Eco Educational 9 day ecotour,August 14-22,2008

 

(Holbox,Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Grutas de Balancanche, Cenote Dzitnup, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Coba, Reserva de la Biosfera de Sian ka'an, y Cenotes )

Program Purpose : To learn about the unique ecosystems and wildlife Mexico has and the relationship with ecotourism in Mexico as a response to mass tourism, and the role of adventure recreation and alternative tourism in ecotourism efforts in Mexico .

Program Description : A 9-day expedition to the Yucatán Peninsula which includes multiple activities: kayaking, snorkeling, hiking the jungle, exploring Mayan sites, and understanding eco-tourism issues in relationship to cultures and the natural environment.

      

 

Trip Highlights :


•  Kayak in the sea lanes used by ancient Mayan traders, inside the barrier reef

•  Snorkel the area's reefs and blue lagoons and cenotes

•  Walk the ruins and climb the temples of Mayan sites such as Chichén Itzá and Cobá.

•  Discover the engineering genius and the worldview of the ancient Mayan cities that ruled southeast Mexico and Central America

•  Stay in a research station 2 nights in Mexico 's fourth largest federal park, 1.8 million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, near the powdery white sands in the undeveloped sections of the Yucatan coast

•  Explore a jungle and bayous; learn about jungle wildlife.

•  Discover a Mexican colonial town

•  Observe and evaluate ecotourism alternatives for local communities.

•  Meet local Mayan residents.

•  Meet with Mexican faculty and students, and learn about Mexican hospitality and tourism degree programs.

Day 1

Arrival to Cancun . Transfer to Amar Inn hotel in Puerto Morelos. Group dinner in the restaurant to meet and talk about the trip.

Day 2

After breakfast have a lecture on coral reefs. Then snorkeling in the best reefs of Puerto Morelos. After lunch lecture on the jungle. Then hike in the botanical garden to see wild spider monkeys and other animals.

Day 3

Lecture on maya culture. Then trip to Tulum archeological site and to snorkel in the great cenotes of the area. Overnight in the Sian Ka'an visitor center. Optional night kayaking in Siankaan reserve. Dinner on the site.

Day 4

Learn about the reserve. Lecture on ecotourism and projects been done in the reserve. Kayak in the area. Participate on garbage project or beach cleanup.

Day 5.

After breakfast depart to Nuevo Durango community. On the way visit Cobá archeological site. Arrive in the afternoon on time to meet Maya people . Interview and work with Mayan people from the Nuevo Durango community. Get to know how are they doing, what do they think. Overnight in Nuevo Durango cabins .

Day 6

Enjoy Nuevo Durango adventure activities . Meet with representatives of Nuevo Durango , to talk about ecotourism in this community. Follow to Merida colonial city. Check in Aragon hotel.

Day 7

Enjoy Merida colonial town (Government palace with historic murals, cathedral, market, etc.) Visit museum of anthropology.

Day 8

Depart to Chichen Itza . Enjoy the site. Follow to Puerto Morelos. Check in Amar Inn hotel.

Day 9

Depart to the airport for flight back.

The Ecotour includes:

  • AC transportation.
  • Hotels
  • Biologist guide.
  • All the meals ( 3 / day ), except breakfast first day and dinner last day.
  • Entrance fees.
  • Boats.
  • Kayaks.
  • Snorkel equipment.
  • Presentations and explanations by different researchers.

For all the tours we recommend bringing comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent, hat, swimsuit, long sleeve cotton shirt, long cotton pants, impermeable jacket, hygienic personal stuff and sun blocker.

We want to remind that 5 % of the tourist fee is donated for projects to PROTECT THE MAYAN NATURE.

 

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