Although the eastern shore of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known because of its many various kinds of saltwater fishing (with an implausible variety of edible species to go after), it is in reality only a small part of what the Mayan Riviera has to offer. In reality, the key attraction of Mexico’s Caribbean coast is the kilometers and kilometers of pristine, sandy seashores, with internationally known swimming and snorkeling certainly available. There is a reason why this really is one of the hottest areas of Mexico; holiday rentals in the vicinity allow for ideal bases of operations when exploring this amazing part of the world.
Chances are you will be delivered at the Cancun International Airport, that is where the Mayan Riviera initiates. Get a rental car and go south on Highway 307, which the Mexican government has newly upgraded and maintains in outstanding condition for tourists to the vicinity. This drive alone is worth the trip, since the highway rarely strays in excess of half a mile or so from the coast. Along the way, you will witness a multitude of beach vacation rentals (though you’ll usually have to reserve one well ahead of time, since they are very much in demand – try visiting Riviera Maya House Rentals at http://www.rivieramayahouserentals.com or Mexico Villas at http://www.mexicovillas.com for the latest information on availability).
One of the top hotspots along la Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen (which translates as “Carmen’s Beach” after the patron saint of Cancun), approximately 50 miles south of the airport. Capital of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, this area is home to exceptional, reasonably-priced vacation rentals and several of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It’s also the western hub for the Cozumel Ferry; the island is just a few kilometers off the seashore and also is where excellent snorkeling is to be found. This is also home to a lot of stores offering a large variety of goods and memorabilia; if you are visiting from one of the cruise ships that coast through the waters of the western Caribbean, you’ll not need to pay fees on these items.
In the city of Playa del Carmen itself, the youngsters will probably be delighted to find an authentic petting zoo where they they’ll touch a lion and a boa constrictor. And when it’s hora de comer (time for a meal), there are abundant eateries and bistros at which you and your family can sample the local cooking while listening to conventional live mariachi musical talent.
This part of Mexico is a superb location to learn more about the amazing Mayan civilization, which gave this part of Yucatan its title. The the old ruins of multiple cities are within a couple of hours’ car ride or bus ride, like Chichen Itza, one of the best preserved of the ancient Mayan cities, and Palenque, which has been principally restored and offers examples of the three-thousand-year-old Mayan ball pastime of ulama, and that is still played by some of the local aboriginal peoples.
When it comes to places to stay, you’ll have many options in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, which is about 2 hours drive south of Cancun airport. If a “big city” feel is what you’re going for, there are plenty of Yucatan hotel options and Playa del Carmen hotels and resorts that will meet your needs. If affordability and personalized service are more your style, Tulum hotels are the way to go. As you’re in the area, don’t miss eighteen holes of golf at nearby Playacar in addition to the Xaman-Ha Aviary and Cavernas Sache, an incredible underground cave with spectacular natural beauty.
