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Riviera Maya
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Coming Soon!
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Coming Soon!
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Riviera Maya
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As most everyone knows, Mexico's Caribbean coast and the resorts of Cancún and Cozumel have become two of the world's most popular playgrounds. What many don't realize is that south of Cancún there is a region taking shape as Mexico's newest, and perhaps most unique, holiday land. Newly labeled the "Riviera Maya," this string of sparkling beaches, Mayan archeological sites, villages and resorts is now an attractive alternative for vacationers wanting a Mexican Caribbean getaway without the crowds and clamor.
 During the 1980's the region became known through popular day trips to the coastal archaeological site of Tulum and the snorkelers' paradise at Xel-Há.
Arriving at Cancun's international airport, you're less than an hour's drive from the heart of the Riviera Maya. The area's first major resorts opened in the early 90's, fortifying the handful of existing, somewhat rustic, bungalow- type properties.
The region's main allure is its stunning Caribbean beauty, coupled with cultural and adventure attractions. A craggy lime-stone shore mixes long stretches of sugar-white, palm-fringed beaches, with grottoes and tropical coves. The world's second longest barrier reef lies just off shore, while underground rivers, cenotes, caves and jungles lure adventure-lovers. Exotic animal life inhabits the area's scrub rain forests, affording visitors nature-bound excursions as well. Eco-adventure attractions at Tres Rios, Xcaret, Xpu-Há, and Xel-Há showcase the region's unique ecology.
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Mayan archaeological sites also pepper the region, testimony to the area's importance to ancient sea bound trade. A mixture of developed sites (Tulum, Xcaret, Cobá) and unexcavated ruins make for adventurous exploration into the region's mysterious Mayan past.
The Riviera Maya region technically begins at Playa del Secreto and ends at Punta Allen. The region also encompasses the 1.3 million-acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico's most fascinating ecotourism "adventure land".
With facilities confined to a few pockets of resort development, nearly all of the region's coast is uninhabited and ideal for seaside relaxation.
Visitors can choose between budget 3-star hotels in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, the relaxed barefoot charm offered by several rustic bungalow-style inns, or go "first class" at one of several new five-star resorts (mostly all-inclusives), complete with marinas, championship golf, shopping, and dining.
The main building boom is at Playa del Carmen and its swanky neighbor Playacar. This once sleepy Caribbean outpost has become the resort hub of what promises to become Mexico's next major destination region.
While Cancún and Cozumel continue as the Yucatan's main attractions, the Riviera Maya offers much more than just an outing from Cancún.
Mexico Ministry of Tourism
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Things "To See & Do" - Riviera Maya
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Playa del Carmen
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(68 km. south of Cancún) Situated along four kilometers of beautiful Caribbean beach, Playa del Carmen is undergoing a transformation the likes of which few Mexican towns have experienced. Once a sleepy Caribbean outpost, Playa has evolved into a major tourist destination and hub for Riviera Maya visitors. With daily cruise ship arrivals, easy access to Cancun's airport (a 50 minute drive), frequent ferry departures to Cozumel Island, and several mega-resort developments, the city (population 20,000) is beginning to seriously compete with Cancún and Cozumel in attracting visitors. The city proper is a fairly typical Mexican town. Many streets are still unpaved, construction projects and vacant lots abound. However, spend a few days here and you'll see that Playa has a surprisingly cosmopolitan ambiance.
Visitors from around the world flock downtown in the morning and evening hours. The Plaza Municipal faces the city's spectacular beach - a heavenly swath of white sand and silky turquoise water. The square is filled with people of diverse nationalities at all hours. There's a bus station and passenger ferry pier nearby (frequent bus departures to both Cancún city and Cancún airport - $3.50 per person). Also near the Plaza is the city's main pedestrian arcade, Quinta Avenida. The street comes alive in the evenings with Mexicans and foreigners exploring Playa's excellent assortment of shops, boutiques, outdoor cafes, and live music. Enjoy the Caribbean a la Mexico!
Just to the south of Playa is the very upscale residential/resort development of Playacar. Opened in the 1980's this private, gated development is the site of several new all-inclusive resorts. An 18-hole golf course (Playacar Golf Club) is the area's best, designed by Robert Von Hagge, and open to the public. There's also an aviary, three upscale shopping malls, and million dollar villas all set in a beautiful landscaped development of winding tree-lined streets.
Another attraction of Playacar are numerous small archaeological sites (over 100) scattered throughout the development. For the Mayans, the town that is now Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area was known as Xaman-Ha, or "northern waters." It was the main departure point for the trip to Cozumel to worship the goddess Ixchel. Pilgrims probably stopped here to rest and enjoy the beaches before sailing over to the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean.
Night life in Playa can be either quiet or exciting, depending on one's taste. In the dozen or so bars in town there are all kinds of music ranging from reggae, rock, techno and jazz to salsa and African drums. Some of the larger hotels also offer evening entertainment and discos, but most opt for people-watching, browsing the internet at a cyber-café, or conversation with an inter-national mix of visitors.
Unique Playa del Carmen attractions include:
- Xaman-Ha Aviary: Located within the Playacar resort, this aviary, with 1.8 hectares of tropical forest, is home to over 200 birds of 60 different species.
- Cavernas Sacba: One of the most beautiful caverns in the peninsula, complete with a stunning array of stalagmites and stalagmites, both above and below water.
The town's convenient location makes Playa del Carmen an excellent base for Riviera Maya exploration.
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Ferry to Cozumel
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Two passenger ferries operate from here to Cozumel. There are two options: the modern jet boat service ($61 pesos each way; 30 min. crossing; 12 departures daily) or second class ferry service ($31pesos each way; 50 min. crossing; 8 departures daily). Opt for the jet boat (air-conditioned, with music videos, snack bar).
