Riviera Maya Mexico

As of today, the fame of the Riviera Maya is due to the beauty of its towns and attractions, such as the vibrant city of Playa del Carmen, the heart of the Riviera, or the extraordinary and unique ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha. There are also stunning beaches in Xpu-Ha, Kantenah, Akumal, and Xcacel, and a modern marina to moor your yacht in Puerto Aventuras. You should also consider visiting the small but stunning Yalku Cove, and the spectacular archeological site at Tulum, where you can also take a stroll around the idyllic town of the same name, however, for the more adventurous traveler a trip to Coba, located a little further inland, comes highly recommended. Before you reach the last town on the southern tip of this glorious coast, Punta Allen, you'll have to travel through the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a huge national park that has been designated as a World Heritage Site and is well worth visiting for anyone who loves nature and outdoor pursuits.

It comes as no surprise that the Riviera Maya has become the second most popular vacation destination in Mexico. This is mainly due to a simply outstanding marketing strategy coupled with the great diversity of attractions that will leave anyone breathless. The marvelous beaches with sand as white as snow, and the refreshing turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are both sure to amaze you. The area is also home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, the Great Maya Reef, with its incredible multicolored marine flora and fauna. Ox Bel Ha, Sac Actun, and Dos Ojos, are the three longest underground rivers on the planet and part of the amazing Mayan underworld, which is also famous for its cenotes (sinkholes), more common here than in any other place in the world. It is also a fascinating region because of the several archeological sites, which help keep the legacy of the Mayan culture alive, such as Tulum and Coba, two of the most important sites due to their beauty and how well they have been preserved.

Another important facet of the Riviera Maya is its impressive hotel infrastructure featuring more than 200 hotels, ranging from small boutique accommodation to impressive, luxurious resorts with over two thousand rooms. There is an endless selection of tours and excursions in the area suitable for all types of visitors and budgets, including diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, ATVs, yacht and catamaran excursions, as well as theme parks, and so much more. Some of the most popular excursions and a big part of the magnetism of the region are the ecological tours to the different natural reserves of the Riviera Maya. So, whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an action packed adventure, Mexico's Riviera Maya really does have it all!