Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula. It's known for its numerous all-inclusive resorts, such as those in the town of Playa del Carmen, and its long beaches. To the south, Tulum is home to yoga retreats and the preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, perched on an outcrop above a white-sand beach.
The Riviera Maya straddles the coastal Federal Highway 307, along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, located in the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN). From there, take the only highway southbound and enjoy the 40-minute scenery past Puerto Morelos, Punta Maroma, and just before Playa del Carmen's city center to Riviera Maya's Grand Velas Riviera Maya all suites resort!
A cenote is a natural phenomenon, a sinkhole in the Earth’s surface. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has an estimated 7,000 cenotes because it is primarily made up of porous limestone. For millions of years, rainfall slowly ate away at the limestone and a huge system of underground caves and caverns was formed. Many filled with water from rain or from the underground water table. When the roof of a water filled cave collapses, a cenote is born. The water found in a cenote may be fresh water, salt water, or both. Structurally it may be completely open, like a lake, almost completely closed with just a small opening at the top, or somewhere in between.
When you’re coming to the Riviera Maya, you might think there’s little more to pack than a bathing suit and flip-flops. But with its jungles to discover, ruins to climb, and underwater worlds to explore, this slice of the Yucatan Peninsula is a dream for adventurers. These Riviera Maya travel tips will ensure that your vacation is amazing:
#1: Sunscreen! All that time in the sun requires skin protection. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply after swimming!
#2: Stay hydrated! Drink water- it's very easy to get dehydrated. Be sure to drink only bottled water!
#3: Visit Xel-Ha all Inclusive- Every activity and experience that the Rivera Maya has to offer in one location and at an all-inclusive price!
#4: Bring bug spray! Preferably bio-degradable bug spray – the mosquitoes here can get intense.
#5: Talk with taxi drivers about the price when you get into a cab before heading to your destination. You can also ask the reception desk at your hotel for general prices.
#6: Bring or rent snorkel equipment – there is a whole world under the water that you will want to explore.
#7: Take a long walk up the beach. They stretch a long time and you can stop into little restaurants for a good drink!