|
|
 |
Riviera Maya Mexico |
 |
|
The Riviera’s
allure is its stunning Caribbean beauty and as a region
is bursting with scenic and natural wonders. Cultural,
educational and adventure attractions abound, Mayan
archeological sites and villages are an attractive alternative
for vacationers wanting a Mexican Caribbean getaway
without the crowds and clamor.
The shoreline mixes palm-fringed beaches with
grottoes and tropical coves. The world's second longest
barrier reef lies just off shore, while underground
rivers, cenotes, caves, and jungles abound. This is
the area to go to for snorkeling and diving.
Playa del Carmen
The main building boom is at Playa del Carmen, and its
swanky neighbor, Playacar. This once sleepy Caribbean
outpost has become the resort hub of what is now Mexico's
major tourist destination. Playa del Carmen has easy
access to Cancun's airport and hosts daily cruise ship
arrivals and ferry departures to Cozumel Island.
Also in Playa del Carmen is the very popular 5th Avenue.
One block away from the beach, this street is mostly
pedestrian walkway, comprising International restaurants,
sidewalk cafes, handicraft stores, dive shops and almost
anything else a visitor could ask for. At night, "fairy
lights" in the trees and buildings add a bit of
fantasy and escapism, leaving the vacationer wanting
to do nothing more than sit and plan their next trip
to Mexico.
Tulum
Mayan archaeological sites also pepper the region. A
mixture of developed sites, such as Tulum, Xcaret, and
Cobá, and unexcavated ruins make for adventurous
exploration into the region's Mayan past. Tulum is a
gleaming white-walled city that invites visitors to
roam its small temples and buildings. Over
60 well- preserved structures can be observed within
three massive walls which surround the site.
Xcaret
On the
other hand, Xcaret is a more developed site. It is part
theme park, part zoo, part beach resort. The park combines
ruins with beautiful coves, inlets, grottoes and natural
wells. Visitors to Xcaret can learn about the area's
ecology and Mayan history while relaxing on the beach,
floating down one of two rivers, swimming with dolphins
or wandering jungle-shrouded trails.
|
|
volver
