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For more information on Playa del Carmen,see www.playadelcarmeninfo.com. You can also get valuable information and detailed maps from Can-Do travel guides at www.mapchick.com. We highly recommend these "guide books in a map."
About the Mayan Riviera: Stretching from the glittering beaches of Cancun in the north to the pristine waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in the south, the Mayan Riviera offers myriad delights to its fortunate visitors. The beaches are among the world’s most beautiful, with warm crystalline waters to entice swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers (click here for link to Tank-Ha Divers). The soft white sand of the Mayan Riviera is never hot due to the unique molecular properties of the limestone from which it was formed. For world-class snorkeling, you have the lagoons of Xel-Ha and Yal-Ku reefs of Akumal among many others.The Caribbean coast of Mexico is rich in archaeological wonders. The ancient Mayan sites closest to Playa del Carmen are Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza. Places of historical significance include Felipe Carrillo Puerto and the pueblo of Bacalar with its enchanting Lake of Seven Colors. Close to Playa, at Xcaret, you can swim in an underground river, watch or swim with dolphins, enjoy a Mexican rodeo or a Mayan ballgame, visit a zoo of local animals, experience an amazing Folklorico night show, and much more. Puerto Aventuras offers world-renowned sport fishing (click here for link to Captain Rick's). You may also appreciate the local flora and fauna at a crocodile farm or botanical garden or explore the many mysterious caves and cenotes (natural swimming holes). For the adventurous, the Sian Ka’an wildlife preserve south of Tulum holds many wonders. And for the bravest of all, there are the nighttime adventures of Cancun, the party capital of the world. This is what one of our guests had to say about her family's adventures on the Riviera Maya: We went to Tulum one day, which was hot and fairly crowded, but our 5- and 6-year olds thought "climbing pyramids" was a great way to spend a morning! We rode the local bus to Tulum and took a cab back. We went to Cozumel a couple of times, shopping and snorkeling. I just love the ferry! We also visited the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Preserve. We took a motorboat tour of the mangrove swamp, then we floated down the Mayan-dug canal in life preservers. It was not until we were back in the boat that Victor, our absolutely charming guide/ caterer (the best tuna salad sandwiches I have ever tasted) mentioned the fairly regular alligator sightings in that area. As my husband said, if one of us was going to get eaten, we'd just as soon all of us get eaten!
About the Yucatan Peninsula: The cradle of Mayan culture offers an endless variety of attractions: scenic, historical, archaeological, cultural and recreational. Spanish and French colonial architecture can be enjoyed in the lovely city of Merida, with its broad avenues and parks. Other colonial towns include Valladolid and Izamal, which is built on the ruins of a Mayan temple. There are numerous Mayan sites in the Yucatan, the most visited being Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Labna, Coba, and of course Tulum on the coast of the Caribbean. Caves, cenotes, and wildlife can be enjoyed throughout the peninsula. For example, you may observe hundreds of flamingoes at their nesting sites at Rio Lagartos and Celestun. The main attraction of the Yucatan, however, may very well be its people. You are sure to be greeted with cheery smiles and helping hands wherever you may venture.
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