A Visual Tribute to the Nature of Akumal
In the heart of the Riviera Maya, Tulum Country Club hosted the official presentation of the nature photography book Akumal: A Secret Paradise in Tulum, created by Quintana Roo photographers Cecilia Gutiérrez Navarro and Mizael Palomeque.
This publication celebrates the unique biodiversity of Akumal and Tulum and is part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Grupo Piñero and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts.
Inspired by the Mayan worldview—which recognizes the power of nature and the importance of storytelling to preserve cultural heritage—the authors founded Ba’alche Fotografía, a project aimed at sharing the stories of Caribbean ecosystems. Their mission is to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote environmental protection through images that convey emotion and consciousness.
Akumal: A Secret Paradise in Tulum takes readers on a visual journey that invites them to fall in love with the natural wonders of the Mexican Caribbean. Each image captures both the magic and fragility of local ecosystems, creating an urgent call to protect them.
During the presentation, Mizael Palomeque emphasized photography’s ability to connect people emotionally with nature: “Photography allows us to show the beauty of what we have, and that is essential for people to understand the importance of protecting it.”
Photographer Cecilia Gutiérrez Navarro reminded attendees that every daily action matters: “Our future depends on nature—let us protect it.”
The event also featured remarks from Álvaro Moya, General Director of Tulum Country Club, who highlighted that all proceeds from the book will be donated to Eco-Bahia, supporting its mission of balancing sustainable tourism with environmental conservation.
Luis Verdín, Manager of Eco-Bahia, expressed his gratitude, recalling that the foundation has worked for over 20 years on environmental education and biodiversity conservation in the Riviera Maya: “We only protect what we know and love.”
The evening also included a photography exhibition featuring the authors’ work, available for purchase at Tulum Country Club until October 4. Afterward, the photographs may be acquired directly through Ba’alche Fotografía, with proceeds donated to Eco-Bahia foundation and Ba’alche Proyecto Azul.
The book Akumal: A Secret Paradise in Tulum is currently available at Tulum Country Club, with 100% of the sales proceeds dedicated to strengthening the flora and fauna conservation programs in the Riviera Maya. Those wishing to contribute directly may also donate through the official foundation website: 👉 https://eco-bahia.com/colabora.
This project is more than a book—it is an invitation to cherish the natural wealth of the Riviera Maya and to act for its preservation. Because when we truly understand the value of what surrounds us, together we can protect it for future generations.
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