Adventure Activities and Ecotourism • Yucatan Peninsula •

3 credit course:     RECR 159 Adventure Activities and Ecotourism in Mexico; completed over Spring Break March 9^th - March 20^th.

Course Purpose:     To understand challenges of ecotourism in Mexico as a response to mass tourism, and the role of adventure recreation and alternative tourism in ecotourism efforts in Mexico.

Course Description:     A 12-day expedition to the Yucatan Peninsula which includes multiple activities: kayaking, snorkeling, hiking in jungles, exploring Mayan sites, visiting towns and a large city (Merida), and understanding ecotourism issues in relationship to culture and the natural environment. Knowledge of Spanish not required; but a wonderful opportunity to practice.

Course Objectives:    

1. To participate in adventure activities representative of adventure recreation in alternative ecotourism.

2. Accept lifestyles, customs and cultural differences of Mexicans, indigenous populations and other descents.

3. Discuss challenges of ecotourism in Mexico as a result of mass tourism.

4. Examine the impact of tourism on the Mexican culture.

5. Discuss the effects of tourism on the natural environment.

6. Comprehend the historical significance and achievements of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Grading:     Students will be expected to keep a daily journal logging what was done and when. It is the student’s option to keep a reflective journal or type a post-trip reflection paper. Selected readings, attendance to pre-trip, during and post-trip meetings and overall attitude and participation will be figured into the final grade.

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