Jungle Hike and Chicle (traditional gum) Demo
Jungle Hike and Chicle (traditional gum) Demo
Step into the heart of the Mayan jungle and follow ancient paths once used by chicleros, the traditional gum harvesters of the Yucatán. On this immersive hike, you’ll explore lush tropical forest while learning how natural chewing gum (chicle) was sustainably extracted from sapodilla trees using ancestral techniques passed down through generations.
This experience blends nature, history, and living Mayan culture, guided by local community members who share their deep connection to the land.
- Walk through dense tropical jungle trails guided by local Mayan hosts
- Learn about the history of chicle and its importance to the region
- Observe and understand the traditional gum extraction process from the sapodilla tree
- Discover native flora and fauna, including medicinal and edible plants
- Hear stories about jungle life, seasonal work, and Mayan traditions
- This is a hands-on cultural learning experience, not a commercial gum production tour
- Your participation helps support local families and cultural preservation
It is a easy to moderate hike. The jungle terrain can be uneven but it is not too strenuous.
Highlights
- 🌿 Walk along historic chicle extraction routes
- 🪵 Learn an ancestral, sustainable harvesting technique
- 👣 Guided by local community members with generational knowledge
- 🌱 Educational, cultural, and nature-based experience
- 🤝 Supports community-run ecotourism
Includes
- Guided jungle hike
- Cultural explanation of gum extraction
- Interpretation of plants, wildlife, and traditions
- Community guide
Excludes
- Transport
- Accomodation
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent (biodegradable)
- Reusable water bottle
Meeting point
Centro Ecoturistico Kíichpam K'áax
Take a jungle walk to spot important native trees, which supports the community reforesting and conserving the forest.
Full refund with self-cancellation up to 7 days before start time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is regenerative travel?
Regenerative travel is a form of travel that actively improves local ecosystems and communities through restoration projects. Travel and give back to the planet at the same time.
Where can I find regenerative experiences?
Canopi curates experiences in Indonesia, Mexico, and Spain, including coral reef restoration, forest conservation and reforestation, and wildlife protection.
How do these trips make an impact?
Each booking funds local NGO efforts to rebuild coral reefs, replant forests, and restore biodiversity. In this case, you will be helping Kíichpam K´áax (Beautiful Jungle).
You will be helping
Kíichpam K´áax (Beautiful Jungle)
Kíichpam K'áax is an eco-tourism center run by the local Mayan community. Kíichpam K'áax means Beautiful Forest in Maya. This community owns 46 hectares of land. 10 hectares are 10-15 year old forests, from lands more recently deforested from cattle ranching and agriculture. 20 hectares are 40-50 year old forests, from land deforested in the 1970s due to the Mexican government's Programa Nacional de Desmontes (National Land Clearing Program). It caused massive deforestation of more than an estimated 1 million hectares in the Yucatan Peninsula for agriculture and cattle ranching between 1972 to 1982. Fortunately, there is also 10-15 hectares of virgin and untouched mature forest. Kíichpam K'áax is located 10km from the town of Chunhuhub, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. It is easily accessible by car and bus from popular destinations like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar via the highway down the Mayan Riveria coast. They built this centre share with visitors the experience of living in accordance with nature, respecting and preserving the forests and their Mayan cultural identity, through responsible and sustainable eco-tourism. Visits to this community helps generate income to ensure they have an alternative source of income and continue to protect the forests.
Take a jungle walk to spot important native trees, which supports the community reforesting and conserving the forest.
Full refund with self-cancellation up to 7 days before start time