MEXICO
Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya

Rviera Maya_{Photo: Martha xucunostli CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

In recent years, tourism in this region of eastern Mexico has experienced a growth spurt. Where previously only a few Americans visited the region, today tourists from all over the world come to the paradise beaches of the Riviera Maya. Are you considering a vacation in Mexico? Riviera Maya is a wonderful destination for a holiday full of sun, sea, beach, party, nature and culture.

Location

Riviera Maya is a region on the east coast of the Mexican province of Quintana Roo. Originally the region was the coastline between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but today the region has expanded in the north to Puerto Morelos and in the south to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, which is about 40 kilometers south of Tulum.

Weather

Riviera Maya has a wonderful tropical climate that prevails on the east coast of Mexico. The average temperature remains between 20 and 30 degrees all year round, often with a nice cooling breeze. The temperature of the sea also remains pleasant with a minimum of 26 degrees Celsius all year round. So you can book a last minute to Mexico at any time. However, it can occasionally also rain heavily. The rainy season takes place in September and October. The best months for a beach holiday are February to May.

History

It is not without reason that the area is named after the Maya. Until the collapse of the ancient Maya empire in the 8th and 9th century AD, several ports were found in Riviera Maya. In general, people also acted and lived here. Until the 1990s, the area did not have much to offer, until it was recognized that the region was more than suitable for Western tourism. Cities such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen have since grown from simple fishing villages to tourism capitals with thousands of inhabitants.

Sights

Riviera Maya Chichen Itzá_{Photo: Manuel de Corselas CC3.0 Unported no changes made}

Those interested in the ancient Mayan culture can visit various remnants of the ancient Mayan culture in this region. Chichen Itzá is located near Playa del Carmen. This used to be a city of the Maya. Today you can visit various relics of that period, such as the Temple of the Tables, The Red House, the Tomb of the High Priest and the Nunnery. These ancient treasures are still in good condition and will remain so for now, as Chichen Itzá is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Riviera Maya Tulum_{Photo: Bruno Girin (CC BY-SA 2.0) no changes made}

About 60 kilometers south is the town of Tulum. In the Maya era this was an important port city with a lot of trade and which also served as a spiritual center. There are several old temples and a kind of lighthouse that can all be visited. With a little imagination you can walk around in the early modern society of the Maya.

Tips

Riviera Maya Beach_{Photo: Public Domain}

Mexican law states that anyone can use any beach at any time, except for those with military purposes. And why wouldn't you want to share those pearls with everyone? The beaches of the Riviera Maya are breathtakingly beautiful. Here you get the ultimate holiday picture of snow-white beaches, a green-blue sea and swaying palm trees.

Over the past decade, the number of hotels, resorts and apartments has grown at an unprecedented rate. They have sprouted like mushrooms in all shapes and sizes. From ultimate luxury to reliability, from half board to all inclusive.

Riviera Maya Cenode_{Photo: Ken Thomas in the public domain}

In the province of Yutacan, where the Riviera Maya is located, more than 3000 so-called cenodes can be found. These are above-ground waterholes, which were created when the ground collapsed. There are also no rivers in the region, because all the water flows to the sea through the porous soil. On the coast you can dive into various cenodes with a guide. The magical underwater world is recommended anyway.