| Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera have | | | | excursion.Eco-ParksXcaret - An eco-Mayan |
| an exceptional variety of attractions and | | | | theme park for the whole family. A must see |
| activities from the Mayan ruins at Tulum to | | | | if you visit the Mayan Riviera. Prepare to |
| the Playa del Carmen nightlife. You will love | | | | spend your entire day at Xcaret as there are |
| your Mexico vacation. Here is a listing of | | | | a million and one things to do and see. You |
| some of the popular attractions:Beaches and | | | | can swim with the dolphins, snorkel, tour |
| sport activitiesThis area has some of the | | | | underground rivers, do sea trekking, visit a |
| most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of | | | | butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much |
| the beaches have been manicured and have fine | | | | more. The is also an excellent light and |
| white sand. The water is a turquoise blue of | | | | sound show in the evening. |
| the Caribbean Sea.Scuba diving and | | | | |
| snorkelingJust off the coast is the world's | | | | For more information: - Xel Ha is an |
| fifth-longest barrier reef. The reef, home to | | | | eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. |
| hundreds of species of marine life, is | | | | It is a great place for first time |
| perfect for snorkeling. Scuba dive and | | | | snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are |
| snorkel in the magnificent Caribbean waters. | | | | free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring |
| Scuba lessons for beginners and diving tours | | | | your own. There is an amazing cave system, |
| for the pros are available. Most resorts | | | | cenotes, lagoon, and great snorkeling with |
| offer scuba and snorkel tours and/or lessons. | | | | thousands of tropical fish. |
| Most of the ecological parks have great areas | | | | |
| for snorkeling. | | | | For more information: Ka'an Biosphere |
| | | | Reserve - The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, |
| For more information: - Only 45 minutes | | | | one of Mexico's largest parks, covers more |
| from Playa del Carmen by ferry, this diver's | | | | than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or |
| haven is well worth the trip across the | | | | about 20 percent of the state of Quintana |
| ocean. Considered among the best snorkeling | | | | Roo's land. This virgin wilderness is home |
| and diving spots in the world, Cozumel offers | | | | and sanctuary to wide number of species of |
| magnificent coral reefs, underwater caves, | | | | tropical flora and fauna, of which, the |
| and shipwrecks sites to explore. There are | | | | jaguar found here is counted as one of the |
| over 30 kilometres of coral reef, including | | | | many protected species. Offers eco-trekking |
| the world's second largest reef called the | | | | through mangroves, lagoons and rivers. Get a |
| Gama Reef.Golf CoursesPlayacar Golf Club - | | | | close-up look of the wildlife in the reserve |
| This is an 18 hole, par 72-championship golf | | | | in their natural habitat.Aktun Chen - Witness |
| course designed by Robert Von Hagge. This | | | | spectacular geological formations and swim in |
| course is carved through the lush Mayan | | | | crystal clear fresh water in the underground |
| jungle where it challenges any golfer to come | | | | caves. Spider monkeys and a serpentarium |
| and enjoy it. Also features a putting | | | | (snakes) can be seen. |
| green.Puerto Aventuras - Marina, Tennis and | | | | |
| Golf Club. Features a par 36, 9 hole course | | | | For more information: Aviary - Located in |
| designed by Thomas Leeman. Maximum length | | | | Playacar, this exotic bird sanctuary is a |
| 3,236 yards. Also features a putting green. | | | | wonderful natural habitat for some 60 species |
| Rental clubs and carts are available. Located | | | | of tropical birds that populate the jungles |
| on the Cancun to Chetumal highway at Puerto | | | | of the Yucatan peninsula. Scarlet macaws, |
| Aventuras, Playa del Carmen.Puerto Aventuras | | | | flamingos, herons and may other beautiful |
| also has swimming with dolphins. You can | | | | feathered creatures can be found here.Jardin |
| relax and watch the dolphin show while having | | | | Botanico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera - Beautiful |
| lunch at the marina and restaurant. | | | | botanical gardens sprawling with exotic |
| | | | species of tropical fauna in the lush Mayan |
| For more information: JungleTake a trip out | | | | rainforest. The gardens sit on 60 hectares of |
| of the ordinary and explore the wild exotic | | | | jungle and mangrove. A groomed loop trail |
| jungles of the Mexican Riviera. The ATV | | | | provides easy walking to various collections |
| Explorer Jungle Tour is the original Playa | | | | of plants, all beautifully displayed in their |
| del Carmen jungle tour. Ride an ATV through | | | | natural environment. A scenic lookout tower |
| jungle paths, swim in a clear 60 foot deep | | | | is a bit of a challenge to climb but rewards |
| cenote, explore caves, and climb ancient | | | | the brave with a panoramic view from the |
| Mayan ruins on this 2 hour tour.Located right | | | | mangrove to the sea, and out over the |
| next to Playa del Carmen and Playacar, just | | | | jungle.ShoppingPlaya del Carmen Shopping - |
| an hour south of Cancun. | | | | Play del Carmen is a must for the best |
| | | | shopping in this area. The pedestrian street |
| For more information: RuinsTulum - The | | | | 5th Avenida in the heart of Playa del Carmen |
| smallest Mayan ruin site among the big three, | | | | is lined with boutiques filled with goods |
| Tulum only needs a day. These ruins overlook | | | | from all over Mexico and the world. With |
| the ocean and are right on a beautiful beach. | | | | handicrafts such as fine silver jewellery to |
| This is a perfect spot for a picnic, a short | | | | hammocks there are shops that cater to every |
| swim and sun bathing. Don't forget your | | | | budget.The stores that cater to tourists |
| camera!Coba - Wear comfortable clothing and | | | | typically carry items such as carved wood and |
| shoes and prepare for an hour and a half | | | | stone, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and |
| drive into the jungle before reaching these | | | | sculptures. However, there are also high-end |
| ruins. Well worth the drive as there are | | | | galleries featuring artworks from San |
| beautiful temples and pyramids to see.Chichen | | | | Cristobal and Oaxaca for the serious Mexican |
| Itza - This is the most famous and grandiose | | | | art shopper.If you'd prefer to venture off |
| pyramid of them all. Bring plenty of film and | | | | the main strip, there are interesting |
| enjoy the beautifully kept grounds and the | | | | treasures to be found in the small plaza |
| new restoration work on the pyramid. A must | | | | between 6th and 8th Ave.Jolana Klobouk is a |
| see Mayan ruin for culture enthusiasts. There | | | | former travel agent who has traveled |
| are also restaurants, a small museum, and | | | | extensively for work and vacations with her |
| tourist shops on the site. Plan for a day | | | | family. |