Mexico's Riviera Maya is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches and important Mayan ruins. The Riviera Maya runs from just south of Cancún on the Yucatún Peninsula along the coast to Tulúm. The area's turquoise waters, pristine beaches and varied attractions draw visitors from around the world.
With so many tourists coming to the area, how can the Riviera Maya's jungles, beaches and rivers be preserved for future generations? The answer lies in the growth of sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism encompasses protecting a location's natural and cultural heritage, minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment and providing economic opportunities for local residents that offer a living wage and community improvement.
Fortunately, some of the hotels, theme parks and tour operators on the Riviera Maya have embraced sustainable tourism. They have built their businesses with the intent to protect their area's unique heritage and give back to the local community. Let's take a closer look at sustainable tourism on the Riviera Maya.
Sustainable Hotels on the Riviera Maya
Sustainable travel doesn't have to translate to "sleeping on the beach in a hammock," although it can, at least here on the Riviera Maya. If you've outgrown the need to sleep on the cheap, you can still find places to stay that work hard to reduce their impact on the land, sea and air and to bring greater prosperity to the local community.
Fairmont Mayakoba
The Fairmont Mayakoba was the first large, luxury resort on the Riviera Maya to focus on sustainable tourism. The hotel employs an ecology manager, who develops programs for hotel employees and guests and works with local sustainable tour operators. Continuous improvement and commitment to providing memorable experiences are hallmarks of the Fairmont Mayakoba.
Hacienda Tres Ríos
Hacienda Tres Ríos began not as a hotel but as an ecological park. Today, the hotel complex is a first class example of state-of-the-art sustainable tourism. From design through construction and operation, Hacienda Tres Ríos employs cutting-edge technology to reduce fuel and water use and ensures that each staff member is thoroughly trained in sustainable tourism practices.
Hotel Nueva Vida de Ramiro
Hotel Nueva Vida de Ramiro is not a traditional hotel. Instead, it is a collection of bungalows right on the beach in Tulúm. The hotel generates its own electricity and actively participates in a local sea turtle rescue program. While staying in this type of hotel is not for everyone (specifically, travelers expecting pools, spas and similar amenities), visitors rave about the incomparable beach views and tranquil atmosphere.
