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Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Excursion in Riviera Maya
Its natural beauty and the
huge array of attraction have made Playa del Carmen a world famous destination.
It is also the starting point for day trips or longer excursions filled with
adventure.
Isla Mujeres
Across the Bay from the island of Cancun the small exotic island of Isla Mujeres
extends fir barely 8 miles.
Its relaxed bohemians atmosphere attracts visitors who wants to rest far from
the glamour of Cancun on wide withes and beaches dotted with coconut palms, dive
or snorkel the reefs or explore the island. On Punta Sur, the impressive cliffs
that rise high above the sea form the perfect setting for a permanent
international sculpture exhibit that stands side-by-side in harmony with the
Mayan temple to the goddess Ixchel.
At sunset, the town’s typical Caribbean streets lined with colorful handicraft
shops fill with passersby, while restaurants serve up the catch of the day.
Isla Contoy
An hour and a half from Cancun is a small deserted island populated only by
birds and iguanas. Welcome to Isla Contoy, a national birds sanctuary that
protects migratory and marine species. The coastal mangroves, tree tops, islet
and virgin beaches are filled with frigates, boobies and pelicans, just to name
a few of the many birds living or nesting here. Nature lovers will enjoy walking
the ecological trails and dunes covered with ground creepers and aromatic
flowers. From the lookout platform, they can delight to the breathtaking natural
land and seascapes and the aerodynamic flight of the majestic frigate bird. Or
if they prefer, visitors can swim with the friendly manta rays in the cozy bay
to one side of the island’s small dock.
Cozumel
Mexico’s largest inhabited island is also the Mecca for divers from all over the
planet: Cozumel’s coral reefs are some of the finest in the world. In addition,
it is one of the Caribbean’s major cruise ship ports. All along the boardwalk
and streets of this quaint town, visitors discover Duty-Free perfume and jewelry
boutiques, handicraft shops and select restaurants with a lovely view of the
sea. Exploring the island by Jeep leads to deserted beaches natural parks filled
with hundreds of species of endemic flora and fauna and archeological sites,
like San Gervasio. This is the largest site on the island and was a major
ceremonial and political center at the beginning of the second millennium.
Cozumel also has a large, well designed golf course.
Riviera Maya
The world famous Riviera Maya runs south of Cancun from Playa del Secreto to
Punta Allen in the heart of the Shian Ka’anBiosphere Reserve. This 75 mile long
corridor of tourism development encompasses long beaches bathed by the typical
turquoise water of the Caribbean, coral reefs, picturesque towns teaming with
life, cenotes surrounded by the exotic flora and fauna of the tropical jungle
and majestic archaeological sites. The Riviera Maya has something for everyone,
deluxe marina, ecological tours, nature parks, extreme sport and bungalows on
the beach with temazcal steam baths and hammocks. At night, visitors can take a
tour to see a folkloric ballet or watch majestic sea turtles swim ashore to lay
their eggs in the warm summer sands. Playa del Carmen is the heart of the
Riviera Maya, while Tulum and Coba are its principle ancient Mayan Cities.
Theme Parks
The most exciting adventures await you in the area’s themes park and
eco-archaeological reserves. World renowned for the natural wonders they
contain, Xel Ha, Xcaret, Garrafon and Tres Rios are places where the senses
experience an unforgettable encounter with nature: natural aquaria, snorkeling
in inlets teaming with marine species of all colors and sizes, underground
rivers where the water is so clear it feels at times like your floating through
air, aviaries, butterfly houses, dolphin….and an endless array of natural
attractions that will fascinate you. Visitors should plan o a whole day to enjoy
each of these bewitching parks.
Southern Quintana Roo
Bordering on Belize, the state capital of Chetumal is a charming city steeped in
history and still retaining its distinct Caribbean flair.
Very near by his Bacalar Lagoon - often called the “Lagoon of Seven colors” to
describe its multihued water – a paradise for water sports fans or those who
just want to relax. The modest hotels built on the shores of the lake are ideal
for getting away from it all.
El Cenote Azul, located at the entrance to the lagoon, invites visitors to take
a plunge in its crystal-clear depths.
Moving westward from Chetumal, are Kohunlich and Dzibanche. The size and beauty
of their buildings, some ornately decorated with magnificent stucco figures,
make theme well worth the visit.
Chichen Itza
The great Capital city of the Itzaes impresses everyone with the size and
majesty of its structures. The archaeological site reveals much of the
fascinating history of the Maya: the immense Ball Court, the largest in
Mesoamerica; El Caracol observatory where the Maya tracked the course of Venus
through the night skies; and the Nun’s Building, a huge pyramid with a crack in
that shows the varying stages of construction and development. The site’s
buildings are beautifully decorated with stucco eagles, carved jaguars, and many
other motifs, and high on top the Warrior’s Temple, the statue of Chac Mool,
thought to be the messenger between this world and the world of the gods, gazes
out over the city. In the middle of a huge plaza rises the majestic Castillo, or
Kukulcan’s pyramid, a giant calendar in stone. Chichen Itza is 3 hours
away from Playa del Carmen by toll road.
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