On the east side of the beautiful state of Quintana Roo is the Riviera Maya, a new tourist destination comprising well over 100 kilometers (80 miles) worth of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which could be referred to as astonishing; The Riviera Maya, a totally different place that starts some 20 minutes south of Cancun's International Airport up to the picturesque Punta Allen fishermen's village.
Description
The Riviera Maya is a 130-kilometer strip located on the West coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It ranges from solitary beaches to modern architectural complexes, including hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants. Playa del Carmen, for example, which used to be a peaceful fishermen's village, is now the site of prestigious international hotels. Nearby is the area's principal ecological reserve, Sian Ka'an, a habitat noted for the richness of its flora and fauna.
Even though the Maya culture remains present in the zone, through the many indigenous communities still found here which preserve the traditions, religion and social structure, the splendor of ancient Maya civilization is most evident in the numerous archaeological sites in this area. It is through the pyramids, "pelota" playing fields, sculpted stone pillars, plazas and temples that some of the mysteries still surrounding one of America's most important cultures has been partially deciphered.
The Riviera Maya's principal quality is its diversity. Here one can choose everything from adventure sports to playing golf or tennis, jungle tours on foot or horseback, many different water and nautical sports, and the indescribable cultural and archaeological treasures of the Maya world. You can experience them in a Riviera Maya vacation.
Forests, jungle, flora and fauna, archaeological sites, solitary beaches, a turquoise-colored sea with crystal-clear water which turns to silver by moonlight, the fantasy and warmth of the tropics, the mystery of the millenary culture which lives on in the Maya people, are just some of the qualities which have turned the Riviera Maya into a destination which can compete favorably with all the rest of the Caribbean's tourist destinations.
For all these reasons, this region - where the ancient Maya civilization flourished and reached its full splendor - is a top-level tourist destination today, preferred by both local and international travelers.