All inclusive from Merida: meals, entrance fees, hotels, transportation, etc. Hotel: Cabanas Los Lirios www.losliros.com

Staff members from Amigos de Sian Ka’an www.amigosdesiankaan.org will join us for an overview of the conservation history of the 1.3 million acres Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and World Heritage Site.

The development pressure from Cancun and the Riviera Maya has created some challenging conservation strategies and opportunities. As we visit key areas throughout the reserve, we will have local experts join us and share their insights. If you are interested in learning about marine & coastal conservation, emerging conservation strategies in Latina America like conservation easements and transfer of development rights, and balancing private market demand with strong protection, this trip will be of interest.

Day 1:
8:00 AM Depart Merida
12:00 PM Hotel check-in
1:30 PM Lunch
4:00 PM Depart for Muyil Archeology site
6:00 PM Crocodile tagging with local biologists
12:00 AM Return to hotel
Day 2:
6:00 – 7:30 AM Optional Birding
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Depart for Canals/Pez Maya
9:15 – 10:30 AM Community presentation, sustainable tourism, mass tourism discussion
4:00 – 6:00 PM Optional Tulum Archeology Visit
7:00 PM Dinner

Day 3:
6:00 – 7:30 AM Optional Birding
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 – 3:30 PM Depart for Punta Allen, snorkeling on barrier reef
4:00 – 6:00 PM Long-term conservation strategy presentation & discussion
7:00 PM Dinner

Day 4:
6:00 – 7:30 AM Optional Birding
7:30 – 8:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Depart for Merida