Riviera Maya
Population: 150,000
Size: approximately 100 miles long
Location: State of Quintana Roo
Distance from Cancun: 11 miles south
Borders: Caribbean Sea on the east with the Central
American countries of Belize and Guatemala to the south, and the
states of Campeche and Yucatan to the west
Important cities/sites in the area: Playa del Carmen, XCaret Park,
Xel-Ha Park, Tulum, Sian Ka’an Reserve
Major airport(s): Cancun International Airport
(CUN), and airport in Playa del Carmen for smaller planes
Time zone: Central Standard Time
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.
INFORMATION
For more information on the Riviera Maya, call 011-52-984-859-2170,
email: info@rivieramaya.com or visit http://www.rivieramaya.com.
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