The 6 best destinations in Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya is arguably one of the best parts of the country to visit and one of the easiest destinations in Mexico to reach.

  20/09/2017 15:12
You'll fly into Cancun Airport and have an 86-mile coastline stretching along the Yucatan Peninsula at your fingertips. Here you can explore the Mayan Zone, a collection of small communities with agricultural and historical significance in the heart of the state of Quintana Roo. With so many options and such a diverse array of experiences, it can be difficult to plan exactly what to see and where to stay.

Apple Vacations can help you plan your trip to Riviera Maya with all-inclusive packages that include everything from transportation — including flights — to food, lodging, and activities.

Here are the places you should consider if you're visiting Riviera Maya.

1. Tulum

This walled city was one of the last built by the Mayans. The pre-Columbian cliff top ruins are among the best preserved coastal sites where you can see stunning ocean views. Tulum has been a favorite destination for yogis and surfers for many years, but more recently the stylish hippie town has gained a reputation with international foodies, too. Unleash your inner food-lover at Hartwood with its daily-changing chalkboard menu. The daily catch — including grouper, mahi mahi, and Caribbean octopus — is cooked over an open flame for a rustic sea-to-table feast. Another option is for you to visit one of the local favorites, Antojitos La Chiapaneca, for some addictive tacos. Keep your evening going at Gitano with excellent mezcal cocktails and an outdoor disco floor.

2. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular places to stay in the Riviera Maya. This coastal town offers a relaxed environment and welcomes you to wander around the pedestrian-only Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, that stretches 20 blocks. Here, you can enjoy many shops and bars. You can also walk a little further and enjoy beach-front hotels, restaurants, and clubs while taking in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Playa del Carmen is located in the center of the Riviera Maya which makes it a great home base for you to explore the historic ruins and natural wonders of the surrounding area.

3. Akumal

Between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is this small beachfront community. Akumal translates to “place of turtles" in Mayan. You can see where the town gets its name each summer when hundreds of endangered sea turtles return to the shores to lay their eggs. You can scuba dive and check out the beautiful coral reefs that are home to countless tropical fish, or, if you're not scuba-certified, you can enjoy the ocean landscape by snorkeling. You also have the option to dive and explore the fresh water cenotes and shipwrecks. If you prefer to stay on the land, hiking the caves and zip lining at Aktun-Chen National Park is a great way to spend your vacation.

4. Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is a luxurious gated tourist community full of private white-sand beaches. If you want to get out on the water, you can rent a catamaran from the private marina and go fishing. Or, if you're up for a bit more adventure, go swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Center. If staying on land and taking in the tropical scenery is more your speed, you can enjoy playing a round of golf in the jungle surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for tropical birds and iguanas on the fairway.

5. Cobá

This mysterious Mayan city is surrounded by five cenotes, which is fitting because Cobá translates to “muddy waters." At this archaeological site, you can see the hub of an intricate system of paved stone causeways — called sacbes — that once connected Mayan city-states. Climb the steep steps to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid where you can survey the land. You can also purchase local crafts from artisans in the adjacent pueblo. Cobá isn't overly crowded because of its remote location, and many of the structures have not yet been excavated. This makes it a great option if you're looking for history without a lot of tourists.

6. Sian Ka'an

Nature lovers will find peace and immense beauty in the "place where the sky is born," or Sian Ka'an in Mayan. This protected biosphere reserve, the third largest in the country, offers you days of swimming or rowing through picturesque lagoons and hiking into the jungle. You can spot 800 species of plants and 360 different animals, including monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, crocodiles, and turtles. The vibrant ecosystem is filled with a kaleidoscope of color and is still off the beaten path for most visitors — it will make you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

Source Businessinsider
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