"Riviera Maya" is a tourism district following the coastal Highway 307 which parallels the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This district historically started at at the city of Playa del Carmen and ended at the village of Tulum, although the towns of Puerto Morelos situated to the north and between Playa del Carmen and Cancun as well as the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto situated 40 km to the south of Tulum are both currently being promoted as part of the Riviera Maya tourist corridor.

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The average temperature is 27° C (80° F) with more than 240 days of sunshine, and rain is rare. Summer temperatures are generally slightly higher

To the south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya offers a unique and different experience. With its wide expanse of beaches and proximity to Mayan cultural sites, it is the old world meeting the new. Thousand-year old ruins lie within sight of luxurious mega-resorts offering every amenity imaginable. For Golfers there are a variety of challenging courses to choose from. Many resorts here are all-inclusive, offering all meals, drinks, tips, and entertainment at one price, an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers and families.

The Riviera Maya is famous for its large scale all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base of smaller boutique hotels along the highway 307 and on or near the beaches. Luxury travel entities have been instrumental in increasing luxury villa rentals and yacht charters in the area however these only represent a small fraction of the total tourism accommodation available.

Government development plans include establishing a number of medium sized cities of ~200 000 inhabitants within the Riviera May with initial planning spanning 20 years. Target areas for urbanization include the towns and villages of: Puerto Morelos (technically outside the Riviera Maya), Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Chemuyil, and Tulum.

A major attraction throughout the Riviera Maya are coastal and reef aquatic activities dependent on the coastal water and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (aka Belize Barrier Reef) which begins near Cancun and continues along the whole length of the Riviera Maya continuing southward to Guatemala. This barrier reef system is the second longest in the world.

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Topless bathing is quietly accepted in specific areas of Cancun as well as some of the associated areas along the Mayan Rivera. Keep in mind if you are so inclined that total nudity is not only rarely seen but also very illegal.

Mexico's Mayan Riviera Has Something For Everyone

Mexico's Mayan Riviera Has Something For Everyone

Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera have an exceptional variety of attractions and activities from the Mayan ruins at Tulum to the Playa del Carmen nightlife. You will love your Mexico vacation. Here is a listing of some of the popular attractions:

Beaches and sport activities

This area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the beaches have been manicured and have fine white sand. The water is a turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Just off the coast is the world's fifth-longest barrier reef. The reef, home to hundreds of species of marine life, is perfect for snorkeling. Scuba dive and snorkel in the magnificent Caribbean waters. Scuba lessons for beginners and diving tours for the pros are available. Most resorts offer scuba and snorkel tours and/or lessons. Most of the ecological parks have great areas for snorkeling.
For more information: www.sealifedivers.com

Cozumel

Only 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen by ferry, this diver's haven is well worth the trip across the ocean. Considered among the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, Cozumel offers magnificent coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks sites to explore. There are over 30 kilometres of coral reef, including the world's second largest reef called the Gama Reef.

Golf Courses

Playacar Golf Club - This is an 18 hole, par 72-championship golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge. This course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle where it challenges any golfer to come and enjoy it. Also features a putting green.

Puerto Aventuras - Marina, Tennis and Golf Club. Features a par 36, 9-hole course designed by Thomas Leeman. Maximum length 3,236 yards. Also features a putting green. Rental clubs and carts are available. Located on the Cancun to Chetumal highway at Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Aventuras also has swimming with dolphins. You can relax and watch the dolphin show while having lunch at the marina and restaurant.
For more information: www.dolphindiscovery.com

Mayan Jungle

Take a trip out of the ordinary and explore the wild exotic jungles of the Mexican Riviera. The ATV Explorer Jungle Tour is the original Playa del Carmen jungle tour. Ride an ATV through jungle paths, swim in a clear 60 foot deep cenote, explore caves, and climb ancient Mayan ruins on this 2 hour tour.

Located right next to Playa del Carmen and Playacar, just an hour south of Cancun.
For more information: www.atvexplorer.com

Mayan Ruins

Tulum
The smallest Mayan ruin site among the big three, Tulum only needs a day. These ruins overlook the ocean and are right on a beautiful beach. This is a perfect spot for a picnic, a short swim and sun bathing. Don't forget your camera!

Coba
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and prepare for an hour and a half drive into the jungle before reaching these ruins. Well worth the drive as there are beautiful temples and pyramids to see.

Chichen Itza
This is the most famous and grandiose pyramid of them all. Bring plenty of film and enjoy the beautifully kept grounds and the new restoration work on the pyramid. A must see Mayan ruin for culture enthusiasts. There are also restaurants, a small museum, and tourist shops on the site. Plan for a day excursion.

Eco-Parks

Xcaret
An eco-Mayan theme park for the whole family. A must see if you visit the Mayan Riviera. Prepare to spend your entire day at Xcaret as there are a million and one things to do and see. You can swim with the dolphins, snorkel, tour underground rivers, do sea trekking, visit a butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much more. The is also an excellent light and sound show in the evening.
For more information: www.xcaret.net

Xel-Ha
Xel Ha is an eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. It is a great place for first time snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. There is an amazing cave system, cenotes, lagoon, and great snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish.
For more information: www.xel-ha.com

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico's largest parks, covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or about 20 percent of the state of Quintana Roo's land. This virgin wilderness is home and sanctuary to wide number of species of tropical flora and fauna, of which, the jaguar found here is counted as one of the many protected species. Offers eco-trekking through mangroves, lagoons and rivers. Get a close-up look of the wildlife in the reserve in their natural habitat.

Aktun Chen
Witness spectacular geological formations and swim in crystal clear fresh water in the underground caves. Spider monkeys and a serpentarium (snakes) can be seen.
For more information: www.aktunchen.com

Xaman-Ha Aviary
Located in Playacar, this exotic bird sanctuary is a wonderful natural habitat for some 60 species of tropical birds that populate the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Scarlet macaws, flamingos, herons and may other beautiful feathered creatures can be found here.

Jardin Botanico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera
Beautiful botanical gardens sprawling with exotic species of tropical fauna in the lush Mayan rainforest. The gardens sit on 60 hectares of jungle and mangrove. A groomed loop trail provides easy walking to various collections of plants, all beautifully displayed in their natural environment. A scenic lookout tower is a bit of a challenge to climb but rewards the brave with a panoramic view from the mangrove to the sea, and out over the jungle.

Shopping

Playa del Carmen Shopping
Play del Carmen is a must for the best shopping in this area. The pedestrian street 5th Avenida in the heart of Playa del Carmen is lined with boutiques filled with goods from all over Mexico and the world. With handicrafts such as fine silver jewellery to hammocks there are shops that cater to every budget.

The stores that cater to tourists typically carry items such as carved wood and stone, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and sculptures. However, there are also high-end galleries featuring artworks from San Cristobal and Oaxaca for the serious Mexican art shopper.

If you'd prefer to venture off the main strip, there are interesting treasures to be found in the small plaza between 6th and 8th Ave.
About Author

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com/and http://www.flyfromcanada.com/

Source: ArticleTrader.com