Map of Maya Riviera with cities. What country is the Mayan Riviera
\u003e Mexico Travel Tips
Mexico - The country is certainly interesting for all categories of tourists. When traveling to Mexico, you can combine cognitive tourism with beach tourism, if desired
it is possible to see two great oceans in one trip - the Pacific and Atlantic.
Most Russians who love travel have discovered the pyramids of Egypt, and now they can compare them with the beautifully preserved Mayan pyramids.
In addition, in 2011 a simplified regime was introduced for obtaining free visas to Mexico for Russians. There are currently direct Transero flights to Cancun.
Mexican Resorts
Map of Mexico with resorts
The resorts of Mexico are located on the shores of two oceans - on the Pacific coast the most luxurious resorts in Mexico - the name of one of them is probably known to everyone - Acapulco. The other two resorts are less well-known and, nevertheless, also popular are Costa Alegre and Puerta Vallarta.
The Pacific coast is especially famous for its mild climate, long and wide beaches. Hotels on this coast are high-level, plenty of nightly entertainment, upscale restaurants.
Cancun and Riviera Maya
The coast of the Atlantic Ocean, or rather, the Caribbean coast, is more democratic and more popular among Russians - the most famous resorts on the Caribbean coast are Cancun and the Riviera are Maya.
From Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, excursions are made to Chichen Itza - the main attraction of the Yucatan Peninsula. This ancient Mayan city is perfectly preserved, the center of which is the famous Kukulkan pyramid. Included in the UNESCO list.
Map of Cancun resort with hotels. Map of Maya Riviera resort with hotels
Cancun
Cancun unusual resort - as all hotels are located on the island. The island is very narrow and long, beautifully curved in the form of the number seven.
When choosing hotels, one should take into account that the short horizontal part of the island is practically closed from the waves by the island of Mujeres located in front of it
In addition, as can be seen from the map, it is from this part of the island that it is most convenient to travel to the city center. The whole length of the island is 25 km, so it will take about 30 - 40 minutes to travel from the most distant hotels to the center.
Mayan Riviera
When Cancun was no longer able to accommodate all tourists who wanted to stay there, the resort began to develop Mayan Riviera.
A huge strip of beaches stretches 130 km south of Cancun. The extreme northern point of the Mayan Riviera is Puerto Morelos, the extreme south of Punta Alen.
Puerto Morelos - a village that preserves the color, nearby is the Yash-che Garden, the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve - an underground river with stalagmites.
Akumal - differs from other towns in that next to it is a coral reef. Turtles, stingrays and naturally a huge number of beautiful marine fish live in the lagoon
Playa del carmen - a resting place for European tourists, a great place for shopping, hotel life and the life of the town are not separated from each other, you can find quite cheap accommodation.
Tulum is the town farthest from the airport (130 km), and is popular firstly from a very beautiful beach, and secondly due to the fact that it is located in the archaeological zone of Tulum. Tulum is an ancient Mayan city, towering on 12 meter high rocks. This place asks for a photograph, because the ruins are perfectly combined with the sea landscapes.
Book plane tickets
You might be interested.
Finally, there was time to leave a review about our unforgettable vacation. Before the trip, they searched for useful information for a long time, both about the country as a whole and about the hotel, but unfortunately, they found very little. Therefore, we definitely wanted to leave a review. And so, let's begin, upon arrival at the airport, we wanted to change the currency in pesos, before that we read reviews where people wrote that the airport is more profitable than the hotel. They wanted to change all the money at once, but something stopped, and they changed only $ 500. They reached the hotel for 1.5 hours, the bus was comfortable, the roads there are gorgeous. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were handed a Margarita cocktail, it was nice, we settled in without problems. The room was not large, but comfortable. From the wilted was everything except a mini-bar. Two bottles of water were standing near the sink, and water was not replenished every day, they had to type themselves in bars or restaurants. Without a refrigerator is not very convenient, but not fatal \u003d). The safe is paid, it costs $ 3 per day, we used it, it was calmer with it. The room is located on the ground floor, with a balcony and two chairs. Iguanas were often fed from the balcony, they were lying there every day in the sun. Willingly, they ate not only lettuce, but also hamburger buns)) I never thought that an iguana could run xD so fast. The hotel area is small, but very green and well-groomed, the staff works every day. There are several pools, about 6 restaurants, well, in principle, in the description of the hotel all the information is. We were in almost all restaurants except the Spanish Terrace. Most of all we liked the grill bar, there were just awesome steaks, visited it 3 or 4 times))) You can go to Japanese once, everything is not very tasty, but the cook is interestingly preparing everything with you with a small show. Above the main restaurant there is a cafe where they make delicious milkshakes, ice cream with pancakes and other goodies, we highly recommend \u003d) In general, a very diverse cuisine, every day in the main restaurant themed evenings, such an abundance of dishes have never been seen anywhere else, a large selection of meat dishes, seafood, fruits, in general, will not get bored. The piglets are especially gorgeous \u003d) The animation here is also at its best starting from morning exercises