SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL MEXICO
In March 2009, Tailwind Jungle Lodge became the first certified sustainable eco lodge in Mexico, a certification awarded by Sustainable Travel International. From the very beginning, the Jacobi family dreamed of creating an eco-friendly retreat center where travelers could enjoy adventure and comfort while practicing sustainable travel in Mexico.
At our ecolodge in Mexico, sustainability and low-impact living is at the heart of everything we do. We embrace a holistic approach built on three key elements:
​
-
The health of the natural world — protecting the jungle, ocean, and wildlife that make this paradise unique.
-
The health of the San Pancho community — supporting the local economy and honoring cultural traditions.
-
The health of the lodge itself — demonstrating that eco travel can be low-impact, comfortable and financially sustainable.
​
We don’t define sustainability as “zero impact” — we don’t believe such a thing exists. Instead, we strive to live in harmony with the natural world around us, always doing our best to reduce our footprint while offering a meaningful, comfortable, and eco-conscious travel experience.
As an eco lodge committed to sustainable vacations in Mexico, we’re proud to be part of the thriving San Pancho community. Our mission is to set an example for local businesses and to welcome travelers seeking authentic eco-friendly vacations, yoga retreats, and family adventures.
Call to action:
Things YOU can do to help minimize your footprint while traveling:
Bring your own reusable mug, containers and bags. Trade disposable for reusable whenever possible. Avoid single use cups, bottles, utensils and plates! Check out www.ecobags.com
​
Bring your own straw. Metal and glass straws are a great substitute for plastic. When eating out in town remember to ask for "no popote" (popote = straw).
Buy & eat local. Support the San Pancho community.
Choose locally made souvenirs (skip the tacky, generic stuff). Check out our local farmer's market (Tuesday in the plaza) and discover local Huichol (indigenous tribe) art and jewelry.
Choose low impact, non-motorized activities such as hiking, kayaking & sailing.
Minimize use of water and electricity. Take quick showers and turn off lights when not in use.
Bring donations for our community center. See current needs here.
Community
Throughout our development, the Tailwind jungle lodge has created a strong relationship with the local San Pancho community. Over the years the Jacobi Family has hosted special community events in the jungle as well as donated time and money to support sustainable development in this area. We are very proud to be a part of the San Pancho community.
​
Check out these amazing organizations in San Pancho:
Local
non-profits
EntreAmigos Community Center, Gallery & Gift Shop
​
Grupo Ecologico: San Pancho Turtle Conservation
​
Alianza Jaguar: Juaguar Conservation
Local
Organizations:
Alinea San Pancho (Yoga)
Tuesday Mercado Del Pueblo (Farmer's market)
Circo de Los Ninos
Ranchito del Mar (organic garden)
Shops, Boutiques and Galleries:
Mexicolate (local chocolate
Cori Jacobs Gallery (Sayulita)
Huichol vendors (indigenous art)
Nativa Surf Shop
Local Restaurants and Grocers:
Hotel Cielo Rojo Organic Bistro (and local tequila)
Maria's Cafe
Los Arbolitos Tacos
La Ola Rica
La Chalupa
El Indio Grocery store
Martin's Fish Market
Support our Community:
Current Projects in Need
A must see in San Pancho is our community center, Entreamigos (translation: between friends). Founded in 2007, by Nicole Swedlow, the center has become an example of what can come of culturing positive relationships between the visitors, expats and the local community.
​
Entreamigos encourages visitors to the center and also welcomes groups or individuals who wish to get involved in volunteer projects.The Tailwind jungle lodge is proud to support our local scholarship program & recycling program.
​
Guests of the Tailwind Jungle Lodge can contribute by making a donation at Entreamigos by clicking here
Recycling Program
We are lucky to have a recycling program in San Pancho! In fact, the community center does its best to reuse before recycling. RECICLA SAN PANCHO has been focusing on finding innovative local uses for the recycled products and has spawned a series of small business enterprises for local residents. Beautiful glasses are being made from recycled wine bottles, as well as candles, goblets and other products. Women make belts and bracelets from soda can tabs, purses, picture frames and collage art from magazines, jewelry boxes from newspaper and orange peels and many other amazing products from items that were previously disregarded as trash. These items can be purchased in the EA Gallery. The proceeds from your purchase supports the Recycling program and educational programs at Entreamigos.
​
However, despite their best efforts, it costs over $20,000 USD annually for EA to keep the recycling program going. They need all the help they can get.