Introduction to Maya Riviera

Stretching along the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán peninsula between Cancún and Tulum, the Maya Riviera mixes sparkling white sandy beaches with Mayan ruins and coral reef. The most popular town, Playa del Carmen, has grown from a sleepy fishing village to a happening hotspot. It retains a laid-back calm, however, compared to bustling Cancún. Whether you lounge in the sun with a margarita at a beach bar or snorkel in the protected waters of a cenote, there's no wrong choice in Maya Riviera.

Beaches

Playa del Carmen's beaches, like Playa Tukán and Playa El Faro, are among the area's most beautiful, with soft sand and minimal surf. Beach clubs here offer lounge chairs for rent, festive music and restaurant service, making it easy to linger. Tulum's beaches south of the hotel zone are ideal for those who want to get away from the crowds and stroll on the sand. Head to Paamul's wide, curving beach for a relaxing swim in the warm turquoise water.

Things to Do

Folks interested in ancient archaeology should head to Tulum or Cobá for stunning Mayan structures. Go caving in Akumal's Aktun Chen, with a forest of stalactites and stalagmites leading to a deep pool. Stroll down Playa del Carmen's Quinta Avenida for the best shopping, from wooden masks to huipiles -- the traditional embroidered dresses worn by Mayan women. A trip to the Jardín Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín invites you to commune with native butterflies and bromeliads.

Eating and Drinking

The region's beachfront restaurants combine wiggling your toes in the sand while enjoying freshly caught fish and conch. At Yaxche in Playa del Carmen, dive in to Mayan specialties such as cochinita pibil, pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in a plantain leaf, and baked. Panuchos, a Yucatan snack, includes fried tortillas filled with black beans, topped with meat and pickled red onions. Finish your meal with a Café Maya, made from a local liqueur, Xtabentun.

Nature

The world's second-largest coral reef is in the Maya Riviera's front yard, spanning from the Yucatan peninsula to Honduras. Scuba diving and snorkelling are the best ways to explore, especially in Akumal's Laguna Yal-Ku and Puerto Morelos. The region's cenotes (water-filled sinkholes) connect to form the world's largest underground river system, with crystal-clear water for snorkelers and swimmers to enjoy. Animal fans can visit Xcaret Eco-Park for a closer look at flora and fauna of both land and sea.