The Riviera Maya is located in Mexico, in the State of Quintana Roo. It is an area of the Mexican Caribbean coast that stretches from Playa del Secreto, just south of Cancun, to Punta Allen, in the heart of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. The main point of arrival is Cancun International Airport. Available transportation from the airport includes hotel transportation, buses, rental cars or taxis which depart from the terminal.
Playa del Carmen has a small airport with planes which make short hops to the more distant places. Ferries also depart from Playa del Carmen and Calica, linking the continent with the islands. The palm-covered, white sand beaches, secluded coves, Mayan Ruins, lush jungles, mangroves, cenotes and caves provide this area with an incredible number of attractions for its visitors.
Just off shore, the multicolored coral reef offers world class diving, snorkeling and fishing. The Mayan Reef is part of the second longest barrier reef in the world, which runs from the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula south through the neighboring countries of Belize & Honduras. Cozumel island and the Palancar reef are consistently listed among the world’s top ten diving sites.
The terrain is flat, covered with low tropical jungle, and its coasts alongside the Caribbean provide many kilometers of powdery white sand beaches, inlets, bays, and mangroves. Due to the limestone soil, freshwater caves, called Cenotes, are abundant in the region, and definitely worth visiting.
The largest city in the Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen. The Fifth Avenue passenger zone is a shopper's paradise where you will find an endless selection of art, jewelry, Mexican crafts, souvenirs, as well as designer clothing. At night, “Playa,” as the locals affectionately recall it becomes a fun, yet remains relaxed. It offers a laid-back atmosphere with bars, restaurants and nightlife for every taste.
The Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chitchen Itza, are spectacular and a must-see. The natural parks, Xcaret and Xel-ha, are two of the Rivera Maya's most popular attractions. They offer snorkeling, underground rivers, swimming with dolphins, and a variety of entertainment for every age group.
The year round climate of the Riviera Maya is hot, with average temperatures in the range of 78 – 85 degrees. During the day, the weather is mostly sunny and the temperatures are hot. Light clothing, such as shorts and T-shirts are recommended. The temperature may drop at night when a light sweater or wrap may be handy.
Below there are two links to news-recordings recently broadcasted from the El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort with NBC’s travel editor Mr. Peter Greenberg : Broadcasts : FOX NEWS / CBC NEWS |
