Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Mexico. However, more than most vacation travelers, they are a very particular group. You have the group loyal to the “real” Mexican experience that is loyal to the resort cities of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, and Manzanillo on the Pacific side of the country; And then there are the tourists who swear that a Riviera Maya vacation is the best Mexico has to offer.
Located in the east of the Yucatan Peninsula, and typically stretching from Punta Brava to Tulum, the Riviera Maya is a stretch of more than 70 miles of coastline along the Caribbean Sea and stretching 40 miles inland. As one of the most fascinating and beautiful destinations in the world, it is a natural playground of culture, history and scenic wonders. The interior of the Riviera Maya is a low-lying tropical jungle that is slowly revealing its secrets to the public and will continue to do so for decades to come. Archaeological ruin sites like Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza offer a look back to the days of Mayan culture and ancient civilization with its impressive pyramids and temples. Many other sites have been discovered that dot the interior and are easily accessible to the public, but there are also plenty off the beaten track that will challenge even the most seasoned adventurer. The Riviera Maya is an ecotourism dream. Not only are there enough ancient ruins to keep you busy, the Riviera also boasts spectacular underwater caves, world-class snorkeling, unique wildlife, and stunning scenery. Two of the most notable are Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Xcaret is an ecological theme park that has attractions such as an aviary, a coral reef aquarium, a manatee lagoon, an apiary, caves, and flamingos. It also has numerous live shows and demonstrations of the Mayan culture. Although a little Disneyish, great care has been taken to maintain the integrity of the park’s natural ecology. Xel-Ha is a paradise for diving and swimming. As the largest natural water park in the world, it is home to hundreds of different fish and sea creatures. Other attractions include a jungle hike, a spa, and swimming with manatees and dolphins. If you’re a little more adventurous or thrill-seeking, the Riviera also offers skydiving, jungle ziplining, rappelling, jeep jungle trekking and ATV exploration.
Accommodations in the Riviera Maya are available in a wide range. From smaller apartments in fishing villages to the luxurious All-Inclusive Super Resorts that line the coast with their white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, there is a hotel to suit every type of vacationer. Outside of Toronto, tour operators such as Sunwing, Sunquest and Transat Holidays offer the best of all-inclusive resorts in areas throughout the Riviera Maya. During high season you can get daily direct flights to Cancun and transfers are included in your vacation package.
With so much to do and an impressive array of activities, it’s no wonder the Riviera Maya is becoming one of the hottest destinations for Canadians traveling to Mexico. Whether you’re a beach person or looking to satisfy your inner explorer through ecotourism or Mayan culture history, the options and offerings of things to do are endless.