[February 2014] Project Mayan Encounter is specialized in eco-cultural tours that include mature travelers and those with limited mobility or traveling in a wheelchair. We collaborate with AdaptA in Cancun, where we rent beach wheelchairs and electric scooters. We encourage wheelchair travelers to pull themselves out of their comfort zone by traveling the lesser-known roads in order to grow their self-confidence.
“Don Enrique” at Rancho Encantado
This February, “Don Enrique”, a retired biology professor from UC Michigan, has visited the Riviera Maya again. Choosing Project Mayan Encounter, he and his daughter Susan have come to explore the Yucatan peninsula for the past three years. Every year we co-create different activities. The past two years, we stayed the whole week of their visit at the Rancho Encantado in southern Quintana Roo, which is beautifully placed on the Bacalar lagoon. We had only an overnight stop in Playa del Carmen for convenience, to avoid the 4+ hour drive to Bacalar after their flight. From Playa del Carmen, we stopped in the charming town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The fresh farmer’s market is a major attraction – but the town is also important historically for its involvement in the Caste war.
The initial owner of the Rancho Encantado himself had limited mobility and designed the hotel accordingly. Southern Quintana Roo is still very quaint and authentic, and far less touristy than Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. It has much variety to offer, including wheelchair travelers. The Museum of Maya Culture in Chetumal is mostly accessible (except the basement exhibition Xibalba). Also, the famous Cenote Azul and its adjacent restaurant are accessible via a long ramp. Boat or kayak rides on the Bacalar lagoon can be adapted; and the archaeological sites in Kohunlich, Dzibanche, Kinichna, and Chacchoben are partly accessible by wheelchair.
Additionally to the walker that “Don Enrique” brought with him, we rented an electric scooter from AdaptA. He enjoyed the lush tropical gardens at the Rancho Encantado while I took his daughter on tours.
Lunch buffet in Chacchoben
Susan and Yolanda wearing handmade huipiles
Chacchoben huipil artists
Our first tour was the “Chacchoben Pueblo Tour”, a personalized visit of this lesser-known Mayan Community. We were served the most delicious and fresh food in a tropical garden setting and had 101-encounters with the top huipil-makers of the village. My visiting friend is an avid dressmaker and embroiderer, so she had a blast trying on huipil dresses and watching the ladies sew. Huipiles are known for their elaborate, colorful embroidery around the neckline and bottom. We got to help to make fresh tortillas for lunch. Before we left, my traveler was handed the hand-embroidered tortilla scarf that she bought before lunch. It was handcrafted while we were eating.
The next activity was a Temazcal ceremony at the Holistic Center Akal Ki. The relatively young ceremony master was surprisingly versed and not only guided us compassionately through the ceremony but took us on quite an inner journey! After three “doors”, or sessions of pouring herbal tinctures on red hot lava stones in a closed igloo, like in a sauna, we took a dip in the lagoon – under the slightly waning full moon.
Kayak tour in Xul-Ha
The last tour leaves long-lasting memories. We were picked up by a local nature guide from the Paay Bej organization, and she was quite a person! We zig-zagged our way through the streets of Bacalar that were partly closed because of a marathon run that day, in order to fetch another couple who joined our Kayak & Jungle Walk tour. We were grinning as our guide charmed her way through police barriers. On the tour, she shared a wealth of information about fauna and flora with us. We kayaked to a remote part of the lagoon with crystal clear water. Interestingly, the water in most other parts of the lagoon was a little muddy after some excessive rains.
Five coconut palms are growing in my garden on the Ruta de los Cenotes now – a donation from the lovely campground near Xul-Ha where we boarded the kayaks. They also have rustic cabanas to rent.
“Don Enrique” has been an inspiration for many over the past three years. He has gained all the respect of the people who met him. I was personally impressed by how he exchanged the tiny batteries of his hearing aid by himself.
The bottom line is that there is no limitation to creativity, age, or mobility for people who would like to explore the Mayan culture off the beaten path. Knowing that there are helping hands will hopefully encourage travelers to enjoy the beauty of this unique place on Earth.
Please let me know if you have questions!
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