Riviera Maya & the Yucatan Travelers Recommend

Think that you’ve seen it all in Cancun? Think again. Though this glittering jewel of a resort town does seem to have everything a tourist could want – white sand beaches, palm trees, night clubs, and underwater activities, there’s a whole lot more going on just outside Cancun’s borders. If you’ve never been beyond the reaches of Cancun, now’s a good time to start. Chichen Itza – Cancun is situated right on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and so makes a great jumping-off point to explore some ancient Maya Ruins. Playa del Carmen – priding itself on its artist’s colony and sleepy fishing village roots, Playa del Carmen is a great spot to see if Cancun seems like a bit too much. Cozumel is a little island off the coast, world renowned for being a little sleepy spot in the Caribbean and known for its excellent fishing and underwater diving. The Xcaret Parks are for the environmental lover in you. Spend the day in paradise snorkeling some of the best bays in all of Mexico.

Cancun may be known as a beach holiday destination, but there’s so much more to do than here than soak up the sun and enjoy a few frozen drinks. One of the most popular area activities is a visit to the local Mayan ruins, remnants of a sophisticated civilization that once lived throughout Mexico and Central America. Visitors to Cancun who can pull themselves away from the white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean will find several Mayan ruin experiences to choose from.

Taking a tour in the Riviera Maya is a great way to experience the unique attractions that make the area special, and companies like Alltournative also help to preserve and protect the native landscape for the local community and future travelers. In a region that is still laden with rural communities, sustainable development is vitally important to the area’s long-term success, so by providing locals with opportunities to fuse tourism with tradition, Alltournative tours are allowing the cultures to thrive and grow.. On a visit to Ek Balam ruins, visitors hear stories of this historical site that dates to 100 BC and speak with a Mayan shaman. Visits to a traditional Maya village are included on some trips and allow the locals an economic lifeline to continue their traditional crafts. Travelers hear legends of ancient Maya while swimming in hidden cenotes. Visitors can also delve deep into a Yucatan jungle on four-wheeled ATVs and participate in Maya ceremonies.

Cruises sail to the snorkelling grounds off Cozumel, focusing on the island’s famous coral reefs and underwater canyons. Head out for a day of diving at a choice of 100 world-class dive sites, or time your snorkel for a sunset sail with margaritas and music. Newbies can learn to dive with a discover diving PADI course, and if you don’t want to get your feet wet there are glass-bottom boat cruises and underwater submarine tours. Cozumel is a birdwatcher’s haven, providing habitats for migrating ducks, flamingos, herons, egrets, ibis, falcons and kestrels. Like us humans, dolphins are drawn to Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters, and a dolphin swim promises a one-on-one interaction with these lovable creatures. Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the island’s beaches, and feed on Cozumel’s sea grass meadows. Horseback-riding trips into Cozumel’s rainforest heart reveal the island’s cenotes, picture-perfect bathing pools designed by Mother Nature.

Cancun treats every day as a holiday, but also plans a few organized events throughout the year. The biggest event is Carnaval, a joyous, usually drunken celebration held in February right before Lent's period of fasting and penitence. Inmaculada Concepcion is a religious festival held on Isla Mujeres in December. Day 1: Water You're brilliantly positioned to hit the water at Cancun. Jump in with a Jungle Speedboat Tour across lagoons and coral reefs, with time to stop for a snorkel adventure to explore the magical underwater world. Day 2: Fun Budding pirates and romantics alike will love the Captain Hook Cruise aboard a Spanish galleon. The Caribbean Carnival on Isla Mujeres takes you on an early-evening cruise to the island, with a buffet dinner and Caribbean show. Day 3: Adventure Chichen Itza isn't the only day-trip destination from Cancun, though those Mayan archaeological ruins are mighty popular.

Chichen Itza Once one of the largest Mayan cities, Chichen Itza ranks among the most popular destinations for travelers to Playa del Carmen and is known for its diverse population and unique architecture. Tulum This Maya walled city stationed on a rocky cliff along the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean Sea was once a major port for Mexicans in living in the area. Today, the well-preserved ruins rank among the nation’s most popular, thanks to breathtaking views of turquoise seas. Xel-Ha Just south of Playa del Carmen is the coastal city of Xel-Ha. Clear blue waters, lush green coastline and a lazy winding river draw travelers in search of sun and sand. Xel-Ha is known for its world-class scuba diving, snorkeling right off the shoreline and ideal swimming conditions. Plus adventurous travelers can even hike and bike through the coastal jungle.