The Riviera Maya, a stretch of coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is a perfect combination of picture-postcard tropical beaches, ancient Mayan archaeological sites and stunning seascapes.
The adventure begins at the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen. Originally just a small fishing town, it’s the hub of the region, with vast swathes of white beaches, superb restaurants and easy access to all the surrounding sights. Just down the road, you can become a dolphin trainer for the day at Dolphinaris.
Out to sea on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the heavenly Cozumel Island is a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. In the island’s main town, San Miguel, you’ll find the small but fascinating Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) with artefacts ranging from traditional Mayan sculptures to exhibits about the island’s spectacular geology. Chankanaab National Park in the south of Cozumel offers stunning botanical gardens and relaxing health spas, as well as the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Diving and snorkelling in Cozumel’s world-class sparkling tropical waters are popular pastimes, but the sea is so clear and teeming with life that you can spot fish from the shore at the tranquil Palancar Beach without getting your feet wet.
At the southernmost tip of Cozumel, Punta Sur Ecological Park is where conch shells whistle in the wind at a Mayan lighthouse and turtles visit thriving mangrove jungles.
Back on the mainland, there are equally impressive and mysterious Mayan archaeological sites at the Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xcaret Park. With temples and ancient buildings all on the dramatic coastline, the views are astonishing.
The beautiful thing about Riviera Maya is that it combines natural and cultural wonders, and one of the best places to experience this is at the Kantun-Chi ecological park, where you can explore jungle gardens and dive into the pure water of breath-taking cenotes (sinkholes). It’ll soon become clear why centuries ago, the Mayan people thought this place was sacred.
