Riviera Maya

The Mayan Riviera, a natural paradise that merges with the waters of the Caribbean Sea, is a coastal strip that stretches more than 75 mi from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, in the state of Quintana Roo. The climate is near perfect in the region with sunny skies and an average temperature of 77°F.

The terrain is flat, covered by low tropical jungle, and its coast alongside the Caribbean provides many kilometers of powdery white sand beaches, inlets, bays, and mangrove swamps. As in all of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are no important above-ground rivers with the exception of the Rio Hondo, a navigable river on the border with Guatemala. Sweetwater "cenotes" are abundant in the region, and were the original water sources for the ancient population centers of the Maya culture.

Here you can relax or enjoy recreational activities at luxurious resorts nestled in the jungle. The posh hotels offer exclusive golf courses, spas and white-sand beaches, such as El Secreto and El Paraiso, where you can bask in the sun and indulge in all kinds of water sports. For example, you can scuba dive off the coast at a depth of more than 33 feet as you take in the spectacular sights of the Great Meso-American Barrier Reef. You can also discover ancient Mayan cities such as Coba and Tulum; the latter is located right on the beach, and some of the many sites are considered World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. At dusk, don’t forget to visit the spectacular nightclubs, where you can chat with friends over drinks, or you can visit a restaurant and treat yourself to a delicious lobster dinner. These are just some of things you can do in the Mayan Riviera, which is why it has earned a reputation as the ideal destination to enjoy life.

See also: Cozumel, Isla Muejeres, Cancun