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.