Riviera Maya & the Yucatan Travelers Recommend

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.

Cruises sail to the snorkelling grounds off Cozumel, focusing on the island’s famous coral reefs and underwater canyons. Head out for a day of diving at a choice of 100 world-class dive sites, or time your snorkel for a sunset sail with margaritas and music. Newbies can learn to dive with a discover diving PADI course, and if you don’t want to get your feet wet there are glass-bottom boat cruises and underwater submarine tours. Cozumel is a birdwatcher’s haven, providing habitats for migrating ducks, flamingos, herons, egrets, ibis, falcons and kestrels. Like us humans, dolphins are drawn to Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters, and a dolphin swim promises a one-on-one interaction with these lovable creatures. Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the island’s beaches, and feed on Cozumel’s sea grass meadows. Horseback-riding trips into Cozumel’s rainforest heart reveal the island’s cenotes, picture-perfect bathing pools designed by Mother Nature.

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.