and you won’t be bored all day. Every evening, a show program in the theater, songs, dances, competitions ... cool! The Caribbean is a separate conversation, it’s simply unbelievably fantastic, the water was super warm, the entry into the sea is rocky, but there are places where you can go well. Due to the time difference, we swam in the sea already from 7 in the morning, at this time, probably only the Russians are swimming, the rest are still sleeping. Americans don’t enter the sea at all; they spend the whole day in the pool. Every day you can ride a catamaran, you just need to book in the morning, from 8 o’clock. There is a canoe for hire. Everything without a motor in the hotel is free)) and it pleases. We rented bicycles, also for free, drove them to the supermarket, which is located on the highway, for about 10 minutes. Prices are good there, you can safely shop. It is very convenient to change money there. You buy candy for $ 1, give $ 100 and ask for change in peso, the course is very profitable. The scheme is working)))) It’s better not to change money at the Airport at all, at the hotel the course was more profitable than at the airport, in floating carmen, the course is even more profitable than at the hotel. If you change, then there. I advise you to change quite a bit in the peso, in all markets you can pay in dollars and the rate is not bad, you can bargain with a taxi driver, you still need to carry a little peso with you. Even next to the hotel there is a dolphinarium, literally 5-7 minutes walk. It is in the public domain, you can safely watch how dolphins swim completely free. There are also a bunch of restaurants. We didn’t dare to eat there, but drank freshly squeezed juices, they are just awesome and not expensive, we recommend this)))) In general, the hotel is very well located and is located in the guarded area, where they are allowed by passes, it is considered a safe place. We went to the carmen’s business at the team (minibus), right on the opposite of the supermarket on the Cancun-Tulum highway, you vote and they stop if there are empty seats. Returned back by taxi, it seems for $ 20 agreed. The main thing is to say that the hotel is located in Port Aventura, that is, another Catalonia is located further. Once they nearly drove there))) We went on excursions mainly with a small group of Russian tourists according to individual programs. It was very fun, interesting and comfortable. Many thanks to everyone who traveled, especially Lyuba and Natasha, who gathered everyone and Nikolai, who always knew more than the guide))).
We chose the hotel for a long time and did not know where to go, to Cancun or here. As a result, we were not mistaken and were satisfied. This hotel fully draws on its stated 4 stars. No wonder they say that the Caribbean service is the best!
We flew right after the wedding and were set up for an excellent vacation, so we were not upset by the long flight at the very last places in the tail of the plane (where even the seat does not fold out). Our honeymoon was unforgettable. Mexico is an amazing country with a rich history and extraordinary nature !!! I want to return there more than once!
Alexey and Alena
The Riviera Maya is Mexico's most popular tourist destination along the Mexican 307 motorway, which stretches parallel to the Caribbean coast 120 km long on the Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo. This area historically began in the city of Playa del Carmen and ended in Tulum . Cities Puerto morelos north of Playa del carmen and Felipe Carrillo Puerto 40 kilometers south of Tulum (historically outside the Riviera Maya) is currently positioned as part of the tourist corridor. By the way, the Riviera Maya was originally called the “Corridor Cancun – Tulum ”, But in 1999 it was renamed“ Riviera Maya “. It is the fastest growing tourist destination in Mexico in the 21st century. Touristic region includes cities Puerto morelos , Playa del carmen Puerto Aventuras, Akumal , Tulum and cozumel Island.
 |
| Mayan Riviera Map |
Perfect weather, beaches with amazingly white sand (one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean), crystal clear water made the Riviera Maya an ideal place for a beach holiday. Tourists can enjoy water skiing, diving, snorkeling in the cenotes, swimming with dolphins, zipline tours (rope descents), horseback riding tours, fishing, sailing, excursions to the jungle, and relaxation in theme parks. Mayan ruins are of great interest, especially Tulum on the coast, Chichen Itza and Koba at some distance from the sea. The eco-parks of Shkaret (Xcaret) and Shel-Ha (Xel-Ha) also include small archaeological ruins.
Culturally, the Riviera Maya region is significantly different from the rest of Mexico due to its connections with the Mayans. Residents still continue to widely use the Mayan language. The jungle-covered plain landscape is dotted with the ancient ruins of a once powerful civilization. But 500 years after the final collapse, the remnants of the Mayan culture continue to live in Yucatan dishes, in geographical names, and hospitality of local residents. Tourism is the basis of the region’s economy; visitors are treated well or too well.
Natural attractions of the Riviera Maya
Cenotes. The rapid seepage of moisture into groundwater (despite a significant rainfall of -1500 mm per year) led to the complete absence of any rivers. Instead, a network of underground rivers was formed in karst rocks, access to which through cenotes. Some cenotes come to the surface, others are deep underground and are part of an extensive cave system. Cenotes vary in size - from half a meter in diameter to the size of a small lake. The transparency of the water in these underground waters often exceeds 70 meters. In 2008, the Quintana Roo State Speleological Society counted more than 700 kilometers of tunnels flooded with water within the Riviera Maya. The region has two of the longest cave systems in the world - Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha.
