Where is the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya
If you are wondering, where is the Riviera Maya? Then keep reading.
This paradise is the hottest tourist destination on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
The Mayan Riviera calls to mind the French Riviera, with its picturesque white sand beaches and the gorgeous resort city of Playa del Carmen. However, it also has a variety of unique features that make this place a magical destination to book for your vacation rental through Latitude21Resorts.
The 80-mile coastal region known as the Riviera Maya starts just south of Cancun and stretches from Puerto Morelos south through Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, and Akumal before ending at Punta Allen and the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an, it also includes the island of Cozumel.
The coastal Federal 307 highway connects the bustling resort cities along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo. This region where the Riviera Maya is located, was known as the Cancun - Tulum corridor until 1999, when it was renamed to its current name - the Riviera Maya.
As you'd expect, Spanish is the primary language of the Mayan Riviera, although, many of the residents also speak English and can assist vacationers with their stay.
The Mexican peso is the national currency, but US dollars are almost universally welcome. Check out the roadside stands and haggle with the artisans for local handcrafts.
While in Playa del Carmen, be sure to stop by Yaxche, an upscale restaurant that stands out among the luxury restaurants popping up throughout the Riviera Maya. The National Association of Restaurants feted Yaxche for having the best regional food in the entire southeast region of Mexico.
Experience traditional Mayan flavors using original ingredients such as guajillo pepper, sour orange, and chaya (Mayan spinach).
Remember that in Mexico, restaurants do not include the tip to the overall bill. A recommendation is to tip between a 10 to 15% of the overall cost.
Where to go and what to do
Tourists visiting the region have a variety of attractions they can take in. From scuba divers to golfers, spelunkers to zip liners to beach bums, there's something for everyone in the Riviera Maya.
Tulum
The Tulum ruins near the southern edge of the Mayan Riviera have surpassed even the famed Chichén Itzá in popularity among tourists.
With more than 205,000 visitors in the first two months of 2018, taking in the archaeological site of a Pre-Columbian walled city that served as a major port for Coba.
The Mayan ruins here are some of the best preserved along the Caribbean coast, and its proximity to the bustling cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen make it an ideal day trip for tourists.
Sian Ka'an
A few miles south of Tulum, you'll find Sian Ka'an (meaning "gift from the sky"), a biosphere reserve that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the natural beauty of the region on a nature tour that provides an up-close look at the fragile ecosystem and spectacular flora and fauna found within the reserve's boundaries.
Either explore the reserve by yourself, or you can hire one of the many tour companies in the area to provide you with a guided experience.
Fun in the sun
The clear blue Caribbean waters and the world's second longest barrier reef offer numerous opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which starts at the top of the Yucatán Peninsula and cuts right through the heart of the Mayan Riviera before reaching the shores of Belize, featuring more than 500 fish species and 100 coral species.
Or try cavern diving in the freshwater cenotes and underground rivers that encompass the entire peninsula.
If golf is your thing
You will find a number of world-class courses to tee it up in the Riviera Maya. Start with El Camaleón in the luxury resort of Mayakoba, which hosts an annual PGA Tour event in November.
The Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club provides spectacular jungle views as it carves its way through the interior of the Mayan Riviera, while the Hard Rock Golf Club in Playa del Carmen is just steps from the Caribbean Sea.
Finish your golfing tour at the Cozumel Golf Club, the country's first course to earn the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation by Audubon International.
For the more adventurous types ...
You may want to check out Xplor, one of the largest adventure theme parks in the country.
Two zip lining circuits span over two miles of jungle from above. While jungle tours on amphibious vehicles or rafts allow you splendid views from the ground.
The park also offers Underground River swims while surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites, spelunking through cavernous cave systems, and splashing down in a cenote while strapped into a hammock – a one-of-a-kind adventure found only on the Riviera Maya.
Relaxing in paradise
However, if all you want to do during your Mayan Riviera stay, is to lie on the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery, you have your pick of resorts from which to choose a timeshare rental or vacation rental from Latitude21Resorts.com
The Paraiso & Maroma Beaches
Located near Tulum, the Paraiso Beach has gained worldwide fame for its turquoise waters and soft white sand.
At the other end of the Riviera Maya, you'll find Maroma Beach, just a 10-minute drive north of Playa del Carmen.
Three top-notch resorts dot this virtually untouched stretch of stunning Caribbean coastline.
Magnificent resorts
The Bahia Principe chain operates four resorts in the Riviera Maya, including luxury resorts at Akumal and Sian Ka'an, as well as grand hotels in Coba and Tulum.
Playa del Carmen features Mayakoba, a resort destination with four hotels – Banyan Tree, Rosewood, Fairmont and Andaz – as well as the Viceroy and Grand Velas.
Cozumel's top destinations are: InterContinental Presidente Resort & Spa and The Landmark Resort. While the Desire Pearl in Puerto Morelos is a hidden gem in the region.
The Riviera Maya
We hope this information has become useful and give you a clear idea of where is the Riviera Maya and all this beautiful hotspots that shape this breath taking destination.
Let Latitude21Resorts find the perfect timeshare rental or vacation rental along the Riviera Maya for you. Also, check our best travel tips in our blog.
Comments (0)