Yes, you can do Cancun sustainably

When you fly into Cancun the nature that surrounds it is astounding, with green jungle as far as the eye can see, fringed by white-sand beaches and neon-blue waters. A little more than 50 years ago, this slice of the Yucatán Peninsula had just a few small fishing villages and ancient Mayan ruins scattered throughout the jungle.

In the 1970s, a new kind of paradise emerged with high-rise hotels popping up along the coast—not just in Cancun itself, but up and down the Riviera Maya. In the process, millions of travelers started to arrive—all of which disrupted the area's fragile environment.

But surprisingly, sustainability was part of the original development plan and it’s still there, thanks to a number of hotels and travel companies that have been raising the bar when it comes to protecting the environment and the local culture. “Sustainability is one of this area’s best-kept secrets,” says Vicente Ferreyra Acosta, cofounder of the Sustainable and Social Tourism Summit, which is held annually in Cancun. “This is a really rich region in terms of biodiversity and environmental assets, and the original master plan took this into account and considered things like waste treatment, waste management, and limiting the number of hotel rooms to manage crowds.”

These days, the area is on a mission to get everyone on board with a new, more eco-minded future. Helping fuel the movement is the Ministry of Tourism, which has collaborated with groups like EarthCheck and Rainforest Alliance to launch Distintivo S, a certification that provides benefits to businesses that conserve energy and water. So far, 42 percent of the hotels in Quintana Roo, the state where Cancun is located, have received this certification. And that number is only going to go up.

Want more on how to be a responsible traveler? Check out our Good Guides to more of your favorite destinations for 2022.

“One of the hotel developments leading the way is Mayakoba,” says Acosta. “It has a general master plan that includes a focus on sustainability, and in the last 15 years it has made important achievements that contribute to a healthy ecosystem, from rebuilding the coral reef to preserving the mangroves.” Mayakoba encompasses 620 acres of lagoons, jungles, and beaches and is made up of four different resorts: the ultra-luxurious Rosewood, the Asian-inspired Banyan Tree, the hip Andaz, and the sophisticated Fairmont.

Another trailblazer: Hotel Xcaret Mexico, which has earned the coveted EarthCheck certification for its thoughtful design that created a nature refuge, water saving practices, conservation of cultural heritage, and more—it's the first hotel on the North American Continent to receive this international distinction.

When you think of all-inclusive resorts, you usually think of big casinos and swim-up pool bars—not tree-planting programs and caring for endangered animals. But many of the all-inclusive resorts in the area are measuring up. In Cancun, the Royalton Riviera Cancun maintains a commitment to preserving the ecology. There’s composting on-site, solar energy, and even a tree-planting program to help clean up the air.

Down the coast at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, eco-experiences are part of the all-inclusive plan: Plant a tree, go on an eco jungle tour, or help care for rescue animals. And the nearby Paradisus Playa del Carmen has a green team to manage the property’s sustainable efforts, from reducing carbon emissions to eliminating single use plastics.

Instead of importing food, many of the hotels in this area are adopting more thoughtful ways to tap into local ingredients and support local growers. Case in point: The Fairmont Mayakoba, which has been an environmental leader since its start, when 10,000 plants and 40 species of animals were relocated to ensure their preservation when the property was built. The Fairmont sources fruits and vegetables from local Mayan villages.

Another luxury resort with a responsible culinary program is Hacienda Tres Rios, set on a private natural reserve along the Riviera Maya. The resort’s Ethos Farm in the Jungle taps into traditional Mayan agricultural practices to support the local economy and grows organic food that is served in the resort’s farm-to-table restaurants.

On the island of Cozumel—an easy day trip from Cancun—the Cozumel Pearl Farm is unique in its mission. To harvest oysters and cultivate pearls, it has adopted sustainable practices that prohibit the use of chemicals and harness solar and wind power for energy. Travelers can spend the night under the stars with a glamping experience that includes homemade grilled pizzas, sunset beach walks, and waking up to the sound of the waves.

Throughout the region, animal lovers can help protect some of the planet’s smallest and most vulnerable creatures. Cancun is home to several different sea turtle species, which nest on the beaches from May to September. The Omni Cancun runs a preservation program that safeguards the sea turtles’ release, and guests are invited to join in this awe-inspiring experience.

South of Playa del Carmen in Akumal, travelers can volunteer in sea turtle monitoring and conservation experiences at the Centro Ecologico Akumal, which offers one-day to two-week programs to help protect native turtles via data collection, relocation of nests, and more.

There's also Sian Ka’an, a natural biosphere that protects manatees, crocodiles, turtles, and dolphins. Travelers can explore the mangroves with the sustainably minded Blue Caribe tours and observe the animals in this pristine environment.

Another destination for sustainability is Maya Ka’an, which is located in and around Sian Ka’an. “Maya Ka’an is a great example of community-based tourism,” says Acosta. In addition to learning from the locals about Mayan culture, visitors can also take part in activities managed by local communities, such as kayaking in the Laguna Negra and birdwatching in Muyil.

A growing number of operators offer sustainable tours and experiences that help encourage environmental conservation. On the forefront of responsible tourism, Mexico Kan Tours takes travelers to Chichen Itza, one of the world’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After exploring the ancient Mayan ruins with an expert guide, you’ll cool down in a community-run cenote (a deep watering hole).

Another eco-tour not to miss is Rio Secreto, an underground river and cave an hour outside Cancun. This nature reserve uses revenue to help environmental preservation, research, and educational programs.

Want to get out on the waves? Cancun Sailing runs catamaran tours between Cancun and Isla Mujeres and maintains a deep commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the natural aquatic world.

For an experience on the Yucatan Peninsula that will get you even more in touch with nature, head to Isla Holbox, an island two hours north of Cancun that is reducing its carbon footprint by banning cars. Ser Casasandra, a luxurious barefoot resort, was founded on a respect for nature and culture, from the organic products in the bathrooms to the authentic Mayan foods served in the restaurant. On the budget end is the Blatha Tropical, which harnesses the wind to minimize environmental impact. A highlight of a visit to Holbox island is Yum Balam, a nature reserve and sanctuary where travelers can get up close (but not too close) to the largest population of whale sharks on the planet.

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