Jan 3, 2008
Though everyone is glibly referring to the "Mayan Riviera," what exactly is it?
What exactly is the Mayan Riviera, asks a reader? Strictly as a matter of geography, it's Mexico's stretch of Caribbean coastline starting just below Cancún and proceeding southward to Tulum. But in terms of substance, it is one of the world's fastest-growing resort hotspots, ranging from enormous all-inclusives (both moderately and exorbitantly priced) to exclusive and secluded boutique properties.
Cheaper digs are found in the main town of this "Riviera," which is bustling, nightlife-filled Playa del Carmen. There, options include both funky, inexpensive little inns and pricier hipster hotels (there's also Puerto Morelos, a smaller, more laid-back town closer to Cancún).
The beaches along this coast aren't its main draw -- if you want to get wet, it'll most likely be in a pool -- but there's a full panoply of fun activities, including famous eco-parks such as Aktun Chen, Tres Ríos, and the glitzier Xel-Ha and Xcaret (where you can snorkel among many other things).
The giant inland area -- the Yucatán Peninsula -- is more important than that strip of beach. What makes it special are its many ancient, awesome ruins of the sophisticated Maya civilization -- the observatory, ballplaying court and stepped pyramids of Chichén Itzá are the most famous, but there are numerous other ruins both on the coast and inland (Uxmal, Palenque, Cobá, Ek Balam, and Tulum, with its spectacular seaside setting. You can overnight at lodgings near most of them, but they're also doable in day trips from the Maya Riviera, Cancún, and the Spanish-colonial-flavored capital of the Yucatan, Mérida.
Another very atmospheric lodging option is the network of inns occupying restored haciendas (colonial-era estates) in the interior, such as Xcanatún, Yaxcopoil, and Ketanchel.
Packagers covering the Yucatan include Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) and Trek America (tel. 800/873-5872; www.trekamerica.com),but you can also fly there yourself via Cancún (with the most direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, on many carriers) or Mérida (via Mexico City); there's regular bus service throughout the peninsula and driving is fairly easy.
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Cheaper digs are found in the main town of this "Riviera," which is bustling, nightlife-filled Playa del Carmen. There, options include both funky, inexpensive little inns and pricier hipster hotels (there's also Puerto Morelos, a smaller, more laid-back town closer to Cancún).
The beaches along this coast aren't its main draw -- if you want to get wet, it'll most likely be in a pool -- but there's a full panoply of fun activities, including famous eco-parks such as Aktun Chen, Tres Ríos, and the glitzier Xel-Ha and Xcaret (where you can snorkel among many other things).
The giant inland area -- the Yucatán Peninsula -- is more important than that strip of beach. What makes it special are its many ancient, awesome ruins of the sophisticated Maya civilization -- the observatory, ballplaying court and stepped pyramids of Chichén Itzá are the most famous, but there are numerous other ruins both on the coast and inland (Uxmal, Palenque, Cobá, Ek Balam, and Tulum, with its spectacular seaside setting. You can overnight at lodgings near most of them, but they're also doable in day trips from the Maya Riviera, Cancún, and the Spanish-colonial-flavored capital of the Yucatan, Mérida.
Another very atmospheric lodging option is the network of inns occupying restored haciendas (colonial-era estates) in the interior, such as Xcanatún, Yaxcopoil, and Ketanchel.
Packagers covering the Yucatan include Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) and Trek America (tel. 800/873-5872; www.trekamerica.com),but you can also fly there yourself via Cancún (with the most direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, on many carriers) or Mérida (via Mexico City); there's regular bus service throughout the peninsula and driving is fairly easy.
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Labels: cancun, mexico, yucatan
Jun 11, 2007
Where can a group vacation cheaply? Try the Yucatan
People write that they are a group of friends, let's say five couples, all wanting to vacation together for 5 to 7 days in some tropical location that will offer something for everyone -- scuba-diving, jungle treks, serious culture -- and at a cost of no more than $900 per person, including air. Where to go? Think: Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula. You can find all sorts of inexpensive home rentals able to accommodate ten, and some of them come with a cook who can reduce the pressure of shopping and preparing meals. The Yucatán also offers a remarkably diverse number of attractions and activities. Remember also to rent a car.
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Labels: groups, mexico, yucatan
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
