 |
| Cenote Dos Ojos |
I would like to share a tendency I have. I tend to view the world in a practical way; I like practical solutions to the problems we face. Of course the first step to changing our world is being as aware as possible about the problems in the world, but awareness needs to be followed by action. That action is in fact practical, doable in the society we live in, and fit to the lives we lead. We may not save the world, but can hopefully help at least some with our actions. So for this blog, I would like to share a little bit about a different type of tourism, an alternative tourism, in one of the most popular vacation destinations to us, Mexico. I want to shed light on an alternative option to Mexico’s resorts because this supports Mexico’s indigenous people. Indigenous people all around the world are amongst the most alienated, poor, and abused populations that exist. To this day, they are still paying the consequences of colonization. The abuses they have suffered (and still suffer) throughout history have left them not only an embedded negative emotional impact, but also a social and economic impact. In their towns they lack access to education, appropriate health care, and sometimes their basic needs. According to Mexico’s Government Agency for the Development of Indigenous People, the average indigenous family lives on less than a US$1 a day. This is obviously problematic, as most of these people live below the poverty line. So let’s talk about what we can do to support them.
Everyone that I have ever met loves going to Mexico, or if they haven’t been able to travel there, would like to do so in the future. Reasons are clear: Mexico is globally known for its beautiful beaches, its beautiful and hospitable people, its amazing food, its rich culture etc…
Why not enjoy all of these aspects that make Mexico a world renowned touristic destination while supporting its local indigenous communities? Next time you are planning to visit Mexico make a reservation at one of the hotels that are provided all over the country (Riviera Maya, Michoacán, Campeche, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Hidalgo, etc…) by local indigenous people. But I’ll focus on the south of Mexico because I know that is a very popular choice. The hotels in the Yucatan have in their backyard the famous Mayan pyramids, and what better than to be bumping elbows with Mayans themselves? It is Mexican culture at its finest, at its purest, coming back into the pre-Hispanic roots that started it all. I am sure it is close to impossible to find better hospitality, because the native people will be glad to have you; will be pleased with your interest in their culture. These little hotels offer a variety of tours and activities, such as swimming in the gorgeous cenotes (underwater caves), of Yucatan, bike tours, bungee jumping, snorkelling, finishing, and much more... They also offer all-inclusive packages, which means absolutely mouth-watering authentic all-you-can-eat food (nothing North American- washed like the food you may get on main stream resorts. After all, you’re in Mexico right? You want the real deal). All of this is just minutes away from the gorgeous beaches and the amazing archaeological sites, such as the pyramids. Because these hotels are owned and operated by the local indigenous people, you are guaranteed to be helping their community, and not just some rich person who owns a mainstream resort, and it’s all at a fraction of the usual price. Not only that, but as part of this program, the indigenous people are trying to promote eco-tourism by offering environmentally-friendly activities to the tourists, and their hotels are built with local grown materials that they have built themselves. Cool huh?
So I invite you to meet the wonderful Mayans, eat their food, share a laugh, share their art and history, and have a toast (with tequila of course) to a more united world. Once you have tasted what Mexico has to offer look into what the other native people around the world have to offer when you visit their homeland. I bet it’s awesome.
-Kevin Alcott
Resources:
Cenote of Yucatan picture:
http://nauticajonkepa.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/cenote-dos-ojos.jpg
Guide/ List of Alternative Mexican Tourism:
Videos and Phone Numbers to resort in Yucatan:
