THINGS TO SEE

Tulum
The archaeological zone at Tulum is one of the most beautiful places on the Riviera Maya. Combining the mystery of the ancient civilization which inhabited this zone with the singular beauty of the Caribbean Sea which bathes its shores, the city of Tulum is the only known archaeological site located by the sea. Over sixty well-preserved structures can be observed within three massive walls which surround the site. There is a small beach beside the main temple, ideal for a swim while gazing up at the Maya's architectural wizardry. The hotel zone of Tulum is yet another delight for those in search of peace and tranquility. Cabañas and charming "eco-hotels" are sprinkled along this beautiful stretch of beach.
Xcaret
Once a Mayan port for departures to Cozumel, Xcaret is a destination attraction like no other. Visitors come to learn about the area's ecology and Mayan history, relax on the beach, float down one of two subterranean rivers, swim with dolphins, or wander jungle shrouded trails. This eco-archaeological park, it is a place to spend an entire day - and into the night to enjoy the "Mexico Spectacular" show. There are so many attractions at Xcaret, it's hard to know where to start. A trip through Xcaret leaves visitors feeling that they have experienced biological life in its natural state and come into intimate contact with the mysterious and magical Maya world, a combination that makes a visit to one of the most spectacular places on earth a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha, or "place where water is born," is one of the most magical spots of the Riviera Maya. It is an incredible "natural aquarium" where the ocean combines with the freshwater currents of springs and underground rivers, forming a fascinating ecosystem. This stunning creation of nature is surrounded by thick jungle, caves, cenotes, and even a couple of small archaeological sites, a snorkeling paradise. The park is the perfect habitat for all forms of flora, fauna, and marine life.
Akumal
In the Maya language, Akumal means "place of the turtles" and it is still one of their favorite places for laying their eggs. However what makes Akumal such a charming and fascinating destination for tourists from around the world is its spectacular protected bay area of transparent waters and the sweet water currents that flow through its caves and subterranean rivers. Akumal's silky white sand beaches are protected by off-shore reefs. This is a haven for divers from around the world who have been coming here for decades.
Playa del Carmen
An old fishermen's' village known as Xaman Há in the Maya language, Playa, as it is called by its inhabitants and visitors, provides everything one could wish for in a Caribbean location: luxury hotels with all the amenities that international travelers require, as well as smaller personalized establishments, numerous bars, shopping centers, restaurants serving traditional and international cuisine, cultural and recreational centers, water sports and golf. La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the main pedestrian walkway provides an abundance of dining and fun options, making it a favorite spot for meeting, after you've enjoyed the beach and jungle trips, with a nightlife that goes on until dawn.
Cobá
In Maya, the name Cobá means turbid (cloudy) waters, almost surely an allusion to the five "cenotes" in this region: Cobá, Macanxoc, Sacalpuc, Yaxlaguna and Xcanh, which must have played an important role as a source of water for agriculture in the development of this zone. There is a small village in the region, very close to the archaeological site, which has some hotels and restaurants. Walking among these archaeological temples that have been set free from the jungle, breathing the humid air beneath the trees, treading on the thousand year-old causeways or climbing the pyramid's steep incline, the visitor is brought close to the culture of the ancient Maya. Everyone feels the sensation that it hasn't died but, rather, that it is asleep among the stones and the jungle, waiting for the right moment to be reborn from the depths of time.
On and Under Water
Beautiful beaches bathed by the warm, turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea it is quite natural to expect that the Riviera Maya will offer a wealth of nautical activities to engage the interest of visitors. But there is much more in the way of aquatic activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the region. There are subterranean rivers and ponds to swim, dive and explore, beautiful lakes and cenotes.
DIVING
The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are great for scuba diving to experience underwater life on the Great Maya Reef. The coral formations extending along a large portion of the coast are an unforgettable sight which allows you to explore the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. The numerous subterranean rivers and "cenotes", formed by water filtering through the limestone, provide another option for those who love diving. Many locations within the jungle provide rental equipment as well as guides and instructors for cave diving.
SNORKELING
Snorkeling allows everyone, to explore the underwater world. This activity has become extremely popular among tourist from all over the world. It is such safe aquatic sports that even kids can participate, and makes it the perfect activity to enjoy with your family. Between the wonderful coral reef and cenotes in the region there is always an unexplored spot.
FISHING
Fishing in the Riviera Maya is an activity that draws thousands of visitors a year. Almost all warm water marine species can be fished here. Sailfish are particularly prevalent. Throughout the year there are frequent fishing tournaments held with lovers of the sport.
Sian Ka'an
This Biosphere Reserve called Sian Ka'an, "where the sky is born" or "gift from heaven" in the Maya language, is unique in the world for its diversity of biological species, both animals and plants. The area has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Sian Ka'an offers visitors the services of knowledgeable guides familiar with the flora and fauna here, as well as with the ancient Maya culture, an ideal way for visitors to penetrate one of the Riviera Maya's most exciting and rewarding locations.
ECOLOGY The Gods gave the order and the sky covered the earth with light. From the light came the waters that gave life to the trees so that they could become home to the colorful plumed birds that spread the seeds for the flowers. Then came the tapirs and later the pheasants and, under the unperturbed gaze of the moon, paradisiacal attributes filled this special place for the enjoyment of mankind throughout eternity. ADVENTURE The sinuous paths wind their way through the heart of the jungle, through the remaining vestiges, the temples and cities of an ancient, extraordinarily advanced civilization. The subterranean rivers flow through the earth's entrails and the sacred underground waters are surrounded by lush vegetation that will restore your desire to live life at its fullest.
Spas
Herein are the ceremonial precincts where homage is paid to the body; where it is pampered and healed in the process. Specialized venues where exclusive natural formulas handed down from previous generations are employed, a perfect alchemy based on the ingredients offered up by Mother Earth: you will smell the aroma of exotic, tropical flowers, the flowing sap of the trees, and the special algae from the oceans. Chapels, as it were, for the veneration of body, mind and spirit, provided by the wisdom and experience of those who have among their chief concerns the desire that you enjoy being immersed in a magical bath and receive unforgettable, personalized treatments.
Golf
A challenge for the "warriors of the greens": multiple fields of battle where they can face and overcome with honor 18 enemies. Giving these "soldiers" the motivation they need to do battle are the songs of the tropical birds and being observed under the baleful gaze a sleepy iguanas who call these playing fields their home. These perfect settings have been designed by the Gods of the sport; carved out of the jungle, surrounded by lagoons, cenotes and the vestiges of the ancient Mayans, themselves great sportsmen, and facing the luminous turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Romance
The spellbinding atmosphere of the water's edge and the star-filled skies, bear witness to the magic rituals by candlelight with the sound of the waves breaking on the shore and the moaning of the sea shells taking your breath away…that being only an example of the incredibly romantic ambiences that can surround lovers who venture forth to this most romantic paradise on earth.