Central America and Southern Mexico (Chiapas, Yucatan, Quintana Roo) offer incredible beauty and culture. Unfortunately tourists accept a cookie cutter version for their vacation. They go to an all inclusive resort, never leave the compound, and come home claiming they have been to Mexico. It is a shame, as there are such amazing wonders to be discovered just outside the doorstep. Anyone with average physical health can take part in these activities. They are still considered to be soft adventure tourism and small tours or independent travel is easily arranged. Although not completely unique adventures, they are a different experience than 80% of what the other tourists will have.
Swim with Whale Sharks – A short journey from Cancun is Isla Holbox (hole-bosh). Snorkelling trips to swim with the massive gentle giant whale sharks can be arranged.
Swim or Dive in a Cenote – Cenotes are underground spring fed lakes that are cold and crystal clear. They range from underground caverns like the one outside of Valladolid to exposed cliff side pools of Dos Ojos near Tulum. There are even ones where the roof has fully caved in such as the one at Chichen Itza. Visitors can swim, snorkel or even scuba dive the depths at many of them.
Climb an Active Volcano – How about walking over newly formed lava beds, burning the soles of the shoes, roasting marshmallows in the flaming crevices, and standing next to a river of flowing lava? Join a tour to climb an active volcano such as Pacaya near Antigua Guatemala. Wear good shoes and buy a walking stick from one of the local kids.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles – There is something magical watching turtles glide through the water or munch on the eel grass. As they feed in shallow water it is easy to watch them. Good opportunities exist in Playa Akumal (1 hour south of Cancun) or in the cayes of Belize. It is also a chance to see large schools of fish and barracudas.
Get SCUBA certified – Many areas offer the opportunity to get PADI certified for SCUBA diving. The current “in place” is Honduras, where the prices are cheap and the teachers are good.
Dive the Blue Hole – Not for the faint of heart, although the rewards are stunning. This legendary dive site in Belize is full of sharks and mysteries of the deep.
Hear the Howler Monkeys - Be in the jungle in Tikal or Palenque as it wakes up before sunrise. The truly terrifying sounds of Howler monkeys fill the predawn air. Not a sound that will be forgotten.
Whitewater Rafting –Central America offers some great white water rafting trips.
Sailing Through Paradise – Hop on a sailboat charter and sail through the cayes of Belize.
Sea Turtle Laying Eggs/Hatching – Female sea turtles come up on the sandy beach each year to lay their eggs. The other magic happens when the turtles hatch and make a mad dash to the sea.
Climb a Mayan Temple – Many of the sites have banned it due to wear and tear on the temples and tourists. Coba and Tikal still offer a thrilling climb.
Attend a Mayan Church Ceremony – Churches in Chichicastenango Guatemala or San Juan Chamula Mexico offer the rare opportunity to watch Mayans practice their religion. The ceremonies take place inside of old churches with the air thick with the scent of burning copal. Pine needles layer the ground as thousands of candles are placed in front of saints. Or attend a Temazcal; a Mayan sweat lodge ceremony.
So next time, instead of an all inclusive hotel, break out and have an adventure.
