A look at a Mexican community provides some intriguing possibilities for eco-travel, appealing to interests on a variety of levels. Chacala, an eco-friendly locale, lies just 60 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. This small village offers opportunity to meet and mingle with local residents, learn about Mexican culture, volunteer in any number of community projects, or participate in such relaxing exercises as yoga and meditation. Or travelers can spend a night (or several) at one of the few rooms available in the village and simply contribute to the local economy as a typical tourist who enjoys eating three meals a day and chooses to purchase souvenirs of the trip.

What’s different about Chacala is that there aren’t any night spots, no loud music and little artificial drama. Instead the ecotourist finds Old Mexican culture, to-die-for seascapes and a distinctly tranquil holiday. Local residents provide guided tours, sell their handiwork, and offer traditional tourist and resort opportunities. It’s a spot on the globe that depends on tourists for survival, is not destroying the environment in order to survive, and thrives on the good will and philanthropy of outsiders.

There are many ‘Chacala’s’ around the globe. Each is unique and offers a slightly different set of attractions for the eco-tourist. What they share is the very human need to survive without decimating the environment in the process.