Maya Ik/Planeta.com

Maya Ik Programs
by Victor Sumuhano

February/Febrero 1999

Maya Ik assists indigenous communities in southern Mexico. Our interest in tourism stands in contrast to the mainstream "Mundo Maya" program which benefits large tourism operations, and not the Maya themselves. Among our projects promoting sustainable development are the following ecotourism programs and recommended services:

Quintana Roo

Near Tulum, two cenotes are managed by the local ejido. Come visit Cenote Cristal & Aktun-ha. These are fragile environmental systems, but open to responsible travelers. Snorkeling and diving are available. The caves can be used to practice underwater speology, but you must have proof of PADI certification. There are also botanical gardens and a birdwatchers tower nearby. Admission is about $1 if you want to swim or snorkel. The cost is higher for divers and you must hire local guides.

Where to stay? Check out the inexpensive and very friendly Nohoch-tunich cabanas or palapas by the sea). It's only a 15 minute walk to the ruins of Tulum. Be sure to eat at the Dona Tina's restaurant, which serves a typical menu from the region.

If you are interested to learn diving speleology, go to Akumal. There are two PADI-certified centers with Mexican and U.S. drive masters. Within a two week period you can get certification and experience diving in a different caverns. Cedam Dive Center: (987) 3 51 47 and Akumal Dive Center (987) 5 90 25; email: akumal.dive@mail.caribe.net.mx

Further south is Felipe Carrillo Puerto in the heart of the Macewual Mayan ethnic group, there is agricultural tourism, lead by Carlos Meade - phone: (983) 40-842. There are also horse rides through the low jungle and a trip to the Mayan church Balam-Nah constructed by captured slaves in 1850 during the Mayan Rebellion.

Yucatan

Merida is a good base for trips to the Rio Lagartos or Rio Celestún Biosphere Reserves. There is a Mayan Yucateco community at Ria Lagartos, and you'll find boat rides for bird watchers. Many flamingos and ibis flock here. Contact Juan Velazco at (992) 60-481.

Tabasco

In the capital city of Villahermosa visit MUKUL-Ha (house of water) a place for poetry lovers (ask for Gaby). On Fridays there is also a live music show from Mexico and South America. The entrance fee is just $2.

About a half hour away are the Camellones Chontales de Tucta, Nacajuca. Visit a Chontal community and a private community sanctuary for endangered species of manatees, birds, alligators, etc. learn a traditional land production called camellones or chinampas. There are also seadogs known as Nutrias in Spanish or Lutra longicaudis annetens in Latin. You can also see the handicraft of hand-made musical instruments. About 15 minutes down town from Nacajuca there is an hotel with good services (air-condition, phone, hot water). To make reservations, call Primo Perez DIF Municipal (933) 78-514 or (933) 78-553

Further away is a national tourism bureau pilot ecotourism program "Agua Selva." Archeological sites in the high mountain rain forest at Guadalupe community. There are giant carnivorous flowers and lots of poorly known carved stones. In the town of General Francisco J. Mujica (usually referred to just as Mujica) ask for Antonio Dominguez - he's the best guide on town. There are three community hostels with rudimentary services (hot water, fans, 12 beds room, electricity). You need a jeep to get there and you'll drive four hours south to Huimanguillo city and the Mal Paso Hydroelectric sister. Ask for a map at the Villahermosa tourism office. Watch out - it's cold at night and hot during the day and there are afternoon thunderstorms about 5 p.m.

Chiapas

San Cristóbal de las casas is "La Meca of ecotourism at Mexico" as well as famous for its colonial architecture. Visit a unique "traditional Mayan medicine museum" where it's permitted to take photos of the indigenous ceremonies. Also visit the Ambar museum - this city is one of the best places on earth to buy the gem.

Near San Cristóbal visit sacred cities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan plus the towns that are not as touristy - Tenejapa, Las Ollas and Amatenango del Valle. In the last town you can see a traditional kitchen and pottery handicraft production. We have a new micro bus with bilingual guides for more than six Mayan linguistic groups. Remember this area can get very cold, so bring warm clothes. For more info, call the San Cristóbal office of Maya ik at (967) 86998; email: mayaik@sanCristóbal.podernet.com.mx

Mexico City

Xochimilco.- the oldest floating flower and agricultural production center in Mexico. These raised gardens are also known as chimalapas. There are more than 15 kilometers of canals. You'll travel by visit on row by small boat (trajinera). Be sure to visit community museums run by "the people of the mountain." The Maya Ik group here participates in a regional biological rescue program of endangered species. For more info, contact Cecilio Solis at (5) 783-8002

Contacts

Victor Sumuhano works for the Cancun office of Yaxche: Arbol de la Vida, which assists Maya Ik. He can be reached via email at vikingo2@qroo1.telmex.net.mx or write to him at Yaxche, Arbol de la Vida, Altos SM 4, 77500 Cancun, Quintana Roo; Phone/Fax: (98) 87-72-48 or 87-72-49

A second office is located i Felipe Carrillo Puerto:

Yaxche, Arbol de la Vida
Calle 68 x 51 S/N
Apdo. Postal 7
Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mex
Phone: (983) 4 08 42
Contact: Carlos Meade de la Cueva

For more information about the group Maya Ik, contact:

Margarito Ruiz
San Cristóbal de las Casas Chiapas
Phone: (967) 8-69-98
Email: mayaik@sanCristóbal.podernet.com.mx

For those calling from Mexico, please dial "01" before the number. From the United States or Canada, dial your international code and "52" to reach Mexico.

PLANETA.COM GUIDES

Exploring the Mundo Maya

Eco Travels in Mexico

Mexico Travel Directory

Mexico Ecotourism Network

Maya Ik Programs by Victor Sumuhano