Yucatan Eco Lodging

I think you must mean the cabanas in the Tulum Hotel Zone or it could be Sian Kaan reserve down the Boca Paila road in the reserve. Do a web search for an outfit in Mexico in the Yucatan called Ecocolors as they do stays for folks down in the Sian Kaan reserve also check cesiak.org another eco outfit with tents for rent in that reserve area. It is beatiful and tranquil. For photos of yucatan see my website wolfcalls.com

Maybe Genesis Eco Oasis? I'm planning a stay there next month so it popped into my head. It's near Valladolid so it's more like 2 hours from Cancun. You didn't mention if the place you're thinking of was near the beach or not (this place is inland) so maybe that's not it. The web site is http://www.genesisretreat.com/

Hi!
I've also heard that Xpu-Ha, which is a short collectiva ride north from Tulum (not far from Cancun), is a great place to eco-rough it!

I also think Tulum, Mexico and their beach hotel zone may be what you are looking for. There are many eco-friendly hotels and cabanas there. I have stayed in a couple of them in the past few years.
Tulum is 81 miles South of Cancun, Mexico.

Hey guys!

I am also interested in eco-lodges throughout the yucatan - can people recommend any good places?
We are less into the comfort factor, more into the idea of staying low impact in natural areas and the cheaper the better!! We will have a car, and potentially a tent if it is worthwhile bringing!! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated because we basically have no plans and 3 weeks of travelling!!

Thanks!

We spent a week in the Tulum area mainly for beach, but also to explore the area for a potential return trip. My thoughts on the Eco-Hotels were mixed. First, while it is somewhat of a choice for a hotel to be "Eco", they do so because it is easy. Much of the coast has no electrical service, sewage disposal is messy, especially if you use large amounts of water to flush, and most of that water, at least the semi-clean water, has to be trucked in. So naturally, wind and solar with limited generation, composting toilets and bottled water is the norm. What got me was that many of the places slapped on the Eco tag, bumped prices to $100 US plus, added a massage table and call themselves a Spa to boot, where before they were a $30 Cabana. That said, we had a great time, the beaches are amazing, and a little looking can find great food. We did spend a few nights at Cesiak, maybe a little pricey at $70 a night, but it was remote, a short walk gave us a beach completely to ourselves, and our Cabana/Tent was right on the beach. Cabanas Tulum is not "Eco" but is a good solid bargain at about $60 and you might be able to get a deal at Cabanas Copal, but their prices can vary from $35 to $150 depending on season and availability.

You might enjoy the Genesis Retreat at Ek Balam. A really peaceful, enjoyable place. Information here Genesis Retreat

Thanks for all the tips.
Genesis Retreat sounds great.
Please let me know your driving experiences in that area. We are planning to rent a car since taxis are going to cost us more than driving around.
However, I've never driven to Mexico before. Any advice?

-W

Driving around mexico is so much fun! I rented a VW and picked up a bunch of young hitch hikers and went looking for cenotes. You just have to be aware of the speed bumps..Sometimes they forget to warn you with a sign which mean you are going to have a sore ass!

One time after dining out, a policeman pulled us over for nothing. We had to pay him off which made me mad but I guess this is how things work there.

Just make sure you have plenty of gas in your tank.

I took the bus from cancun to Tulum. I only rented a car a few days since the goal was to relax on the beach. Have fun!