Destination Riviera Maya

In today's world vacationers look for destinations that are safe, convenient and close to home. This is why an increasing number of travelers are visiting the Riviera Maya Mexico. Mexico Caribbean. Less than two hours by plane from the U.S., with plenty of discount airfare, getting there is hassle-free.

New, modern facilities at Cancún's international airport make entering and leaving quick and easy. Checking in and out of hotels is just as simple.

Located about 20 minutes south of Cancún on the Yucatán Peninsula's East Coast, Riviera Maya is rapidly becoming the number one tourism destination in this part of the world. Situated in a state of Quintana Roo, it extends from the coastal town of Puerto Morales south to Punta Allen, veering slightly inland of Tulum, to the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

Expansive white beaches stretch along the coastline for almost 90 miles. Many of these wide sweeping beaches along the Maya Riviera are rated at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Although they are an obvious attraction, Riviera Maya is much more than beach. Virtually unknown a few years ago, it was just a coastline a sleepy fishing villages. Visitors now discover a unique blending of yesterday and today. It is a cultural fusion that has left them returning again and again.

Small, independent communities each its own unique resort destination, offer numerous choices of activities and accommodations.

Riviera Maya Hotels and Riviera Maya resorts range from charming seaside inns and palapa-type hotels to beachfront condominiums and luxurious five-star properties such as the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya. Don't expect high-rise hotels or hustle and bustle like nearby Cancún everything is laid-back and in harmony with nature most visitors would never believe there are nearly 24,000 hotel rooms in the area.

Riviera Maya encompasses some of Mexico's natural reserves and prized archaeological sites. Descendents of the mysterious Maya civilization still inhabit the Yucatán Peninsula. Many of them work within the tourism industry contributing to the success and popularity of the area.

New experiences from sea to shore offer adventure and excitement.

Discover ancient temples from which Maya priests practiced astronomy, creating amazingly accurate calendars. Trek through jungles, photograph exotic wildlife, swim with dolphins, snorkel in natural aquariums, kayak through waterways in the famed biosphere reserve and explore eco-archaeological theme parks.

Shoppers find great values and wealth of souvenirs and gifts in stores and boutiques for sporting enthusiasts there is golf, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing, sailing and day trips to other points of interest. Visitors hop aboard ferries from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel. It's only a 45 minute trip to the island, where you can dive, snorkel, shop or go sightseeing.

Below the earth's surface is a complex river system, said to be the longest of this kind in the world, which flows through massive caves and caverns. Occasionally the earth opens at the surface where sinkholes called cenotes have formed. Cenotes allow entrance to the underground rivers.

Another natural phenomenon is found offshore, paralleling the coastline. The great Maya reef, part of the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, boasts unrivaled marine life and coral formations. Both cenotes and the reef, are a primary attraction for divers and snorkelers.

Above or below the surface, days are filled with enticing options and nights that are equally rewarding. Good food has always been a tradition in Mexico, as is good tequila. And, in Riviera Maya, you'll find plenty of both.

Magical evenings are filled with the sounds of strolling mariachi bands. Vacationers walk along the moonlit beach. Late night disco's turn up the volume.

It's all here waiting for you. Come, see why the
Riviera Maya is so special.

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