The eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula holds a treasure trove of environmental beauty and natural diversity, which just happens to lie next to some of the world's most astonishing world-class resorts. The state of Quintana Roo is home to the fabulous Riviera Maya, Mexico's premiere vacation destination, as well as untold acres of pristine jungle and dozens of ancient Maya ruins, making it an area sure to appeal to anyone who has even the vaguest interest in sampling some of Central America's many delights. Whether your pleasure is golf, swimming, trekking, incredible cuisine, luxury accommodations, or unbelievable stretches of pristine beaches and gorgeous coral reefs, you and your family will find everything you're looking for in this one corner of sunny, tropical Mexico.
Land and Sea Adventures
Do love nature tours? Quintana Roo, and indeed all of Central America, is the ideal place to take one. Though you may be staying in the lap of luxury on the Riviera Maya, the deep, untouched jungle is just a short car ride away. You'll stand in awe of the towering rainforest trees, with trunks thicker than your own body, and hear the calls of strange and wild animals rise up through the mist from parts unknown. If you prefer, you can hire a multilingual guide to help you keep track of all the colorful tropical birds and unusual flora you come across as you trek deeper into the welcoming arms of the jungle. If you'd rather dive than hike, however, the Yucatan is one of the world's premier snorkeling and scuba-diving locations. Take an excursion out to the great Mesoamerican barrier reef, and spend the day swimming with dolphins, diving with incandescent tropical fish, and even seeing a shark or two glide by the reef as you watch in amazement!
Millennia of Maya History
Anyone who has heard of the ancient Maya civilization and had their curiosity aroused should doubly consider traveling to the Riviera Maya, as it sits within a stone's throw of a long list of amazing Mayan ruins, such as Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, just to name a few. These sites are only a short trip by van from any of the beach resorts; you can venture there on your own, with a tour group, or in the capable hands of a personal guide, who can explain the detailed history of this incredible site. For the more physically active and challenge-seeking crowd, be sure to ask your hotel about the Coba adventure tour.
Indeed, the Riviera Maya and the Eastern Yucatn boast some of the most amazing and colossal Mayan sites anywhere in the region. The old port city of Tulum stands like a watchtower over the coast; its ancient lighthouse used the brilliance of the sun's rays to guide ships safely between the reefs offshore. By far the largest site in the area is Chichn Itz , which sports such amazing locations and artifacts as the Jaguar Throne, the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, and the Pyramid of Kukulcan, a hundred-foot tall step pyramid whose jagged steps create the mythical shadow of the serpent-god himself during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes.
Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an
Not the least of all the spectacular sights to see in Quintana Roo is the amazing nature preserve of Sian Ka'an. One of the largest bioreserves in the world, Sian Ka'an positively overflows with natural diversity. Boasting hundreds of species of rare mammals and tropical birds, giant iguanas, turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and coatimundi, it's borders are a sacrosanct barrier which prevents the modern world from snuffing out the delicate ecosystems which rely on them for protection. However, as a visitor to the region, you are welcome to journey inside the preserve, sailing by boat along its coast or through the waterways which permeate the foliage, or traversing on foot or by vehicle through the jungle roads which run a winding course through the jungle.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure - however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!
Land and Sea Adventures
Do love nature tours? Quintana Roo, and indeed all of Central America, is the ideal place to take one. Though you may be staying in the lap of luxury on the Riviera Maya, the deep, untouched jungle is just a short car ride away. You'll stand in awe of the towering rainforest trees, with trunks thicker than your own body, and hear the calls of strange and wild animals rise up through the mist from parts unknown. If you prefer, you can hire a multilingual guide to help you keep track of all the colorful tropical birds and unusual flora you come across as you trek deeper into the welcoming arms of the jungle. If you'd rather dive than hike, however, the Yucatan is one of the world's premier snorkeling and scuba-diving locations. Take an excursion out to the great Mesoamerican barrier reef, and spend the day swimming with dolphins, diving with incandescent tropical fish, and even seeing a shark or two glide by the reef as you watch in amazement!
Millennia of Maya History
Anyone who has heard of the ancient Maya civilization and had their curiosity aroused should doubly consider traveling to the Riviera Maya, as it sits within a stone's throw of a long list of amazing Mayan ruins, such as Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, just to name a few. These sites are only a short trip by van from any of the beach resorts; you can venture there on your own, with a tour group, or in the capable hands of a personal guide, who can explain the detailed history of this incredible site. For the more physically active and challenge-seeking crowd, be sure to ask your hotel about the Coba adventure tour.
Indeed, the Riviera Maya and the Eastern Yucatn boast some of the most amazing and colossal Mayan sites anywhere in the region. The old port city of Tulum stands like a watchtower over the coast; its ancient lighthouse used the brilliance of the sun's rays to guide ships safely between the reefs offshore. By far the largest site in the area is Chichn Itz , which sports such amazing locations and artifacts as the Jaguar Throne, the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, and the Pyramid of Kukulcan, a hundred-foot tall step pyramid whose jagged steps create the mythical shadow of the serpent-god himself during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes.
Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an
Not the least of all the spectacular sights to see in Quintana Roo is the amazing nature preserve of Sian Ka'an. One of the largest bioreserves in the world, Sian Ka'an positively overflows with natural diversity. Boasting hundreds of species of rare mammals and tropical birds, giant iguanas, turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and coatimundi, it's borders are a sacrosanct barrier which prevents the modern world from snuffing out the delicate ecosystems which rely on them for protection. However, as a visitor to the region, you are welcome to journey inside the preserve, sailing by boat along its coast or through the waterways which permeate the foliage, or traversing on foot or by vehicle through the jungle roads which run a winding course through the jungle.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure - however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!
About the Author:
Traveling to Playa del Carmen and wanting a nice way to visit Mayan Ruins? Try the Mayan Ruins from Playa del Carmen tours at Onejungle. They will take you on an active trip with great activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, great meals, etc. Learn more about Onejungle Adventure Travel.
