Top Ten Eco-Resorts in North America, Caribbean, and Central America

Centro Ecologico Sian Ka’an (CESiaK), Mexico

By Steve Jermanok

Mayan ruins perched over the sea at Tulum, Mexico

Mayan ruins perched over the sea at Tulum (Joe Sohm/Digital Vision/Getty)

3. Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an (CESiaK), Mexico
Close to the Mayan ruins of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest protected area on the Mexican Caribbean. Grab one of the raised cottages on site and you'll be immersed in the 1.3 million-acre mix of beach and wetlands. CESiaK runs completely on sun and wind energy, using rainwater for water needs, and utilizing a wetland waste treatment system. Grab a sea kayak to go birdwatching, try your hand at fishing, go with a naturalist on a hike, or simply relax with a thick book in the hammock. All proceeds fund education and conservation programs at Sian Ka'an, including dune restoration and native plant propogation. Cabins start at $70 a night.

Boston-based writer Stephen Jermanok has authored or contributed to 11 books on the outdoors, including Outside Magazine's Adventure Guide to New England , Discovery Channel's Backcountry Treks , Discovery Channel's Paddlesports , Outside Magazine's Guide to Family Vacations and Men's Journal's The Great Life . His latest book is New England Seacoast Adventures . His many adventures appear in National Geographic Adventure , Outside , Men's Journal , Forbes FYI , Travel + Leisure , Hooked on the Outdoors , and Backpacker . He can be reached at farandaway@comcast.net.

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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Published: 13 Apr 2009
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.