sand and warm crystalline waters. Here you can go on hikes to observe the natural habitat of hundreds of local bird species and the abundant flora that grow in the mangroves. You can also discover nesting grounds of crabs and endangered sea turtles.

 

Punta Allen ? Located in the Sian Ka?an Biosphere Reserve, 104 km (65 mi) south of Playa del Carmen along the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. This small peninsula region is inhabited by numerous plant and animal species. This is the ideal spot for an ecotourism outing, as you can admire heron colonies, crocodiles and manatees surrounded by lush vegetation in one of the world?s largest reserves.