Riviera Maya
Just
south of Cancún, the exotic Riviera Maya is taking shape
as Mexico's newest holiday land. The region is filled with scenic
and natural wonders, bordered by a craggy limestone shore of
sugar-white, tropical palm-fringed beaches, exotic grottos,
and tropical coves. Also, some of the most fantastic archaeological
sites are found here. Resorts are generally all-inclusive and
are confined to a few pockets of developed areas, leaving most
of the region uninhabited and ideal for visitors seeking a Mexican-Caribbean
getaway in an exotic and secluded setting.
RIVIERA MAYA RESORTS
RIVIERA MAYA ACTIVITIES
Day Trip to Cozumel: Discover the appeal of
this easy going, sleepy island. Includes shopping and snorkeling,
city tour, lunch with drinks.
Tulum: This imposing fortress city sits
high on a cliff of the Riviera Maya overlooking the Caribbean.
Built over many centuries in the first millennium AD, it contains
one of the most amazing archaeological finds in all the ruins
- the Temple of the Frescos. This is the most visited of the
ruins in the Mundo Maya, and you should take along a bathing
suit for a dip in the exquisite beaches at the base of the
city.
Xcaret: A singularly unique ecological park
on the Riviera Maya, it was built over the ancient Mayan jungle
seaport of Polé. Its privileged location amid an archaeological
site and the natural splendor of the peninsula inspired the
fusion of nature, culture, history, and technology in perfect
harmony. Dive the underground rivers that join the most extensive
subterranean water system in the world, snorkel the crystal
waters bursting with colorful life, swim with dolphins, and
float down the Maya River to an authentic recreation of a
Mayan village. At night, ancient Mayan rituals are re-enacted
in illuminated grottos and culminate in a traditional show
in the moonlit amphitheater.
Cobá Ruins: The ruins of this important
Mayan site in the Riviera Maya are still shrouded by thick
jungle, imparting the feeling of "discovery" for
visitors. The city, still being unearthed, is an enormous
50 square miles! Excavations have located the tallest pyramid
in the Yucatán, a 9-tiered castle, and a ball court.
Also, it has the most sacbe (wide, limestone-paved ancient
roads) of any site yet discovered.
Dining
Gourmet: La Carmela features fine Mexican
gourmet cuisine in a lovely candle-lit setting. Plaza Antigua
Mall, Playa del Carmen
Highly Recommended: The Yaxche Maya Cuisine
Restaurant not only offers authentic Mayan recipes and dishes,
but takes you into the Mayan world, with walls that reflect
Mayan Temples and a thoroughly-researched menu. The garden
is a perfect spot for an afternoon lunch or romantic dinner.
Calle 8 entre Avenida 5a y 10, Playa del Carmen
Local Flair: The Lol Ha Restaurant was
at one time the only choice in Akumel, and still proudly
offers Mexican and Yucatan specialties in its beautiful,
newly-renovated dining room. The house specialties include
Ceaser Salad and bananas flambé, which are prepared
right at your table. Akumal Bay, Akumal
Romantic: The Blue Parrot Beachfront Restaurant
provides a delicious variety of local cuisine, including
fresh lobster and specialty cocktails. Tables on the sand
create a great atmosphere for a romantic dinner in front
of the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean. 12th Street North
and 1st Avenue, North Playa del Carmen
Nightlife
Dragon Beach Bar: The most popular bar
in the Riviera Maya provides swings instead of stools at
the bar, so patrons can relax in the refreshing Caribbean
breeze while enjoying live music on the beach, with bands
from around the world, from rock to reggae, Motown to Salsa.
Tequileria: Who needs to eat when you've
got 3 floors of Tequila! Enjoy street-side people watching
while taking shots from $5 - $300 bottles of Tequila, or
sipping on delicious margaritas.
Señor Fox Bar & Restaurant: With
internet facilities and board games, hamburgers and quesadillas,
Señor Fox is a one-stop night out. Enjoy eats and
drinks while playing dominoes, jenga, and Uno.
