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Riviera Maya
Bursting with scenic and natural
wonders, the Riviera Maya is home to a string of sparkling
solitary beaches, impressive Mayan archaeological sites and
one of Mexico’s most fascinating ecotourism adventure
lands.
Located in the Mexican Caribbean
on the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of
Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya is conveniently located just
11 miles south of Cancun International Airport. Recently extended,
the region begins at Puerto Morelos and ends at Felipe Carrillo
Puerto, occupying about 100 miles of coastline.
The region now known as the Riviera
Maya was an important commercial and religious center for
the ancient Mayans during the Post-Classic Period (1000-1550
AD). During the next three hundred years, under Spanish colonial
rule, the lack of adequate roads deterred any significant
demographic growth in this region, affording it an air of
seclusion.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
At the point of entry, visitors
can relish in the small fishing community, Puerto Morelos,
offering the Crococun crocodile farm and the Yaax Che Botanical
Garden, as well as its own Marine Natural Park (Reefs of Puerto
Morelos), boasting a wide variety of multicolored tropical
fish, dolphins and turtles, as well as breathtaking corals.
Considered the unofficial capital
of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen combines the feel of
a quaint fishing village with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visitors
in search of luxury shopping and dining can visit Playa del
Carmen’s Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) and stay in the
nearby resort area of Playacar, offering upscale accommodations
and several all-inclusive hotels.
One of the Riviera Maya’s
most popular natural attractions is Tres Rios, a tropical
reserve named after the three rivers flowing through the area.
Popular activities in this virgin jungle territory include
canoeing down crystalline rivers, swimming, snorkeling, horseback-riding
and bicycling.
Ecological enthusiasts will rejoice
in the wonders of the eco-archaeological park Xcaret. Offering
a unique glimpse into the region’s natural surroundings,
the eco-wonderland offers interactive activities such as snorkeling
in underground rivers, swimming with dolphins, a 2000 year
old Ball Game called Pok-ta-pok, an archaeological site and
a nightly folkloric show transporting spectators through the
wondrous and fascinating history of Mexico.
The transparent, calm and warm
waters of Puerto Aventuras are ideal for snorkeling and scuba
diving enthusiasts. Facing the beach, in the middle of the
bay, is an island that serves as a nocturnal sanctuary for
thousands of birds. The town is home to the San Carlos Marina,
where visitors can rent boats by the hour or day to deep-sea
fish or simply cruise the Caribbean's tranquil turquoise waters.
Akumal, which means "land
of the turtles" in the Mayan language, owes its enchantment
to the fresh waters of its caves and subterranean rivers.
More than 200 entrances to subterranean caves, with depths
of up to 150 meters, make it a gathering place for divers
from around the world.
Used once as a port by the ancient
Mayas, one of Xel-Ha’s main attractions is its park
and natural aquarium. The combination of salt water with fresh
subterranean currents of sweet water produces a natural aquarium
hosting hundreds of marine species and tropical fish. At the
Aquatic Institute, visitors can take part in snorkeling instruction
with a special focus on identifying flora and fauna. The park
also encompasses a small archaeological zone, dating back
to the Post-Classical Period, as well as turtle and dolphin
sanctuaries.
Tulum, a Mayan fortress set on
a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is also a formidable
archaeological zone, with a walled Mayan city containing temples,
shrines and platforms. Sixty structures are contained within
the archaeological zone El Castillo, which functioned as a
navigational aid, directing Mayan canoes through the break
in the reef to the beach. It is the largest ancient construction
still standing along the coast of the Riviera Maya.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, whose
2,500 square miles of unspoiled natural beauty are comprised
of wetlands, tropical forest and a marine environment. Home
to an abundance of flora and fauna and several distinct natural
ecosystems, the reserve features unexcavated Maya ruins, freshwater
canals, cenotes (sinkholes), mangroves, lagoons and inlets.
Within the reserve is Punta Allen, a tiny lobster fishing
village, marking the end of the Riviera Maya.
ACCOMODATIONS/HOW TO
GET THERE
The Riviera Maya offers an array
of hotels and resorts for every lifestyle and budget. Ranging
from quaint inns to full-service all-inclusive resorts, there
are more than 350 hotels, most of which have fewer than 30
rooms.
Arriving to the Mexican
Caribbean is easier than ever with a number of carriers flying
to Cancun International Airport, including Mexicana, Aeromexico,
the regional airline Aerocaribe, American Airlines, Continental
Airlines, Delta, Northwest and U.S. Airways.
In addition, some of the major tour companies, including Apple
Vacations, Friendly Holidays, GoGo Vacations, Funjet Vacations
and Travel Impressions, in the United States offer charter
flights to the Riviera Maya.
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