The Riviera Maya is the newest and most recent resort on the Mexican Caribbean Coast. It is a tropical paradise of crystal clear waters that harbors true living treasures, some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and an exuberant tropical rainforest teeming with rare wildlife.
The Riviera Maya is the perfect place for a romantic hideaway, where you can do extreme sports or enjoy the coolest nighttime entertainment. Experience the Caribbean at its fullest, surrounded by magic places like the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve, the Tulum archaeological site and hundreds of natural cenotes (sink holes that harbor several plant and animal species).
| Description The Riviera Maya is a long strip of coast that extends along 80 miles of white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, on Mexico's easternmost frontier, in what is the State of Quintana Roo. It comprises of an area that includes isolated beaches, as well as modern resorts with hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants. |
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Pyramids, stelae, ball courts, temples and plazas are just some of the vestiges of the great Mayan civilization that have endured throughout the ages and have helped scholars uncover some of the mysteries that still shroud this great civilization. Their legacy is part of the living culture of the modern day Mayan people who still live in the area and appreciate the many customs, traditions, religion, and social structure.
Towns
The urban sprawl and the natural beauty of the area have given rise to residential communities, such as Puerto Aventuras, with its first-class marina, golf courses, hotels and condos. Akumal and Chemuyil which were first populated by the workers of the tourist industry, now attract a lot of tourists through their own merit.
Archaeological Sites
Tulum is the only Mayan city-state built on the coast, on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, a unique feature that makes it a fascinating place to visit. It is one of the most important sites in the region and one that attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Another important site is Coba, an ancient city that stands out for its incredible size. It is a 50-mile area comprising hundreds of structures distributed throughout a lush jungle habitat, home to several animal and bird species that people can see when they visit the site. Visiting Coba takes up most of the day so expect to do a lot of walking and climbing.
Other important sites nearby include Muyil, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Chacchoben in the southern part of the state. You can also go to the Puuc Route, a 3-hour journey to the center of the Yucatan peninsula that takes you on a tour of several sites including Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Labna, as well as Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Beaches
Considered by many as some of the most beautiful beaches of the world, not only for their soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, the Riviera Maya offers an extension comprising of 75 miles that include towns like Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Akumal, Tulum, Tankah and Punta Allen. All along the coast of Quintana Roo, the geography includes bays, inlets, and capes, creating breathtaking landscapes.
There are several beaches that you absolutely can't miss going to, such as Playa del Secreto and Playa Paraiso in Puerto Morelos, as well as Punta Maroma, ranked as Mexico's most best hidden treasure by the Travel Channel. There are also Punta Bete, Xcalacoco, Xpu-ha, and Paamul and all of Kantenah Bay, known for its long strip of beach, washed by calm shallow waters. On Akumal and Xcacel, located near the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve, you can sometimes spot turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. On Tankah Bay, there is a pristine cenote called the Manatee, where you can snorkel or dive. Tulum, Boca Paila, Yalcu Inlet and Punta Allen are just some of the other gorgeous beaches you can go to.
Ecoturism
Playa del Carmen is the ideal place to spend a day, your entire vacation, or to live. The town has grown parallel to the beach so wherever you are in Playa you'll feel its closeness. North of the main dock, on or near 5th Avenue, you will find most 
The deep waters between Playa del Carmen and 
Extreme sport lovers will enjoy every minute in Playa.You can choose from a great deal of water activities, such as swimming at the beach or snorkeling, to more active sports like windsurfing, skydiving, sailing, or scuba diving by the neighboring reefs or in caves. It can be just what you're looking for on your next vacation.
Less extreme but equally exciting options include a boat or catamaran trip, a visit to one of the most beautiful ecological parks in Mexico, Xcaret, a visit to the springs area in Puerto Aventuras, or the biggest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha.
The white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are the perfect respite from the fun insomnia caused by Caribbean nights.After one or many days of activity, let the breezes cool you off and the sun caress you. Get ready: afternoons and evenings offer an endless number of places for food, dancing, a beach party, and clubbing with the best ambience in all the Caribbean.
Cancun's beaches 
Hotel Zone
Downtown Cancun