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Dining in Playa del Carmen
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Nearly every restaurant in Playa is either directly on Quinta Avenida or a block or two away. Prices are affordable, and many establishments have North American or European owners. If staying in Playacar, visitors should venture out from their all-inclusive resorts for at least a visit or two.
- Le Bistro: new café serving limited menu of affordable home-style French dishes.
- Blue Lobster: quiet candlelit setting; steak, grilled seafood.
- La Carmela: fine gourmet dining in a lovely candle lit setting; at the Plaza Antigua mall.
- La Choza: delicious home-style Mexican cooking; free drinks with meal.
- Hemmingway: gourmet dining, Mexican cuisine, and international dishes. Lovely tree-filled setting.
- Jaguar: Italian grilled seafood, pastas, pizza, and more.
- Karen's Grill & Pizzeria: this lively bar/restaurant is a popular hang-out; Mexican grilled seafood, pizza, grilled meats; live music each evening.
- Lazy Lizard: street side café with varied menu of Mexican and international dishes.
- Limones: international menu, setting is in a terraced garden with candle lit tables and fountains.
- Media Luna: fresh homemade pastas, crepes, seafood and delicious desserts.
- La Parrilla Cantina: delicious grilled meat specialties.
- Sabor: health food, bakery, and vegetarian dishes. A local favorite.
- Señor Frog's: right next to the ferry pier; "mother" margaritas, great barbecue, lots of shrimp dishes and fun waiters.
- Tequileria: who needs to eat! Very cute three-story tequila store (dozens of brands)with street side bar serving great margaritas.
- Yaxche: delicious regional Maya cuisine; 5th Ave.
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Xcaret
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(sh-kar-ET; 76 km. south of Cancún) Billing itself as "nature's sacred paradise," this private ranch-turned-eco-archaeological park combines interesting ruins with beautiful coves, inlets, grottoes and natural wells. Once a Mayan port for departures to Cozumel, Xcaret is a destination attraction like no other. Part Disneyland, part zoo, part beach resort, Xcaret balances commercialism with conservation while showcasing the essence of the Riviera Maya experience. It hosts an average of 1,500 daily visitors who come to learn about the area's ecology and Mayan history while relaxing on the beach, floating down one of two rivers, swimming with dolphins ($80 US fee applies; $55 US for 30 minutes), or wandering jungle-shrouded trails.
Several small Mayan temples and an excellent Mayan archaeology museum can be explored, along with a fascinating aquarium, turtle hatchery, crocodile pens,
an awesome butterfly hatchery, and sea turtle farm spread over 200 acres of tropical forest. The park's newest attractions are a hilltop wedding chapel (call for details about wedding packages) and a spectacular evening folkloric music and dance performance.
Principal Attractions
- Aquarium: impressive aquarium divided into six sections each corresponding to a different ecosystem.
- Museum: This cultural center houses 19 scale models of the most important pyramids of the Mayan civilization.
- Animals: There are many places to observe animals in their natural habitat: the Aviary, the Jaguar and Puma island, the Flamingo island, the Spider monkey island, the Bat cave and the Butterfly Pavilion.
- Botanical Garden: both an educational and beautiful experience with over 100 different types of trees as well as a mushroom and orchid farm.
- Mayan Village: In this small village, where indigenous Maya clothed in their traditional colorful garments receive visitors, people can explore thatch-covered buildings and traditional houses filled with handicrafts and hammocks.
There are six restaurants on site, sports equipment rental, and several souvenir shops. Entrance fee is $39 US; $24 for kids 5-11; under 5 are free; lower prices on Sundays. A colorful bus departs daily from Cancún to Xcaret ($69 US with transfers).
Tel.(98) 830654 Fax. (98) 833709
xcaret@ccnet.net
www.xcaretcancun.com.
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Golf
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The Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club - South of Puerto Morelos, is a P.B. Dye-designed, 6,712 yard 18-hole course. Situated across from the Iberostar Paraiso Maya resort. Discover world class golf in the Riviera Maya. The design incorporates the native Mayan jungle and dramatic vertical movement. Narrow fairways, undulating greens and deep bunkers will challenge your game from start to finish.
Prepare for a challenge and enjoy the views. Facilities include lighted driving range and putting green as well as showers and lockers for both men and women. A full service pro shop offers the latest in golf merchandise. High quality rental equipment Titleist, Mizuno and Nike is available.
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Dress Code: proper golf attire
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Rating: 72.4/69.7/67.4/67.7
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Spike Policy: soft only
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Bar: yes
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GPS tracking: no
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Bunkers: yes
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Lessons: yes
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Conference Facilities: yes
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Yardage: 6641/6133/5652/4680 yds
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Golf Carts: yes
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Club House: yes
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Banquet Facilities: yes
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Yardage Markers: sprinklers
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Pull Carts: no
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Pro Shop: yes
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Water Holes: yes
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Slope: 136/130/121/120
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Showers: yes
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Restaurant: yes
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Caddies: no
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Lockers: yes
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Five-somes Policy: no
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Rider Fee: $30
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Walking Allowed: no
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Practice Green: yes
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Greens: Paspalum
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Driving Range: yes
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Fairways: Paspalum
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Club Rental: $40 Nike/Mizuno/Titleist
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The Playacar Golf Club - Approximately 15 km away from the Iberostar Paraiso del Mar. Playacar's championship-level golf course was carved right out of the jungle by the Robert Von Hagge Associates. This 7,202 yard course is rated 73.1 and has plenty of tee boxes for every level of play. It is situated next to Playa del Carmen.
- Cost is approximately $120.00 cart included.
- Lessons are available. Club Rental fee $40.00
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Coming Soon!
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Coming Soon!
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