Ecotourism in Akumal

Ecotourism has had a significant boom in recent years. The Riviera Maya has benefited from this new way of getting to know a destination. Here are some tips on how to do ecotourism in Akumal.

Ecotourism in Akumal: Ecorancho Mayamar

Very close to the monkey sanctuary is the Ecorancho Mayamar. You’ll find a jungle where a multitude of birds and monkeys hide. It contains 4 private cenotes in caves with crystal clear water. You can only visit it with a guide. Therefore, it is very well preserved. The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a captivating tourist attraction that transports visitors to another world.

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The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary: A Must-See Ecotourism Destination

This is a nature reserve that works to preserve biodiversity while offering ecotourism activities. It houses about 80 animals of 23 different species (birds, monkeys, reptiles, etc.) rescued, cared for and housed in a safe environment. In addition to being able to interact with some species, you even have access to a beautiful private cenote, semi-enclosed in a cave.

The sanctuary aims to rehabilitate animals that require assistance and later reintroduce them to their natural habitat once they have recovered. To achieve this, the sanctuary has successfully rescued more than 200 animals from a diverse range of 55 species. The funding for these rescue efforts partially relies on the support of tourists who purchase tickets to visit the sanctuary.

Address: Road to Uxuxubi S/N Predio Santa Pilar Lote 16, 77776 Akumal, QR, Mexico

Opening Hours: 9 am-5 pm, Monday – Sunday.

Admission Price: $45 for children ages 5-11, $65 for visitors who are 12+. (Children under 4 are free).

Exploring the Uxuxubi Community: An Authentic Ecotourism Experience

Uxuxubi, “the one who whistles” in Mayan, is a community that lives from ecotourism, the organic harvesting of fruits and vegetables, and the production of honey from melipona bees. It is located 11 km from Akumal, inland, in a preserved Mayan jungle, far from the tourist attractions of the Riviera Maya.

The community founded its ecological park “Uxuxubi Al Natural” where it is possible to hike, watch birds, swim in the cenote Balam, go zip lining (150m) and even camping. Its greatest attraction is the lagoon that you can visit by raft with a guide and which is a natural sanctuary for the Morelet’s crocodile. In the area there are also toucans, spider monkeys, several birds and felines.

Ecotourism in Akumal: Kantun Chi

Only 14km from Akumal is the ecological park Kantun Chi or Kantunchi. It is also home to a rich fauna and flora including spider monkeys, deer, many species of birds and raccoons. There are 5 cenotes in the wild, perfect for swimming and snorkeling: Kantun Chi, Saskaleen Ha, Uchben Ha, Zacil Ha and Zihil Ha. The visit allows you to discover all types of cenotes because 2 are open, 2 are semi-open and 1 is in a cave.

The cenotes held great significance for the Maya civilization. They were considered pathways to the mysterious underworld. According to legend, there were twelve gods, known as the lords of ‘Xibalba’ or the ‘hidden place,’. They governed this realm and administered punishments to humanity. These gods had to put order in the place. Therefore, the cenotes hold much more than just tourist appeal. They are sacred portals brimming with potent energy that demands utmost reverence. In order to preserve the sanctity of these natural wonders, it is imperative that visitors adhere to certain guidelines. Parks dedicated to their conservation diligently maintain the pristine condition of each cenote. They kindly request all visitors to refrain from introducing any chemical residue, such as sunscreen, creams, perfumes, makeup, and similar products, into the cenotes, as it may disrupt the delicate ecosystem within. By adhering to these practices, we pay homage to the cenotes’ historical and spiritual significance while ensuring their continued preservation for generations to come.

Carretera Federal Cancún-Tulum, km 1266.8, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen.
Phone: +52 (984) 803 0143
Kantuchi.com