Riviera Maya

Introduction to Riviera Maya

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.

The Riviera Maya is a 180-kilometer stretch located along the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The region offers a diversity of attractions from solitary beaches to modern architectural complexes, including hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants. Playa del Carmen, the main town in the Riviera Maya, for example, which used to be a small fishermen's village, is now the site of prestigious international hotels, numerous restaurants and shopping. Nearby is the area's principal ecological reserve, Sian Ka'an.

The Riviera Maya's principal quality is its diversity. Here one can choose everything from adventure sports, golf and tennis to jungle tours on foot or horseback, water and nautical sports, and touring the indescribable cultural and archaeological treasures of the Maya world. 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 Maya's coastline and experiencing cavern diving in the region´s ubderground rivers. The spectacular tropical marine life here is unique and unforgettable.

Few places are as perfect as the Riviera Maya for enjoying water sports. Naturally, there's the unique and captivating fascination of the Mexican Caribbean itself, which in the Riviera Maya is paired with the subterranean world of Maya territory. Here underground rivers wind gently beneath the surface creating thousands of "cenotes" (Sinkholes) in which visitors can explore the region's unique cavern systems.

On the coast of the Riviera Maya there are several locations of different importance, size and origin. The heart of the Riviera Maya is the city of Playa del Carmen, which can be considered specifically as a destination by itself. This city has the higher rate of growth in the country. Here you will find all the services and support that you may require during your stay in the Riviera Maya, in addition, restaurants and shopping. Playa del Carmen’s commercial pier is the place where ferries transport people to and from the Island of Cozumel.

We encourage you to program a visit for the day to Playa del Carmen. At sunset, walk by the fifth avenue, look around its stores, and choose a restaurant to have a superb meal, this is something you cannot miss.

Tulum is the second town in importance in the Riviera Maya, denominated just as the famous archaeological zone, although it is a small town of just a few streets running parallel to the Federal highway which is in reality its main avenue. In Tulum you can find basic services that are no longer available in other coastal settlements of the southern part of the Riviera Maya.

There are other small towns and settlements, like Chemuyil and Akumal, the last, an old port with a small town. Hotels and residential areas can be found in this place. Excellent for a relaxing vacation and to enjoy the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean, offering different options for aquatic activities such as squba diving and snorkeling.

The Riviera Maya region offers a diversity of attractions, flora and fauna, jungle, archaeological sites, solitary beaches, a turquoise-colored sea with crystal-clear water , 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 of the Caribbean.

Ecology and Parks

Xcaret, Natural park
Enjoy of an array of more than 25 attractions and activities included in your entrance, among others: Swim in the underground rivers, visit of the butterfly pavilion, the archaeological sites, lagoon, beach and natural wells the Coral Reef aquarium.. and much more!

Xel-Há Eco-Park
Come enjoy the world's most spectacular aquarium: Xel-Há, a nature lover's paradise. Embark on an aquatic adventure. Explore creeks, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers flowing to Mexico's beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Crococun Crocodile Park and Zoo
Located 35 km / 25 minutes south of Cancun. This ecological park covers 3 hectares and is a crocodile ranch with snakes, monkeys, deer and wild boar. Coati mundi, parrots and macaws roam free around the property, creating a wonderful experience for children and adults.

Snorkeling and Diving

Cavern Dive
The Yucatan Peninsula, site of the Dos Ojos Cavern Dive, contains the most extensive system of under-water caverns and caves in the world; a place where much of this natural phenomenon is yet to be discovered!.

Tak Be Ha Cavern Snorkel
Come and experience the thrill of a truly unique adventure deep in the virgin ecology of the Yucatan jungle. Our "jungle mobile" will take you 2.5 kms through the lush jungle and then our guide will lead you on a short walk down the Mayan trails to the entrance of Tak Be Ha (The Place of Hidden Waters).

Cenotes and Underground Rivers

A visit to the local geological formations (cenotes and their caves) may be of particular interest to tourists. Many are found near Xel-Ha Park, in the middle of the jungle.

Aktun Chen Natural Park
This park consisting of a spectacular 5 million year-old grotto and an abundance of wildlife, is the first above-the ground cave system in the Quintana Roo State to be open to the public, the name means "cave with an underground river inside," and the main cave (of three ) is more than 600 yards long, with a magnificent vault.

Xcaret Eco-Park
Xcaret, Natural park. Enjoy of an array of more than 25 attractions and activities included in your entrance, among others: Swim in the underground rivers, visit of the butterfly pavilion, the archaeological sites, lagoon, beach and natural wells the Coral Reef aquarium.. and much more!

Mayan Archaeological Sites

For those in search of Archeological Zones The Yucatan Peninsula is world famous as the cradle of the great Maya civilization. Numerous vestiges spread throughout the area have survived, many which have remained unexplored while other archeological zones are open to the public.

Tulum
Come and visit Tulum, take a tour and take a visit to the only know walled Mayan city. Overlooking one of the most picturesque views, anywhere on this magnificent coast and then continue with a visit to Xel Ha, the world’s largest natural aquarium.

Chichen Itzá
Only two and a half hours away from Cancun is one of the most impressive of all Mayan ruins, Chichén Itzá. Ancient and marvelous Archaeological zone, one of the most important ancient cities of Mayan Culture. As a religious, political an commercial metropolis Chichen itza has the most amazing building as an example of architecture and art of Mayan society.

Swim with Dolphins

Swim with Dolphins
Make your dreams come true! Swim with dolphins in paradise, learn, enjoy and kiss them.Programs for all ages.

Shopping and Nightlife

La Riviera Maya has centered all its Night Life at Playa del Carmen’s 5th. Avenue and surrounding areas, where several Restaurants and Bars feature Live Bands. Discos that offer a medley of Rock, Reggae, Salsa and other Rhythms for all kinds of musical tastes. Be prepare to dance among the stars and on the beach since the discos are located at beachfront locations.

Riviera Maya Hotels and Resorts