Mayan Riveria (Mayan Riviera) Mexico, Travel Guide

The Mayan Riviera is a stretch of coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico running from just outside Cancun in the North to the ancient Mayan site of Tulum in the South. The name Mayan Riviera is a marketing/development label for a stretch of the Yucatan coast allocated for tourist development. This area of coast South of Cancun was selected for tourist development to ease the pressure on the mega-resort of Cancun and provise a different (more peaceful!)vacation experience.

The Mayan Riviera is part of the Mexican Caribbean. It is on the Eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula which is in turn at the extreme eastern side of Mexico. It faces the warm blue Caribbean sea. The base of the Yucatan Peninsular borders Belize and Guatemala

On the Yucatan the Mayan Riviera runs from just South of the mega-resort area of Cancun in the North to the Mayan site of Tulum in the South. The whole coast is a Caribbean paradise of white-sand beaches and warm seas.

Resorts along the coast vary from the bustling (Play Del Carmen) to the tranquil (Soliman and Tankah) to the simply unique (Tulum with its ancient Mayan ruins).

Historically this area was a vital commercial and religious center for the ancient Mayans, and there are lots of archaeological sites to explore, such as Tulum, Coba and Muyil. For hundreds of years, the area was hard to visit due to the poor roads. The area was developed as a tourist destination as an alternative to the mega-resort area of Cancun.

Most visitors to the Mayan Riviera will arrive at Cancun international airport. This is well served by daily flights from major cities in North America and Europe. Driving to your resort on the Mayan Riviera will take between 45 minutes to a maximu of 2 hours. If your visiting the island of Cozumel you will need to take the frequent ferry from Playa del Carmen

Money

The official currency in Mexico is the Peso although US dollars are almost universally accepted in tourist areas. For visitors from the UK/Europe there is really no point in using US dollars since the exchange rate that you get from shops/restaurants etc. is often very poor (and you will then have converted your Pounds/Euros twice!). Also, you will end up with Pesos even if you pay in US dollars because any change you get will be in Pesos. Another thing to note is that cash dispensers will give out Pesos.

At the time of writing the exchange rate is £1= 20 Mexican Pesos or if you prefer 1 Peso = £0.05. The Euro rate is 1 Euro = 16 Mexican Pesos.

Costs and Atmosphere on the Mayan Riviera

For visitors from North America, the Mayan Riviera is a more laid back alternative to Florida. It can also be cheaper to visit than either Florida or the Caribbean islands such as Barbados or Jamaica.

For visitors from continental Europe or the UK there is the added attraction of the current favorable exchange rate. This can make traveling to the Mayan Riviera a more cost-effective option than visiting Southern Europe over a two-week stay.

Mayan Riviera Ancient Sites

Few tropical destinations have the benefit of the fascinating ancient sites on the Mayan Riviera. At Tulum in the South the ruins are actually right on the coast, so you can admire them from your sun lounger! Other sites of note (all possible in a day) are Coba, Chichen Itza, and, Xel Ha.

Beaches, Diving, Snorkeling and Water Sports

Where does one even start to describe the beaches on the Mayan Riviera: Beautiful white sand beaches with warm ocean water. Warm breezes and your favorite cocktail served at your sun bed - now that's what I call a holiday! The Mayan Riviera is blessed with the stunningly beautiful Caribbean Sea with all its opportunities for water sports and diving/snorkeling. The island of Cozumel is a real magnate for diving enthusiasts, offering deeper water closer to the shore than the mainland resorts.

Activities and Theme Parks

If golf is your thing, you are well catered for here, with courses in or neat all of the major resorts. For the kids try Xel Ha or Xcaret - Eco-Theme parks that they will love. Shopping is fabulous with many bargains to be had including local crafts. Other possibilities include kayaking, sailing, and horse riding.

Where to Stay

The whole of the Mayan Riviera is a caribbean paradise with beautiful white-sand beaches and the warm sea. These are the major resorts along the Mayan Riviera:

Pto Morelos - Small ex-fishing town that retains more of its original character than someother Mayan Riviera resorts. Closest of all resorts to Cancun international airport at the extreme Northern end of the Mayan Riviera. A good selection of restaurants and shops. The great Maya reef is located 500 m off the shore. This reef is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling.

Playa del Carmen - A fast-growing resort with all the facilities and types of accomodation you could need. Attracts an international mix of travelers looking to enjoy the many excellent restaurants and leisure facilities in a beautiful setting on the Carribean. This is the place to come if you want your Caribbean experience combined with many shops, bars, and restaurants. The beaches are still wonderful.

Pto Aventuras - A luxury gated community with fabulous beaches and restaurants. Home to the only marina on the Mayan Riviera and a centre for sport fishing. It is a more peaceful alternative to Playa Del Carmen since it does not have the same number of bars etc.

Akumal - A stunningly beautiful Carribean resort which has been developed in a style that is sympathetic to the local environment. A real jem! Very popular as a centre for diving and snorkeling.

Soliman and Tankah - Great for snorkeling and kayaking - this is the place to go for ultimate relaxation in a low-key resort.

Tulum - If you want you Mayan ruins within easy reach of the sea this is the place for you! Take in some Mayan culture and then hit the beatiful beach. This is a better bet than some of the more developed resorts of you are looking for cheap accomodation.

Cozumel Island - Cozumel (just off the Mayan Riviera coast) has stunning snorkeling on a number of different coral reefs. The diving is also superb. The water clarity is very good and there is deep water close to shore. This means that often you will be able to see the larger fish that do not venture into shallow water. With many shore-side facilities this would be the ideal place for a family with a keen diver/snorkeler. They can admire the coral and you can hit the shops and restaurants!

Conclusion

The range of possibilities on a holiday/vacation to the Mayan Riviera is simply amazing. The climate and Caribbean sea are beautiful, the people firiendly, and the cost reasonable - what are you waiting for?