Green Travel: Enjoying The Benefits of Sustainable Tourism in Mexico

Fairmont Mayakoba

Guests enjoy a menu of green activities at Fairmont Mayakoba

I’ve been tagging a lot of posts lately under the category of ‘eco-friendly’ – and just posted something this week on Mayakoba (located in Riviera Maya) winning another green award for it’s exemplary sustainable actions. In thinking about the heart of sustainable tourism and what someone might experience on a green vacation in Mexico, I decided to ask.

What is it really like to go on a green vacation?  I’ve been to hotels in Mexico that practice sustainable behavior, from recycling, reusing and taking measures to conserve energy and the environment around them. But is there more to it?

Apparently there is a lot more, and it appears Mayakoba goes above and beyond to comply with Mother Nature’s rules and regulations.

Marketing Manager Liza Liza Orozco was able to answer some of my questions about what a guest might experience on a green vacation at Mayakoba.  Here’s a visual:

Q: What does a guest experience when they arrive at one of the hotels as far as being green?

A: The property’s three distinguished hotels (Rosewood, Fairmont and Banyan Tree) are linked by more than nine miles of crystal clear canals, a unique aquatic ecosystem for transporting guests that also offers new habitats for wildlife and relief for coastal environments. All guests travel from location to location on boats through the canals. Guests are offered a refreshing drink featuring chaya (grown from local communities) which is a local spinach with many nutritious properties.

Q. Is there a ‘green’ menu of activities for guests to choose from?

A: Mayakoba has a partnership with the Sian Ka’an Biosphere with exclusive tours for Mayakoba guests. Additionally, the on site biologists at each resort provide tours through the canals, and there is a program where guests can help plant mangroves. The biologists also keep record of animal species and oversee the quality of the water and its level. They are in constant overview of the environment of each resort.

Each hotel offers eco-activities for guests, as well as incorporates green lifestyle practices throughout daily life. For example, Fairmont Mayakoba offers organic and/or sustainable menus, waste-free meetings, and group ecotourism activities.Sustainable menu options include organic vegetable products farmed by the local Mayan community, shade-grown organic coffee and organic wines, among others.

Recycled cups for coffee and water are used, as well as metal rather than plastic spoons for coffee service.

Q. What about green tours?

Guests can choose eco-tours including The Nature Adventure, Bird-watching, Muyil Forest and Float or the Green Adventure Package which includes picnic boxes for adults and children to enjoy at an onsite activity or at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Guests can also experience a ‘Green Cooking Lesson’ with one of our experienced chefs. During this session, guests will learn how to cook with organic products, free of pesticides, produced in Mayan “Milpas” (crop soil) by native people, “Lancha” tour (covered boat) with our ecology expert through the resort’s network of crystal clear water canals to discover the beautiful flora and fauna of Fairmont Mayakoba and a Turtle surprise amenity.

Q. What are some of the ways the guest rooms are eco-friendly?

A: Most rooms have a view of the canals, and guests can experience a wide variety of bird species from their room.  Water is recycled and treated to water the golf course and gardens, all hotel lighting is eco-friendly and there are absolutely no motorized vehicles in the resort.  Guests travel through the property on electric golf carts and bicycles.

Q. Are their any eco-classes for guests or responsible tourism events happening at the hotels? Or what opportunities exist for guest to further their knowledge of how to be green?

A: One partnership in particular supported by Mayakoba is Community Tours Sian Ka’an (CTSK), a community-based Mayan tour operator that works to protect environmental and cultural heritage inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Hotels can develop customized plans for guests to experience these communities and become educated on the exotic jewels of the Riviera Maya including cenotes and water systems.  The revenue generated through tours, fishing, beautiful accommodations, and various on-site activities is used to fund conservation and education programs within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Fairmont Mayakoba Green Fact Sheet English

Below is a sample of eco-friendly practices and activities in Mexico:

Mexico Today (Marca País – Imagen de México), is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day. Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as an Ambassador for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Visit Mexico Today on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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Susie Albin-Najera
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com

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