Crystal-clear Caribbean waters, pristine white sandy beaches, tropical jungles, and magical cenotes, if you’re planning a vacation known for its breathtaking beauty then Tulum, Mexico should definitely be at the top of your list.
This slice of paradise, mixed with ancient Mayan culture, has been a haven for eco-conscious tourists for decades, beckoning travelers looking for serenity and adventure! Today, sustainable travel habits are more important than ever, especially when visiting delicate ecosystems like Tulum’s beaches and cenotes. In this post, we’ll explore how visitors can make the most of this breathtaking location, taking nothing but pictures and leaving nothing but footprints in the white sand.
A Paradise Under Threat – How You Can Help
Tulum, Mexico is a delicate ecosystem with great biodiversity, but the influx of tourists it receives every year is placing untold pressure on its fragile environment. Getting to Tulum is easy, you can quickly compare airfares to find the cheapest price, but once you arrive it’s important to embrace eco-friendly travel practices and minimize your impact. Some simple ways you can achieve this include:
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Support local businesses
- Choose sustainable accommodation
- Eat sustainably
- Participate in conservation activities
Sustainable Accommodation in Tulum
Choosing sustainable accommodation when you visit Tulum is a simple and fun way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. You’ll find a wide variety of eco options for travelers who want to enjoy luxury whilst supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
Eco-resorts like Azulik are famous for their tree-top villas, which are completely off-grid, and solar-powered and use non-invasive architecture to keep their environmental impact to a minimum. Other options include the Papaya Playa Project, which focuses on water conservation and uses an eclectic mix of Mayan culture and sustainability to help guests fully immerse themselves in a truly unique experience.
If you’re still unsure of where you’d like to stay, then try to focus on accommodation that has eco-friendly certifications, look for low-impact features such as certain building designs, renewable energy, or community projects that provide work for locals, and put profits directly back into the community and prioritize the preservation of Mayan heritage.
Sustainable Dining in Tulum
Tulum is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, fresh flavors, and open-fire cooking. Tourists are always spoilt for choice when it comes to eating their way around this hidden paradise. If you want to eat sustainably, then there are plenty of ways you can achieve this.
Opting for locally sourced food means you’ll always get the freshest, healthiest options and also reduce the environmental impact of your visit. This also supports local farmers and helps to boost the local economy and keep family businesses going.
There are plenty of impressive restaurants in Tulum and a number of them prioritise sustainability! Hartwood is an eatery famous for its open-fire cooking techniques and its locally sourced ingredients. While options such as Raw Love which you’ll find on the beach specialize in vegan options made from locally sourced produce and sustainable ingredients. This is also a great opportunity to avoid using single-use plastics such as knives, forks, and straws – by bringing reusable items along with you, you can reduce your impact on the environment even further.
Exploring Tulum Sustainably
With so much to see and do in Tulum, you’ll want to make the most of your time here, which means getting from A to B as efficiently as possible. However, exploring Tulum shouldn’t mean putting pressure on the environment. Consider eco-friendly transport options such as renting bicycles or electric scooters to explore the area.
Always be respectful of the environment, nature, and any Mayan ruins by sticking to designated paths and not touching or removing anything. If you’re planning on taking a sightseeing tour, then choose one with an ethical focus, or trips that focus on conservation, and is respectful to local communities.
Support Local Communities and Tulum Businesses
Did you know that you can also help to protect the environment during your visit by supporting local communities and businesses? Tulum is famous for its local markets and they’re the perfect place to pick up some handmade jewelry, crafts, food, and textiles all grown or greeted by locals. These aren’t just cool souvenirs, they’re a simple but effective way of supporting a way of life, traditional skills and providing an income to local families.
If you’re interested in booking a tour, consider ones that are run by local groups. These kinds of tours are not only more genuine but they also offer deeper insights into the Mayan culture and may even have additional experiences such as storytelling, ceremonial rituals or even cooking lessons!
Eco-Friendly Activities in Tulum
Whether you’re a water baby, a thrill seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, you’ll never be bored in Tulum! Tulum offers countless ways for you to try new experiences all whilst enjoying the breathtaking environment sustainably and respectfully.
From marine safe and friendly snorkeling and paddle boarding activities, to bird watching deep in the mangroves and lush forests with local experts. If you’re here to make the most of a wellness getaway, then you’ll find plenty of sustainable options and centers that prioritize sustainability. Whether it’s yoga on the beach, solar-powered facilities, or natural and locally sourced skincare ingredients in a spa, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to recharge and be mindful of your sustainability promise.
Remember, sustainable travel isn’t just for the privileged. We can all make changes to our habits that can have a positive impact on everything around us.
It’s easy to see why Tulum is such a sought-after destination. However, it’s important to do your bit to ensure that this breathtaking paradise is preserved for generations to come. By respecting local traditions, culture, and wildlife we can learn so much more about the Mayan heritage, and biodiversity and enjoy a meaningful trip that isn’t just a vacation but a truly immersive experience.
