Jose Juan Montes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jose Juan, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Fundraising Initiative to Purchase Our Tour Land
I am pursuing a way to purchase the land where we have been conducting our tours for the past 12 years. It is the only path to save and preserve this beautiful place of caves with millions of years of formations and crystal-clear waters that host underground cenotes of unparalleled beauty.
Unfortunately, the company does not have the resources to reach the price that the owners are asking for this site. Therefore, we are about to launch a fundraising project through GoFundMe so that all our past clients—who already know the importance and beauty of preserving this place as it is today—as well as future clients who join this project, can help us achieve this great goal.
As part of the initiative, we have prepared a 3D map of our journey through the underground river that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home using 3D goggles, a tablet, a cellphone, or a computer. This will be emailed to every donor to our project.
If I don’t move forward with this project, what will happen in the not-so-distant future is that we will lose a wonderful place; some real estate developer will buy it to build a housing development, and all the history, beauty, as well as the millions of years that passed for its formation, will be ruined by human hands.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is José Juan Montes Cárdenas. I am the founder of Meextremo Adventures, a small company located in Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. For the past 20 years, we have been responsible for running tours and adventures in natural spaces. Our story began in the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, a tour we operated for many years, and later expanded to Holbox Island for whale shark watching, among other activities in natural spaces. We have always strived not only to entertain our clients and visitors but also to educate and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural spaces and our natural treasures through these experiences.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that made me see this world differently from how I used to see it, and how I see it now, was through the beautiful sport of surfing—many afternoons in the sea, enjoying the waves, sharing with my friends. That made me view the world from a very different perspective and was something that deeply connected me with nature.”
Another moment that truly defined how I see the world today was precisely discovering underground rivers for the first time. I never expected to find so much beauty beneath the earth. The first time I visited an underground river was so impactful, so exciting, and it opened my eyes to a new world. It revealed something I recognized as my life’s project: today I spend my time helping others open their eyes through my work, to everyone who visits us, in order to create a connection for those who are currently disconnected.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Not only has it been once that I almost gave up on my project; there have been several occasions for different reasons. For example, I’ve encountered people along the way who once called you brother and, when you needed them the most, they ignored you and didn’t help you, friends who aren’t really friends, who only want the benefit of getting your work for free, the work to which you have dedicated so much effort, dedication, and love. Then there have been other times for various reasons, such as falling into a routine that over time becomes a bit boring and monotonous. But definitely, I have found myself in this situation many times over the last 20 years.
What has made me reconnect and stay present to my objective, which does not allow me to give up on this project, is the number of times I have acted as the primary guide of the activity and seen the satisfaction it brings to my clients. My knowledge, my passion, and my dedication for this place have been a reward that returns energy to me, allowing me to keep moving forward
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
My favorite philosophies are:
Transformative Education through Nature**
– Core idea: Direct engagement with the natural world can shift values, behaviors, and worldviews.
– Practical implications: Outdoor education, experiential learning, and nature-centered contexts for personal growth.
-Ethics of Care for All Beings**
– Core idea: A compassionate approach extends moral consideration beyond humans to animals, plants, and ecosystems.
– Practical implications: Humane practices, biodiversity protection, and reducing harm to non-human beings.
In Mexico, we say what you see is what you get. I have always tried to be genuinely myself without making versions or prototypes of other things. I’ve always loved originality and saying things as they are. I’ve always attempted to follow that path of authenticity, presenting myself to those around me as I truly am—without masks and with honesty—toward those who contribute to my projects and toward those who I consider friends
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I receive the most peace and tranquility is wherever I am surrounded by nature. It could be swimming in the sea, hiking in the mountains, exploring an underground river, or simply resting beside a lake. Any natural setting gives me the tranquillity to converse with God through His creation. This inspires me and gives me the energy to continue showing the world the natural riches of our planet.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mexxtremotours.com
- Instagram: @mexxtremo_tours
- Facebook: Mexxtremo Adventures
Image Credits
Thanks to our photographers to contribute with this amazing memories Paolo , Jessy, Claudia, Luis.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
