Riviera Maya & the Yucatan Travelers Recommend

Taking a tour in the Riviera Maya is a great way to experience the unique attractions that make the area special, and companies like Alltournative also help to preserve and protect the native landscape for the local community and future travelers. In a region that is still laden with rural communities, sustainable development is vitally important to the area’s long-term success, so by providing locals with opportunities to fuse tourism with tradition, Alltournative tours are allowing the cultures to thrive and grow.. On a visit to Ek Balam ruins, visitors hear stories of this historical site that dates to 100 BC and speak with a Mayan shaman. Visits to a traditional Maya village are included on some trips and allow the locals an economic lifeline to continue their traditional crafts. Travelers hear legends of ancient Maya while swimming in hidden cenotes. Visitors can also delve deep into a Yucatan jungle on four-wheeled ATVs and participate in Maya ceremonies.

Cancun may be known as a beach holiday destination, but there’s so much more to do than here than soak up the sun and enjoy a few frozen drinks. One of the most popular area activities is a visit to the local Mayan ruins, remnants of a sophisticated civilization that once lived throughout Mexico and Central America. Visitors to Cancun who can pull themselves away from the white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean will find several Mayan ruin experiences to choose from.

Cancun treats every day as a holiday, but also plans a few organized events throughout the year. The biggest event is Carnaval, a joyous, usually drunken celebration held in February right before Lent's period of fasting and penitence. Inmaculada Concepcion is a religious festival held on Isla Mujeres in December. Day 1: Water You're brilliantly positioned to hit the water at Cancun. Jump in with a Jungle Speedboat Tour across lagoons and coral reefs, with time to stop for a snorkel adventure to explore the magical underwater world. Day 2: Fun Budding pirates and romantics alike will love the Captain Hook Cruise aboard a Spanish galleon. The Caribbean Carnival on Isla Mujeres takes you on an early-evening cruise to the island, with a buffet dinner and Caribbean show. Day 3: Adventure Chichen Itza isn't the only day-trip destination from Cancun, though those Mayan archaeological ruins are mighty popular.

There’s plenty to do and see in the coastal town of Playa del Carmen. Start your day with sunrise on the beach before heading to Playacar. Wander the aviary filled with indigenous birds or play a few holes on the world class golf course. Hire a bike and ride along the 4 km path along 10 Avenue, where it’s easy to access shopping and boutiques along 5th Avenue. Round out the day with a visit to the Jungle Place sanctuary, where spider monkeys and other local wildlife swing from the trees. Escape the modern day city and travel back to the past on a visit to Chichen Itza. These world-famous ruins rank among the nation’s most popular sites, with more than one million tourists visiting annually. Ancient pyramids are tucked among lush green forests, making it the perfect place to snap some photos while experiencing the nation’s rich culture, history and Mayan tradition.