Famous for its wide range of inclusive resorts, such as the Ocean Coral and Turquesa, and historical tourism, Riviera Maya is a stunning resort district located to the south of Cancun, Mexico.
Regularly touted as one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, Riviera Maya has a wealth of interesting destinations for both the laid back or adventurous traveler to explore while on vacation. Famous for its wide range of inclusive resorts, such as the Ocean Coral and Turquesa, and historical tourism, Riviera Maya is a stunning resort district located to the south of Cancun, Mexico. Check out some of its most incredible spots:
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
A UNESCO world heritage site, Sian Ka’an Biosphere is home to a massive variety of unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. With the help of a guide, visitors to Sian Ka’an may encounter rare and shy animals such as jaguars, pumas, and tapirs whilst trekking through the lush jungle and mangrove areas of the park. When it comes to birds, there are a plethora of exotic species for visitors to track down too, with the yucatan woodpecker, cinnamon hummingbird, wood stork, and white ibis being some of the most sought after by birdwatchers.
Xcaret Eco Park
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, the Xcaret Eco Park is a perfect destination for families looking to spend a fun and educational day out with their kids. Unlike other more traditional theme parks, Xcaret incorporates the surrounding natural environment and archaeological ruins into its design to teach visitors about the history of the region, its people, and the importance of nature. Inside the park, both adults and youngsters can partake in a wide range of fun activities, such as floating down the paradise river, snorkeling with stingrays, and swimming with gentle nurse sharks.
Puerto Morelos
An ideal destination for the less adventurous, Puerto Morelos is one of Riviera Maya’s best-kept secrets. Nestled on the Caribbean coastline, the peaceful village is a slow-paced getaway where travellers can spend their time snorkelling, swimming, biking, sipping cocktails, or enjoying massages on the beach. Unlike other more busier hot spots in the region, Puerto Morelos remains untouched by overdevelopment and is protected by government eco-reserve designations, ensuring it retains its overall charm. However, a word of warning, those who visit the seaside town often find themselves unwilling to leave the area for the rest of their vacation – the vibe is just that relaxing.
Chichen Itza
Without a doubt, Chichen Itza is one of Mexico’s most iconic tourist destinations. The sacred site was once renowned as the greatest Mayan city in the Yucatan, with several different cultures leaving their mark on it throughout its history. As a result, no trip to Riviera Maya is complete without a trip to see these incredible ruins. Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is divided into two sections, Old Chichen and Chichen Itza. Here, archaeological enthusiasts can learn about and take a tour around 26 unique ruins, all of which are fascinating in their own right. However, by far the most impressive is La Piramide (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan), an incredible Mesoamerican step-pyramid that towers over visitors.
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
