On the east side of the beautiful state of Quintana Roo is the Riviera Maya, a new tourist destination comprising well over 100 kilometers (80 miles) worth of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which could be referred to as astonishing; The Riviera Maya, a totally different place that starts some 20 minutes south of Cancun's International Airport up to the picturesque Punta Allen fishermen's village.

Riviera Maya Description

The Riviera Maya is a 130-kilometer strip located on the West coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It ranges from solitary beaches to modern architectural complexes, including hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants. Playa del Carmen, for example, which used to be a peaceful fishermen's village, is now the site of prestigious international hotels. Nearby is the area's principal ecological reserve, Sian Ka'an, a habitat noted for the richness of its flora and fauna.

Even though the Maya culture remains present in the zone, through the many indigenous communities still found here which preserve the traditions, religion and social structure, the splendor of ancient Maya civilization is most evident in the numerous archaeological sites in this area. It is through the pyramids, "pelota" playing fields, sculpted stone pillars, plazas and temples that some of the mysteries still surrounding one of America's most important cultures has been partially deciphered.

The Riviera Maya's principal quality is its diversity. Here one can choose everything from adventure sports to playing golf or tennis, jungle tours on foot or horseback, many different water and nautical sports, and the indescribable cultural and archaeological treasures of the Maya world. You can experience them in a Riviera Maya vacation.

Forests, jungle, flora and fauna, archaeological sites, solitary beaches, a turquoise-colored sea with crystal-clear water which turns to silver by moonlight, the fantasy and warmth of the tropics, the mystery of the millenary culture which lives on in the Maya people, are just some of the qualities which have turned the Riviera Maya into a destination which can compete favorably with all the rest of the Caribbean's tourist destinations.

For all these reasons, this region - where the ancient Maya civilization flourished and reached its full splendor - is a top-level tourist destination today, preferred by both local and international travelers.

Riviera Maya attractions go from a horse-ride to a complete tour through the jungle and the archeological sites, as well as all sorts of watersports can also take place in this most amazing place. What once was the heart of one of the most ancient civilazations, today has become the beautiful Mayan Riviera, a place that provides adventure, culture, relaxation and fun...a never ending experience in Riviera Maya sightseeing.

Tulum

Tulum is the largest Maya construction built on the coast and its now the most visited archeological site in all of Mexico. For a bunch of old stone buildings, Tulum is a particularly impressive site, perched as it is high on top of limestone cliffs that spill down to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean below.

Tulum was a very important center of commerce and a place of pilgrimage in the past. Only 131 km (78 miles) south of Cancun, the walled city of Tulum was the first Mayan community reportedly sighted by the Spanish in the 16th century.

There are a number of structures in Tulum, El Castillo is the most important. At one time it functioned as a lighthouse guiding ships through the treacherous reefs that lie offshore. Another interesting structure at Tulum is the Temple of the Frescoes with its friezes on which the original pigment used to stain the carved figures can still be seen. Tulum is the only walled grouping of ruins discovered on the coast to date. Just a must in Riviera Maya sightseeing.

Akumal

Situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Akumal is located 100km (62 miles) south of Cancun. Akumal was the first resort on the Riviera Maya. It has grown considerably since its beginnings in the 1950s as an exclusive resort for scuba divers, yet still maintains an unhurried, relaxed atmosphere. Akumal has escaped the hassles and hurries of most of the areas larger resorts. If you are looking for the perfect place for your next dream vacation, look no further, you are going to love this Riviera Maya attraction!

Puerto Morelos

Just over 30 km south of Cancun, this small fishing village is mainly frequented for its car-ferry service to Cozumel. So far Puerto Morelos has escaped the coastal development that continues elsewhere along the Cancun-Tulum Corridor, and retains a low-key atmosphere with seafood restaurants, limited accommodation and uncrowded beaches, as well as an enticing offshore reef for snorkellers and divers.

Scuba Diving and "Cenotes"

One of the favorite activities for visitors is scuba diving on the Great Maya Reef, the second-largest in the world, located along the Riviera's coastline. The spectacular tropical marine life here is unique and unforgettable. There's the unique and captivating fascination of the mexican Caribbean itself, along with the subterranean world of Maya territory, where underground rivers wind gently beneath the surface thus creating thousands of "cenotes", making this one of the most often visited places, attracting all who love water sports.

Golf

We highly recommend you the Caribbean Village Playacar Hotel's Golf Course, located in the Playacar residential area of Playa del Carmen.

Kantenah-Bay

This bay has its own coral reef with thousands of colorful fish and direct access through a pier. To the south you will find 2 1/2 miles of pure white coral sand, full of palm trees for exploring, or just relaxing in a hammock. Small restaurants available in the area.