When the scent of sunscreen and the colorful Easter eggs begin to fill the supermarkets’ aisles, this means one thing: Spring break is about to come.
And perhaps, after having a rough start in the first months of the year, whether it was in the workplace or at school, there is no doubt that many could use a nice vacation, right?
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In the case of the Easter holidays, ‘spring break’ and ‘beach’ are two words that tend to go hand-in-hand. So why not think outside the box when choosing the destination for your upcoming destination?
Rather than suggesting charming Mexican seashores where you can “party all day”, here are some eco-friendly spots where you can spend your spring break and reconnect with yourself and with nature for a stress-free vacation.
El Chico National Park
State: Hidalgo
If you are a nature lover, then this national park will be the ideal place for your vacation. The state of Hidalgo in central Mexico has a vast number of beautiful natural sites. Among these, El Chico National Park stands out for its enormous ecological richness.
This spectacular natural park is one of the oldest in the country, decreed as such in 1898. Its extension consists of dense forests of pine, oak, and oyamel, as well as innumerable rock formations of great beauty.
In the El Chico National Park, tourists can find recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing, flora and fauna observation, camping, among others. These recreations aline with the ecotourism program in order to preserve the environment.
Looking for a place to stay? No worries! There’s a wide range of accommodation options near El Chico National Park. You can settle in a cabin in the woods, camp in the alpine landscapes, which have conditioned and guarded sites, or stay in a hotel.
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Tapasoli
State: San Luis Potosí
Lord of the Rings fans… gather the Fellowship! You no longer have to travel to New Zealand to have to relax just like the hobbits would. Tapasoli is a hotel located in Xilitla, San Luis Potosí, that offers a magical getaway from reality to its guests, enabling them to enter the world of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Tapasoli is an eco-friendly hotel complex that recreates The Shire, Frodo, and Sam’s beloved home— even its tiny burrows! There are 6 “underground” burrows, for two and four people, with all the amenities included.
And if you have an adventurous spirit, Hotel Tapasoli offers eco-friendly rooms located at 9 and 16 foot high between the trees, emulating a bird’s nest!
Tapasoli began as a sustainable project sponsored by the National Institute of Social Economy of San Luis Potosí. According to its founder, Alberto Muñoz González, its popularity has resulted in an important economic benefit for the region, including for the indigenous community of Apetzco— all this thanks to its sustainable tourism.
It’s quite amazing to be able to chill out in Middle Earth, don’t you think?
Ek’Balam
State: Yucatán
Ek’Balam, whose name in the Mayan language means “Jaguar Star”, is an archaeological zone that preserves buildings from when it was an ancient Mayan city. Surrounded by jungle vegetation, Ek’Balam is the perfect place for those who are fond of historic landmarks.
Experts have pointed out that it was probably one of the most economically and religiously powerful pre-Hispanic cities in Mesoamerica. This hypothesis was derived after studying Ek’Balam’s buildings, which showed an advanced architectural and artistic technique.
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The entrance of Ek’Balam, begins with a magnificent Mayan arch. It then continues with the buildings of the ceremonial center, the oval palace, and a large Mayan ball courtyard. If you visit this Mayan archeological site, you’ll encounter 45 structures that’ll take you back to pre-Hispanic times.
And to cool off, you can take a dip in ‘El cenote Xcanche’, which is located next to the ruins. A good way to end your visit, especially if it was during a hot day!
El Cimatario National Park
State: Querétaro
El Cimatario National Park is a Mexican nature reserve located in the state of Querétaro in central Mexico. This national park became a protected area, decreed in 1982, for being a representative portion of the country’s diverse ecosystems.
El Cimatario is an ideal place for hiking, enjoying the scenery, relaxing, exercising, walking, and much more. It’s also a very popular destination for mountain bikers. One of its main attractions is the ‘Sendero de las Cuevas’, a guided walk to two caverns.
During the tour, the guide explains to the visitors the importance and biological characteristics of the caves— and maybe some local legends every once in a while.
This nature reserve is also home to various endemic species of the region: coyotes, owls, white-tailed deer, opossums, and red-tailed eagles. Likewise, tourists can find a deer and rabbit nursery, as well as an aviary in El Cimatario.
Access to the park is by the Querétaro-Huimilpan highway; being only 15 minutes from Querétaro’s downtown, tourists can stay in the latter without any problem!
