Hiking Transforms Quintana Roo’s Maya Zone as Nature Tourism Surges

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — Hiking is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing nature tourism activities in Quintana Roo, offering a blend of adventure, wellness and sustainability that draws domestic and international travelers seeking outdoor experiences and authentic cultural connections in the post-pandemic era.

Communities in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto are actively developing trails to tap into this trend. Tourism director Zendy Euan Cuan said that villages such as Síijil Noh Há, Señor and Chunyaxché already have trails designed for visitors interested in soft adventure ecotourism.

The economic impact is significant. Nationwide, ecotourism and rural tourism generate about 3 billion pesos (roughly $150 million) in community services, especially in protected natural areas. In Quintana Roo, the average spending per hiker ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 pesos per short trip, benefiting local artisans, certified guides and transport providers.

Key destinations include the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where guided tours focus on wildlife observation and environmental education. The growth of hiking is also diversifying the region’s tourism offerings beyond the traditional beach and resort model.

New trends are emerging, including wellness hiking focused on physical and mental health, interpretive routes highlighting biodiversity and Maya culture, and nighttime or astronomy walks that attract visitors seeking less crowded experiences.

With this momentum, Quintana Roo is positioning itself alongside states like Chiapas and Oaxaca as a leader in sustainable tourism, reinforcing the idea that nature-based travel can support conservation and strengthen community identity.