Exploring Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, Mexico’s Coastal Haven For Native Wildlife

22.01.2024 - 17:13 / forbes.com

While the coastal Mexican city of Cancun is equipped with a massive array of lavish resorts across its Hotel Zone, you don’t have to travel far to find an idyllic escape that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just north of Playa del Carmen, the all-inclusive Sandos Caracol Eco Resort serves as a bastion of Latin American biodiversity just past the downtown area, offering lavish accommodations for visitors and vast swathes of pristine forest for the region’s native fauna.

Perched on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, this sprawling property showcases the splendor of the Riviera Maya at its most visually stunning, with nine drinking and dining concepts, a full-service spa and a massive water park for guests to enjoy. In terms of accommodations, options span from family-friendly suites complete with balconies to lavish penthouses in the Select Club, an upscale section of the resort that’s solely open to adult guests—and of course, there’s no shortage of fascinating activities available for guests to enjoy once they’ve dropped their bags off in their room.

Ecotourism opportunities abound across Sandos Caracol, with multiple wildlife-focused excursions available for both adults and younger guests. On a sunny day, a jungle biking tour is perfect for spotting curious coatis strolling across the property, while birdwatching enthusiasts can embark on a guided photo safari in search of colorful native species like the Yucatan jay, great kiskadee and orange oriole—and for those hoping to get up close and personal with a few local animals, the Mini Farm is an essential stop. Home to peacocks, parrots and a wealth of other native and domestic animals, the venue serves as a safe haven for creatures that have endured abusive conditions or suffered debilitating injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild.

While visitors can take full advantage of the ecotourism opportunities offered on resort grounds, they’re also welcome to explore the beauty of the surrounding region on a curated day trip across the Yucatan. For any marine biology aficionados, the property offers guided kayaking tours that showcase the fascinating fauna that calls the Caribbean Sea home, with colorful reef fish, bottlenose dolphins and green sea turtles serving as just a few of the animals that might make an appearance. And of course, no visit to the Yucatan Peninsula is complete without touring a local cenote. These massive underwater caverns have played a role in regional mythology for centuries, and in the modern era, they provide visitors with a glimpse into some of Quintana Roo’s most dazzling natural phenomena.

Given the property’s deep affinity for the natural world, it’s easy to see why sustainability is a