Responsible Travel in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The Yucatan peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, but development places great strain on the environment.

To avoid contributing to the damage being done, there are several things responsible travelers can do. The first involves cutting down on plastic waste, including straws and bottles. Always carry a refillable bottle with you and use it where possible, and say no to straws in bars and restaurants.

Try to stay in hotels and guesthouses owned by locals rather than large companies. A common complaint is the majority of the money from tourism doesn’t benefit local communities, so try to spend with them directly where possible.

You can also do this by engaging in community-led tourism programs rather than booking tours with international companies. For example, take a local guide to watch the whale sharks rather than booking with an international company online.

Another good tactic is to ask questions of your hotel owners and tour guides. They might not know how the waste is treated or the industry is regulated, but by asking questions you can show tourists are concerned about environmental factors. If enough people show their concern, it may be enough to change the market.