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Mayan Riviera - Highlights and Resorts

By , About.com Guide

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Introduction
Xcaret eco-theme park. Photo © Teresa Plowright.

Quiet spot, at Xcaret eco-theme park.

Photo © Teresa Plowright.

The "Mayan Riviera", or "Riviera Maya", south of Cancun in Mexico is a top spot for families for two reasons:

  • many all inclusive resorts offer watersports, kids' programs for ages 4 to 12, and landsports and family activities
  • the 130 km from Cancun south to Tulum offers fun and fascinating activities
Your driving route to the resorts and attractions of the Mayan Riviera is Highway 307. Despite the "Riviera" label, the drive isn't scenic; most of the highway is inland, about a kilometer from the shore, and is flat and straight with no view of the sea.

Mayan Riviera Highlights:
  • second-largest barrier coral reef in the world
  • unique "eco-archeological" theme park Xcaret
  • lagoons full of colorful fish
  • "cenotes" (natural pools of clear water-- lovely to swim in)
  • fascinating Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba
Click below for more about resorts and attractions, moving south:

- 18 km from airport: town of Puerto Morelos, and Marina El Cid and Azul Resorts

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