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.

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.

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.

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.

With awesome wildlife and fun adventure parks, Cancun is a family-friendly destination that appeals to parents and kids alike. From the Caribbean coast to exploring ancient ruins, you can make your Cancun vacation as active or laid-back as you want.

There’s plenty to do and see in the coastal town of Playa del Carmen. Start your day with sunrise on the beach before heading to Playacar. Wander the aviary filled with indigenous birds or play a few holes on the world class golf course. Hire a bike and ride along the 4 km path along 10 Avenue, where it’s easy to access shopping and boutiques along 5th Avenue. Round out the day with a visit to the Jungle Place sanctuary, where spider monkeys and other local wildlife swing from the trees. Escape the modern day city and travel back to the past on a visit to Chichen Itza. These world-famous ruins rank among the nation’s most popular sites, with more than one million tourists visiting annually. Ancient pyramids are tucked among lush green forests, making it the perfect place to snap some photos while experiencing the nation’s rich culture, history and Mayan tradition.