Paul Winck is a writer whose work has appeared on www.rivieramayaresorts.org. To see other pieces on travel destinations in the Riviera Maya area or other parts of Mexico you can checkout the site here.
Beach vacationing in Mexico is an ideal way to unload life’s burdens, reduce stress and relax. If you are in the mood for sitting on the beach and forgetting about the real world, one perfect place to go and unwind is the enchanting Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya offering a great number of unique and interesting places just waiting to be experienced.
Stretched along the Yucatan Peninsula coast in the state of Quintana Roo, the Maya runs north of Cancun to near south of Tulum. This tropical paradise is an incredible collection of white sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, and exotic winter getaways. Relaxing and soothing atmosphere is an understatement. The beautiful white sand beaches dotting the peninsula are splashed by the warm translucent Caribbean Sea waters.
The Great Maya Reef, the second biggest reef worldwide is found along the coastline with an unrestricted jungle bordering on the towns and beaches. Tropical exotic animals are plentiful, peering down from the trees at many locations. There is the unique underground river flowing beneath surfaces that amazes visitors with its caves, mysterious caverns and sinkholes or cenotes. Remains of the historic Mayan civilization are present throughout its great number of archaeological sites. Its rich and spectacular marine habitat also abounds, making the Riviera Maya ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers.
The Riviera Maya consists of four major tourist areas namely Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventura, Tulum and Akumal. Playa del Carmen’s hushed environment is 45 minutes south of Cancun airport, 30 miles down along the coast is the Puerto Aventuras, the perfect ambience for a relaxing vacation and further down south is Akumal, a paradise for the nature lovers. Tulum is where the ruins are located. Some are inland and others are found right along beach areas. Some well-known sites like include Xel Ha, Coba and Chichen Itza.
Reasons why beach vacationing in Mexico particularly in Riviera Maya is a must:
• Tulum
Tulum, a blend of beauty and mystery. It is the only archaeological site along the sea. More than 60 well conserved structures are exhibited within the walls surrounding the site. Near the main temple is a tiny beach where one can swim while gazing at the medieval architectural designs. Cabanas or eco-hotels are sprinkle along the beach for visitors in search of tranquility and solitude.
• Xcaret
Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park and visiting it is a once in a lifetime learning experience. You will get to know about Mayan history and also experience its ecology while relaxing on the beach or floating down along its subterranean rivers. Another option at this local can include swimming with dolphins or taking a hike on the shrouded jungle trails. A day’s trip to Xcaret affords visitors an opportunity to experience of ecotourism and seeing exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. A close encounter with the mystical and mysterious world of the Mayans is easy, and a truly unforgettable and distinct experience.
• Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha is nature’s gift, a perfect sanctuary for all types of fauna, flora, and marine life bordered by caves, cenotes and thick jungles. It forms a marvelous natural aquarium where freshwater spring currents and underground rivers combine with ocean waters to form a fascinating ecosystem. Xel-Ha is considered a one of the magical spots in the Riviera Maya that is not to be missed.
• Akumal
Akumal according to the Maya language is “a place of turtles” and received its name as a preferred area for turtles laying eggs. Its white silky sand beaches are guarded by its off-shore reefs with a spectacular bay area of clear currents of water flowing through the subterranean rivers and caves. Akumal is a haven for diving enthusiasts all over the world. Not to be missed!
• Aktun Chen
Aktun Chen is where abundant vegetation surrounds the sanctified underground waters with subterranean rivers flowing through the earth’s recesses. Its twisting paths pave the way to the center of the jungle, through the remaining relics of ancient cities and temples in a surprisingly modern civilization.
• Playa del Carmen
Called the old fishermen’s village, Playa del Carmen accords everything there is in a Caribbean environment. Luxurious hotels, bars, shopping malls, recreational/cultural centers, restaurants, golf
and water sports clubs abound the place. A hopping hub of activity, its nightlife doesn’t stop offering the option to party until dawn.
• Coba
Coba in the Maya language means cloudy waters. Strolling along the archaeological temples freed from the jungles, along the thousand old causeways or climbing the steep incline of the pyramid makes one feel closer to the ancient Maya culture. A certain feeling of awareness that it hasn’t passed away but instead is just waiting for the right opportunity to be re-awakened from across time.
• Diving and Snorkeling
Riviera Maya is ideal for scuba diving activities, especially on the coral formations on the Great Maya Reef. The reef is one of the best places to dive in the world and offers many memorable underwater sights to experience. This area allows one to explore one of the biggest coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere. For those who prefer less extreme underwater experiences, snorkeling is another option perfect for families. Snorkeling is a safe watersport that even children can take part in.
• Sian Ka’an
Called heaven’s gift, Sian Ka’an is a Biosphere Reserve, unique for its diverse biological plant and animal species.
• Spas
Spas are a big deal in the Riviera Maya and if going, you can’t miss out. Spa practitioners use locally sourced aromatic blends of natural ingredients which include tropical flowers, special ocean seaweeds and flowing tree saps to concoct special natural formulas handed down from generation to generation during treatments. These mixtures are employed to help with all manner of ills, and you will feel wonderfully pampered after a visit. An appointment normally includes getting immersed in a heavenly bath and receiving a personalized special treatment.
If all this doesn’t sound enticing then perhaps beach vacationing in Mexico isn’t for you. We bet though you will think a trip to the Riviera Maya is worth every penny and will have you one wishing your trip never ended.