The Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, México

Miles of rainforests, beaches, and a center of Mayan culture

The Mayan Riviera is a tropical paradise with miles of rainforests and white sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea in the State of Quintana Roo, in the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico. The Riviera Maya stretches across more than 75 miles (120 kilometers) of shoreline from the small beach town of Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen with the sophisticated town of Playa del Carmen in between. The weather is semi-tropical with a yearly average temperature of 77°F (25°C).

Identified as one of the fastest growing travel destinations in the last 10 years, the Mayan Riviera contains many luxury resorts nestled within tropical jungles, offering many amenities and services, such as championship golf courses and exclusive spas, available to the public. One of these resorts is the Grand Coral Riviera Maya.

The Riviera Maya is one of the most preferred places for snorkeling and scuba diving, since this part of the Caribbean Sea is home to the second largest coral reef in the world – the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – with diving depths of more than 30 feet (10 meters). Near the continental town of Playa del Carmen, not far off shore, is the famous island of Cozumel, known for its many spectacular coral reef formations and colorful fish, the perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean.

Named for the strong influence of Mayan culture in the region, the Mayan Riviera contains a number of archaeological sites with incredible ancient Mayan ruins, such as Coba and Tulum. It was also named for its unparalleled natural beauty, surrounded by rainforests and nature reserves, a stunning blue ocean and white sand beaches.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an ecotourism and UNESCO World Heritage site at the end of the Riviera Maya near Punta Allen where sport fishing is allowed, and travelers can catch swordfish and marlin. Other outdoor activities at the nature reserve include horseback riding and hiking along a Caribbean beach.

Two popular eco parks worth exploring in the Riviera Maya are Xcaret and Xel-Ha with their magnificent natural and cultural attractions, such as tropical vegetation, exotic wildlife, and Mayan ruins. They also contain exquisite underground rivers and cenotes for a unique snorkeling experience. The Mayan Riviera is truly a wonderful place to live life to its fullest and experience life at its finest.