Mexico’s Riviera Maya – Your Next Vacation Spot
Located in the eastern section of the Yucatan Peninsula just South of Cancun and bathed on two sides by the crystal clear turquoise water of the Caribbean lies the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Stretching down the peninsula coastline starts the Riviera Maya and due to its lush jungle, landscape, shoreline and long history, Riviera Maya has a variety of attractions to entice travelers. A vacationer traveling to the Riviera Maya has a vast selection of either relaxing on the beaches or engaging in any one of multiple stimulating activities that are available.
Water Activities
Water activities in Riviera Maya run the spectrum from the quiet tranquility of secluded white sandy beaches to thrilling scuba diving. Those who are into adventure and scuba diving will be amazed exploring the breathtaking Great Maya coral reef. Formed due to the warm transparent water, it is the second largest barrier reef system in the world. The reef is home to a varieties of corals. It is teeming with numerous kinds or reef-dwelling fish, not to mention the colorful marine life that can also be found there, such as, sponges, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, lobsters and crabs. Divers and those who like to snorkel will also be impressed investigating the subterranean freshwater rivers with exceptional cavern structures. The ardent fisherman will take great pleasure in the sport fishing that is available here.
Golf
The area boasts a large choice of professionally designed courses for enjoying a challenging round of golf. Along with the magnificent landscape and gorgeous views, there are driving ranges, putting greens and club houses. Quality golf merchandise (if you forgot yours) can be purchased in all of the pro shops.
Spas
During the day, one can visit a spa for the ultimate in relaxation. Each spa provides their own forms of services from various types of exercises and massage methods, such as Yoga, Shiatsu, Reflexology, hot stone massage and scalp massage to soothing body scrubs and wrap treatments. In addition, you can awaken your senses with all sorts of aromatherapy baths or indulge in more traditional therapies, like facials, hair treatments, manicures and pedicures.
Natural Parks and Archaeological Sites
While vacationing in the Riviera Maya, one ought to visit at least one ecological reserve in the area. The Sian Ka’an biosphere affords the visitor an astonishing view of nature at her finest. It is here that many diverse species of flora and fauna converge into a nature lover’s delight. Xcaret EcoPark is both an ecological and archaeological park. Sightseeing is a wonderful cultural indulgence at the ancient Mayan ruins. While most structures are Mayan in origin, there is a Catholic church that was erected by the Spaniards. Some of the exhibits that can be seen at Xcaret are the Orchid Greenhouse, Butterfly Pavilion, Manatee Lagoon, the Mushroom Farm and the Coral Reef Aquarium. You can even swim with bottle-nose dolphins if that’s your pleasure.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen (not named after me) is the major town in the region and runs along the beach, offering tourists prominent hotels to stay at. The pulse of the city has got to be Fifth Avenue (Quinto Avenida) which is the main street catering to pedestrians as cars are not allowed. While strolling down Fifth Avenue, you are likely to see artists, musical groups and other unusual sights. Playa del Carmen affords the avid shopper a wide-ranging choice from delightful browsing in boutiques for colorful local handicrafts to picking up the latest trends in European fashions. Most of the Riviera Maya’s restaurants are located in Playa del Carmen and of these, the greater part are located on or near Fifth Avenue. You are able to dine on authentic Mexican cuisine, American style or International menus like Italian. After a fun-filled day about town, vacationers can partake in the intense partying and dancing that goes through the night in the bars and night clubs.
The memorable Riviera Maya is a vacation destination that appeals to every taste and desire which is guaranteed to produce lovely memories that will endure a lifetime. For an outstanding tropical getaway, it is hard to find a better resort location for your next vacation.