Mayan Riviera Mexico or Rivera Maya in Spanish comprises nearly 100 miles of beautiful white sand beaches with brilliant turquoise colored water located just South of Cancun Beaches.
This world renowned paradise offers mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan ruins, ecological reserves and the world's second largest coral reef.
Rivera Maya Mexico has many interesting sites and exotic beaches
The Mayan Riviera runs along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo. Beginning south of Cancun, in Puerto Morelos, it extends down to Punta Allen, a fishing village within the Sian Ka'an Reserve.
It is quickly becoming a center of international and local tourism, featuring pristine exotic beaches and blue waters unparalleled to any others in Yucatan Mexico. The Mexican Caribbean has a few very important islands of which Cozumel Mexico and Cancun are the most important.
History of the Mayan Riviera
This area was an important commercial and religious center for the ancient Mayans, and there are many archaeological sites to discover in the area, such as Tulum, Coba and Muyil.
For hundreds of years, the area remained isolated from the rest of the country due to the lack of adequate roads. As Cancun was developed, some tourists wanted an alternative to the mega resort area, and the Mayan Riviera was discovered.
Although there are hotels and tourist amenities throughout the area, there are many ecotourism options that allow visitors to experience the natural resources and amazing biodiversity of this beautiful region of Mexico
This was a sleepy fishing village but has grown into a cosmopolitan town, the largest in the Mayan Riviera, but still small enough to get around on foot.
For nightlife, dining and shopping, Playa del Carmen is the place, but above all, the beach is is your main purpose in coming here.
Playacar is a nearby resort area offering all kind of beach accommodations and some All Inclusive Resorts
Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico's largest island is across the channel from Playa del Carmen and you get there by ferry in about 20 minutes.
Chankanaab National Park, located in the center of the island, has a botanical garden featuring tropical plants and many endemic species of small animals and birds. This place is idyllic for Ecotourism.
Chankanaab Lagoon, a natural aquarium with more than 60 species of tropical fish, crustaceans and corals.
Tulum
Has some budget options for accommodation as well as some nice cabanas to rent along the beach. Tulum was once a busy Mayan ceremonial center and trading port.
The ruins are in a spectacular setting, on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
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Ecological Parks and Reserves in the Rivera Maya
XCaret Eco Theme Park
A very full day can be spent in Xcaret swimming in underground rivers, snorkeling, seeing a reenactment of the Pre Hispanic ball game, visiting ancient Mayan ruins and topping off the day by watching the spectacular cultural show that is presented every evening.
Xelha Park
In Xel Ha subterranean currents of fresh water combine with salt water producing a unique ecosystem with multitudes of tropical fish perfect for snorkeling.
Other activities at this water theme park include floating along the river on inner tubes, swinging over cenotes and swimming with dolphins.
You may also go on an ecological walking tour through the surrounding jungle, or take a break on "Hammock Island."
Xcaret Eco park is a great example of Caribbean Ecotourism
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Aktun Chen
This park covers rain forests and is home to three caves with underground rivers. An easy walking tour of the main cave lasts about an hour and allows visitors to witness spectacular geological formations. Walking through the park's jungle paths offers the chance to glimpse some of the area's wildlife.
Xaman Ha Aviary
This open air sanctuary in Playacar provides a natural habitat to over 60 species of tropical birds. Meander the sanctuary's paths and trails and see if you can spot toucans, macaws, flamingos, egrets, herons and other beautiful birds of the area.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
One of the largest protected areas in Mexico, Sian Ka'an has 2500 square miles of unspoiled natural beauty with unexcavated Mayan ruins, freshwater canals, mangroves, lagoons and inlets.
Visitors can learn about its diverse wildlife and participate in conservation projects. Ecological tours of the reserve are offered, as well as kayak tours and fly fishing.
Playa del Carmen
A visit to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, its beaches, its waters, its weather, the islands of Cancun and Cozumel and the famous ruins is a must in your future plans for a Caribbean Beach vacation.
Map of the Mayan Riviera
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