South of busy, popular Cancun is a very different Mexico: the Mayan Riviera.
Cancun was a small fishing village in 1967, when the Mexican Dept. of Tourism slated it for development. Now, its 25-kilometre Hotel Zone of ocean and lagoon waterfront draws night-club-goers, upscale shoppers, and diners-out.
Yet just to the south is the "Riviera Maya", a 100km stretch of quiet beaches, ancient ruins, coral reef, and "eco-theme" parks.
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Mayan Riviera highlights
- second-largest barrier coral reef in the world
- lovely lagoons full of colorful fish (perfect for kids to learn to snorkel)
- unique "eco-archeological" theme park, Xcaret
- sister park Xel-ha
- "cenotes" (deep natural pools of clear water-- lovely to swim in)
- fascinating ruins at Tulum and Coba
- Aktun Ha - giant caves
- day-trip to Cozumel, leaving from Playa del Carmen
- and if you want a dose of busy tourist town, shops, bars, etc., there's Playa del Carmen (a small beach town, not so very long ago)
The Mayan Riviera is a long, long stretch of coast: 100 km from Cancun to Tulum. Highway 307 is the road you travel, and it's decidedly un-Riviera like: flat, monotonous, and with no view of the sea that's several kilometers away.
At intervals along the highway, you'll see gated entrances to resorts (-a growing number, as resort tourism is burgeoning in this area.) You'll also pass the still-laid-back town of Puerto Morelos; the busy tourist town of Playa del Carmen; the tourist area Akumal, with many condo rentals; the tourist development of Puerto Aventuras; and a few remaining quiet hamlets.
Renting a car can be a great way to get around and visit the various attractions noted above: just be sure to take out full insurance, and drive with caution especially if surprised by a heavy rain-shower.
You can also reach these attractions through tours booked at your resort, or by private taxi. More adventurous types may want to try the local buses that run constantly up and down the highway: however, you may find that your resort is several kilometers from the highway-- a long walk, on a hot day.
Continue to more about the Mayan Riviera:
- Mayan Riviera all-inclusives - A to Z
- Xcaret - unique eco-theme park, with underground river float, and knock-out night show
- more about cenotes
- Mayan ruins at Tulum
*photo © Teresa Plowright
