:: About Cabanas Copal
Rustic Simplicity

Because of the remote nature of the Tulum hotel zone, there is no electricity, gas, telephones, or water piped in from town. We have a small generator that provides light for the reception and the restaurant-bar. We are currently designing a solar power system to provide electricity to these same areas.

Due to demand by our guests, we removed electric lighting from the cabañas during our first year, and have received many compliments since. Most guests enjoy the romantic candlelight in the cabañas. Those who like to read at night often do so in the restaurant or in our lobby. "The only thing you have to get used to is remembering where you put your things before the sun goes down as there is nothing but candlelight after sunset."

Gas tanks are brought in to heat water for the bathrooms, and bath water is brought from town in trucks. This well water is stored in ground-level tanks and pumped several times a day to upper tanks to provide running water in all bathrooms. Water pressure may not be as strong as you are used to at home, and the water quality may vary from what you are used to. In an effort to conserve water, we request that guests not wash clothing in their rooms. There are several laundromats in town that can wash and dry your clothes for you with a 24 hour return.

Since the cabañas are tucked between tropical palm trees in the jungle at the edge of the Caribbean Sea, this creates for an intimate relationship with nature and all of its creatures. Iguanas sunbathe just steps from the cabañas. Hermit crabs trace patterns in the sand floors of the cabañas with common baths. "Take note and realize that if you´re at all adverse to wildlife...ie. iguanas, or geckos... mosquitos... hermit crabs... etc... this probably isn´t the place for you...there were geckos in our cabana and iguanas out in the pathways... they were soooo cute though...."

Some guests may get the chance to see raccoons or even a tejón, a native animal that resembles a badger. Although all animals flee from the sight of humans, we request that food not be stored inside the cabañas, as curiosity and hunger can override fear and make for some unexpected roommates, such as small field mice.
   
Snakes are rarely seen, except for an occasional boa constrictor, which are completely harmless and can even be handled gently. Don´t be alarmed by the sight of a tarantula or small scorpion, neither are poisonous. It is very likely that you will be alone in your cabaña, as the owner has seen more tarantulas and spiders in her former home in California than here in her cabaña, but please take into consideration that there is a chance you may have some visitors during your stay. "Only saw tarantulas on the road to town... none at the resort itself... and didn´t see a snake at all."

Guests will hear the clicking of geckos at night, which scamper among the thatched roof and down the walls. Small flying insects and moths may flutter into your cabana, attracted by your candlelight. Please don´t forget your insect repellent and mosquito spirals to keep bite-free. However, once you tuck your mosquito net under the mattress at night, you will be separated from the outside world, nestled in your own little world. "We went to sleep each evening to the sounds of the breakers meeting the beach and geckos scurrying across our palm frond palapa roof."

Our palapas are based on the traditional Mayan style, with thatched palm roofs. These thatched roofs are generally watertight, however there is a chance that the fronds may be moved during a strong wind, allowing some moisture to enter your cabana. Any such problems can be fixed immediately with extra palms. If you are planning to bring expensive silk clothing, for example, we recommend storing it in a watertight bag such as a Ziploc.

Guests should understand that Tulum is located in the middle of the jungle with a tropical climate, and that they may experience more heat and humidity than they are used to at home. This is especially true during the summer months. If you are into sunny, hot days, this is the place for you!

We embrace the jungle and make every effort to help guests feel at home in this natural experience. However, if you prefer air conditioning and your hair dryer to the fresh sea breeze and candlelight, then Copal is probably not the best choice for your vacation. "I highly suggest enjoying the natural blow dryer for your hair you will find in the warm breezes that flow from the sea."

Please keep in mind that we have a no refund policy and cannot make exceptions for insects or other creatures found in the cabanas. If you have a strong aversion to wildlife, Tulum is probably not the best travel destination for you. "There were a few mosquitos...it IS the jungle after all...but compared to the KING SIZE mosquitos in the Canadian Arctic where we live...they were pretty minimal."
Quotes are taken from TripAdvisor.com. See what´s been said about Cabanas Copal and EcoTulum Resorts in the media, including magazine articles and online reviews.