State: Quintana Roo

Population: 880,000
Size: 15,136 square miles
Location: Eastern Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula
Borders: Caribbean Sea and the states of Yucatan, Campeche and the country of Belize to the south
Important cities/sites within the state: Bacalar, Cancun, Chetumal (capital), islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, XCaret, Xel-Ha, Sian Kaan Reserve and the archaeological zone of Tulum
Major airport(s): Cancun International Airport (CUN), Chetumal International Airport (CTM), Cozumel Airport (CZM), Isla Mujeres Airport (ISJ)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.quintanaroo.gob.mx

Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

Quintana Roo is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by the Bay of Chetumal and Rio Hondo to the south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is the youngest state in the country, as well as the farthest east, meaning it is the first state to see the sunrise everyday. It is also one of the only states featuring magnificent underground rivers with limestone sinkholes, perfect for diving.

Quintana Roo is home to some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the country, including Tulum, Coba and Kohunlich. Additional area attractions are Sian Kaan, the largest reserve in the state, and Holbox, a splendid place for bird-watching. The state is also renowned for its stunning beaches and exclusive tourist facilities at destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Aventura, Isla Mujeres, Akumal and Playa del Carmen.

Chetumal, capital of Quintana Roo and border town par excellence, lies on the shores of the bay of the same name. Chetumal Bay is also the mouth of the Hondo River, the only river in Quintana Roo and the natural border between Mexico and Belize.

Photo by Nadine Markova Click on the image for larger version

Cancún is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in all of Mexico and the world. Its superb location coupled with its year-round mild climate makes it the perfect place for everything from ecotourism, snorkeling, horseback riding and fishing, to golf, scuba diving, surfing and sailing. Extreme sports are also a major part of the excitement found in Cancún.

Cozumel is the largest inhabited island in Mexico, known as the “plunging paradise” for divers from all over the world. It is located east of the Yucatán Peninsula on top of the age-old structures of the Mayan coral reef – the second longest in the world. The island’s lagoon is connected to the sea by narrow canals with underwater caves, bursting with multicolored tropical fish and unique inland reefs. The beaches in Cozumel are surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and unusual endemic species, and while these are also characteristic of the island, its greatest wealth is undoubtedly underwater.

The former Mayan village of Playa del Carmen today stands as a wonderful cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. As the capital of the Riviera Maya, the city is one of the most popular Mexican Caribbean destinations for both Mexicans and international tourists, with beautiful natural landscapes of sea and jungle. Playa del Carmen lies halfway between Cancún and Tulúm, on a coastal strip that combines jungle, mangrove swamps and white sandy beaches.

The state of Quintana Roo is an ideal destination for all types of travelers. From private beaches and large coral reefs to important archaeological zones and ultimate spa-treatments, Quintana Roo is synonymous with variety and class.