10 New reasons to go back to the Mayan Riviera

Ah, the Riviera Maya, an approximately 100km stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatan Peninsula running from Puerto Morelos to south of Tulum in the state of Quintana Roo. The Rivera Maya draws millions of visitors from around the world each year inspired by its long stretches of powder-fine white sand beaches, pristine bays and clear azure water. In addition, the area boasts numerous attractions to entertain travelers of all ages and interests from every water sport under the sun to high-end eco-parks and natural reserves. You can’t possibly take it all in at once, and with each new trip, hidden treasures off the beaten tourist path keep travelers returning again and again. Count me in!

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Declared a World Heritage Property by UNESCO, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve covers 1.3 million acres (652,000 hectares) of estuaries, reefs, cenotes and wetlands. Visitors can take tours of the wildlife, dive or snorkel the barrier reef, or hike the biodiverse park filled with fauna, flora, forests, mangroves, marshes and in-land lagoons. Whichever route you choose, keep your eyes open. The barrier reef contains more than 84 species of coral and is inhabited by hundreds of species of fish. Visitors can expect to see manatees, marine turtles, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, the rare jabiru stork, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

COBA

First time visitors rightfully flock to the Mayan ruins of the well manicured and excavated ruins of Chichen Itza and the less prominent but scenic seaside ruins of Tulum. However, for an authentic experience of ancient Mayan temples in an 80-square-mile jungle park, head to Coba. Nestled in the jungle among lagoons, Coba remains relatively untouched by excavation and crowds. Once the most powerful city in the Mayan peninsula, Coba flourished from AD 800-1100 with a population of 55,000. Today it is best reached by (and open to) biking or hiking among the jungle trails separating the structures.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

CENOTES

More than 6,000 cenotes (freshwater caves) dot the landscape in the state of Quintana Roo. Open to both divers and snorkelers, the water filled dark caverns contain stalactites and stalagmites, underwater rock formations, and numerous varieties of fish. While many cenotes are popular with scheduled tourist groups, others remain relatively isolated and easy to access. Two favorites include Chaak Tun in Playa del Carmen, where headlights and guided tours are provided visitors to walk and swim throughout the cave; and Cenote Escondido just south of Tulum, accessible by a short trek through the jungle where a 15-by-130 foot pool, fringed with fan palms on a rocky bluff, beckons you into its clear cool water.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

OUT OF THE ORDINARY SPORTS

For those looking for a little adventure, the Mayan Riviera has many surprises.  A vast system of caves and caverns is ideal for spelunkers and naturalists, as well as experienced scuba divers.  Need the adrenalin of heights? Opportunities are plentiful for repelling and rock climbing, zip lining, parasailing, and even scaling up the steep precipice of an ancient pyramid.  Snorkelers get a unique experience when they swim along side giant, harmless Whale Sharks near Isla Mujeres. Throughout the Yucatán, adventurers can also find the excitement of deep-sea fishing, jungle safaris, ATV tours, sailing and power boating.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN COOKING CLASSES

The Riviera Maya offers travelers a smorgasbord of fresh delicious dining options at hotel, seaside, and town restaurants, covering all gastronomic tastes, regional cuisines, and price range preferences. However, for a hands-on experience, join one of the scrumptious Mexican cooking classes offered at local cooking schools. You will learn the tradition and culture of the cuisines of Mexico, an overview of authentic Mexican ingredients, hands-on methods to prepare numerous dishes and drinks, and enjoy the finished product with a sit down meal. It is a fun food-filled day you will always remember, and one you can savor and share back home with friends and family.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

THE MESOAMERICAN BARRIER REEF SYSTEM

While the Riviera Maya offers an exciting array of above-water sports, not to be missed and always new is what lies below the surface. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, made famous by Jacques Cousteau’s 1961 documentary in Cozumel. Cozumel Island, located less than 50 km off shore from Playa del Carmen, is easily accessible by ferries operating continuously every hour. Brimming with colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life, Cozumel is one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the Western hemisphere, attracting scuba divers and snorkelers from around the world where coral and sea life is easily visible from the surface with 100-foot visibility. Dive in!

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

EXQUISITE GOLF

While hauling golf clubs may sound counterintuitive to a destination famed for its aquatic adventures, the Riviera Maya is home to a number of excellent golf courses. The Riviera Maya offers many golf courses for all levels of play.  We’re talking courses designed by world-renowned golfers and course architects, such as P.B. Dye. Tee off in Iberostar’s award-winning Playa Paraíso, a World Championship 18-hole course that boasts impeccable conditions. If golf is your game, or your hobby, it should definitely be on your list for yet another reason to return to Riviera Maya. Fore!

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

SECOND-TO-NONE SPAS

Talk about the ultimate spa destination, the beachside resorts and stand alone spas along the Riviera Maya offer plenty of pampering for body, mind and spirit. From treatments like Maya-centric spa or centuries old Asian, hydrotherapy, traditional manicures, facials, caviar massages, wellness gems and body wraps, to some of the most advanced medical health and beauty treatments, there is something for everyone. The treatment choices are enticingly endless and oh so heavenly, whether in a spa pavilion, a palapa nestled in the jungle, or on a soft white beach. And make sure to save time after your treatment for the sauna, jacuzzi, plunge pool, or steam room.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

DISCOVER THE MAYAN COMMUNITY

The Mayan community is still strong throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Everywhere one finds symbols of ancient traditions. Markets, such as those in Puerto Morelos, visitors can engage with locals as they sell local handcrafts and goods. The Ixchel Sunday Market, open December through April, includes a homemade Mayan breakfast, a traditional Mayan dance, and a market containing handmade artistries that can’t be found in local tourist shops. The spa, open year round by appointment, offers traditional Mayan treatments by villagers from nearby, including deep-tissue and Mayan abdominal massages, and body wraps with aloe vera or chocolate, fresh from the cacao.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17

SIT ON A BEACH AND READ

Invariably, visitors return again and again to the Riviera Maya for the crystal clear turquoise water, white sand beaches and stunning sunsets.  Grab a chair under an umbrella at your hotel, park yourself down, and read a good book as you listen to the waves lap and crash just feet away. The largest new and used bookstore in the Yucatan, found in Playa del Carmen, makes it that much easier. With an eclectic selection including more than twenty genres, encompassing local wildlife guides, Mayan culture, Mexican cooking, maps, travel guides, and Spanish phrase books, you can brush up on all things local and enjoy your excursions that much more. Of if you prefer, pick up a fiction book from the store’s huge selection. Sigh, repeat, and do again.

MARCIE WARRINGTON | 28/08/17