Cenote diving is a popular activity in the Yucatan. Many cenotes are 30 to 45 minutes away from Playa del carmen some of them are very close to tulum . Cenote diving requires a PADI certificate and at least five dives. For those who do not have certificates, they offer snorkelling tours. The fee for using cenotes depends on the availability of toilets, cafes, showers, rental points for diving equipment, snorkelling, etc.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef - one of the main attractions of the Riviera Maya (often called the Barrier Reef of Belize). It starts at Cancun and stretches along the entire length of the Riviera Maya south to Guatemala. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second longest in the world (1000 km). Stingrays, turtles, sea bass, barracudas and sharks, many small, colorful fish swim around coral reefs.
Cities of the Mayan Riviera
Playa del carmen. Due to the rapid development and incredible congestion Cancun , in the 1980s, the Mexican government drew attention to a small village Playa del carmen . In just two decades, it has grown into a city with a population of over 150,000 inhabitants. Most types of vacation in Playa del carmen concentrated in water - fabulous beaches for swimming, snorkelling or diving. Playa del carmen is the base point for trips along the Riviera Maya. From here it is convenient to visit the natural parks and Mayan ruins ( Tulum and Koba) on South, Cancun in the north, take a ferry to cozumel Island in the east. More about Playa del Carmen
Puerto Moreloslocated 30 km north of Playa del Carmen. Its main attraction is the coastal reefs and the quiet atmosphere of a small town. Prices are lower, the pace of life is calmer. Most of all, it attracts tourists seeking a relaxing beach holiday. More on Puerto Morelos
Akumal. This small beach resort in the Mayan Riviera is located between Playa del carmen and Tulum . Main attraction Akumal - a beautiful bay (Half Moon bay), a beach with turtles (Akumal) and the Yal-Ku Lagoon. More about Akumal
Cozumel- A very beautiful island and an important port of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean. The island is known for water sports and recreation: diving, snorkelling, fishing. In the 1960s, Jacques-Yves Cousteau called Cozumel one of the 10 best diving sites in the world. The very mention of Cozumel associated with tropical fish, clear water and a world of beautiful corals. More about Cozumel
Tulum. The southern borders of the Mayan Riviera end in Tulum , one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, a combination of the secrets of ancient civilization and the beauty of the Caribbean. Tulum - the only ancient Mayan city on the coast. The archaeological area dates from the 12th-13th centuries. The remains of the city walls with roads, houses and temples have been preserved. Not the largest Maya city is considered one of the most beautiful due to the beach and coastal cliffs. Ruin Tulum world-famous, the nearby modern city continues to be a quiet Mexican province. Tourists stay in the Hotel Zone of Tulum - a quiet place for a beach holiday. More about Tulum
Eco-Theme Parks Mayan Riviera
The Mayan Riviera is known for its eco-theme parks. In other countries (such as the United States), parks, like these, are managed by government agencies. In Mexico, everything is built on a commercial basis; private business designs, builds, operates and makes profit from these enterprises. The fact that they are in private hands does not make them less attractive to tourists. Parks are located in shallow bays, usually with a stone rather than a sandy bottom. It is not very convenient for relaxation, but the water is much cleaner and more transparent than around resorts or cities. Theme parks attract large crowds of vacationers due to the variety of types of recreation and entertainment. When visiting Maya Riviera, be sure to visit Shkaret and Shel Ha, two of Mexico's most famous theme parks.
Shkaret(Xcaret). A five minute drive south of Playa del Carmen is Xcaret. Located in a beautiful location on the bay, the "ecological and archaeological park" has reconstructed archaeological ruins, a Mayan village, caves, a botanical garden, jaguars, deer and other wild animals, a bird’s aviary, a butterfly pavilion, a coral aquarium, sea turtles, but more In all, it is known for its underground river. It offers guests diving, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding tours, the opportunity to wander along the paths among the jungle, relax on the beach, eat in one of the five restaurants. Exciting evening shows combine Mayan stories and Mexican folk dances. Park website www.xcaret.com
Shel Ha (Xel-Ha) is 15 km from Tulum . This is a kind of "natural aquarium" in which saltwater is mixed with fresh water from underground rivers, forming a unique ecosystem. Popular among snorkeling enthusiasts, the park is surrounded by dense jungle, caves, karst lakes, and even a couple of small archaeological sites. It offers tourists swimming with dolphins, snorkelling, diving, bike rental, jumping from rocks. Park website www.xelha.com
Splor(Xplor). This natural park has a number of limestone caves, grottoes and underground rivers. It offers tourists hiking trails, beach vacations, rafting on the underground river, off-road jungle riding, zip-line tours. Park site
