Mayan Riviera Things To Do

Mayan Riviera
A Mayan Riviera holiday, or as it’s known locally, the Riviera Maya, is an unforgettable trip for any tourist to the area. The Riviera Maya describes a stretch of east Mexico bordering on the Caribbean Sea. This is the Yucatan Peninsula, bordering the Yucatan Channel which separates Mexico from Cuba. The Riviera Maya makes for the perfect beach holiday. Most Mayan Riviera holidays begin with arrival at Cancun International Airport, and from there there’s a great choice of possible holiday destinations. You can stay in Cancún itself, a hugely popular tourist resort with hotels for any budget; head south to the towns of Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen beach resort, Tulum or Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

History

Before the Spanish conquest of Yucatán, which took place during the 16^th and 17^th centuries, the Maya civilisation dominated the region. Maya architecture still stands today in various spots along the Maya Riviera. No holiday at the Mayan Riviera would be complete without visiting at least one site of archeological interest; tourists can choose from Maya ruins at Coba, Tulum, Xcaret and Xel-Ha.

Beaches

When you’re done touring the sites of ancient civilisations, the inevitable draw of that crystal clear Caribbean Sea will take hold. This part of Mexico is perfect for holiday watersports, where you can do everything from jet-skiing to windsurfing. Snorkelling and scuba diving holidays are hugely popular here, thanks to the fantastic array of tropical marine life off Cozumel Island and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest coral reef on Earth. Cenote diving is also popular. Cenotes are inland underwater caves, and divers will need a guide. Elsewhere you can swim with dolphins on the Mayan Riviera, go horse riding, take jungle tours, visit a crocodile zoo and of course sunbathe on those stunning white beaches.