Travel to Riviera Maya
One of Mexico’s most renowned ecotourism destinations, the natural environment that constitutes the Riviera Maya is breathtaking, with many areas throughout the region that are protected and preserved. Beyond the main tourist destinations, much of the surrounding land remains relatively virgin, which helps preserve the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya. There are various local eco-parks to visit that offer a taste of nature at its best in a family-friendly controlled environment.
About Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya refers to the stretch of Caribbean coast that extends along the Yucatan Peninsula from the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to Puerto Morelos (Only 20 – 25 minutes away from Cancun). This whole coastline was once peppered with small fishing villages and is now home to a modern tourist corridor of high-end luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, spa retreats, pumping nightlife, golf and shopping. The Riviera Maya boast some of Mexico’s most amazingly stunning beaches with sweeping stretches of powdery-white sandy beaches lapped by the Caribbean sea in all its spectacular hues of indigo, turquoise and azure.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Enjoying the opulent amenities and in some cases spa services. The friendly beach town of Playa del Carmen is home to some of the best beach clubs and resorts in the Riviera Maya as well as great boutique shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
One of the reasons that many visitors choose the Riviera Maya for a vacation is because of the fabulous scuba diving and snorkeling available all along the shore. Just off the coast, you will find an expansive coral reef system as well as manmade reefs formed by sunken ships and even statues in the underwater museum. You will find a dizzying selection of colorful fish and unusual marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks and dolphins. A novelty in the Riviera Maya for divers and snorkelers are the cenotes (sink holes) which add a whole new dimension to cave diving.
MAYAN VESTIGES
The cultural richness of the Riviera Maya is also unrivaled in Mexico, with a lots of fascinating Mayan vestiges dotted throughout the region. The most famous in the immediate area are Tulum, Coba and El Rey, with the renowned Chichen Itza a short distance away. Another tradition you can experience here is the temazcal (prehispanic sweat lodge). A good recommendation for more adventurous visitors is to enjoy a day trip to the island of Cozumel by taking a ferry from Playa del Carmen or venturing off the beaten track to find traditional Mayan villages where their customs and traditions are still upheld.
Photo Gallery
