This is one of Mexico’s most visited regions, and with good reason. The gateway to the Mayan world has, for sun worshippers, miles upon miles of famous white sand, waters of pure turquoise as far as the eye can see and some of the most celebrated Mayan ruins anywhere. There are also gorgeous haciendas and plenty of colonial remnants showcasing another aspect of Mexican history, offering a full roundup of the ideal vacation experience south of the border.
RIVIERA MAYA
Visitors have a bevy of outdoor options from which to choose here. For starters, the area is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the world, with year-round sunshine-boasting days ideal for snorkeling, fishing, water-skiing, or just splashing around. Hotels in the Riviera Maya cater to every type of traveler, from families on a budget to honeymooning couples (one of these, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, opened recently with a rainforest trail, expansive spa and golf access). The Yucatan Peninsula as a whole has another unique perk for travelers— its underground river system often bubbles up to the surface in cenotes or sinkholes that are great for swimming and snorkeling. Some of these are available at the Xel-ha, which bills itself as the “greatest natural aquarium in the world.” The Riviera Maya also has incredible Mayan ruins. Tulum, the only walled city built by the Mayas, features some ruins with remnants of frescoes and an exquisite location right next to the sea, best enjoyed during the morning or late-afternoon hours. There’s also Coba, whose jungle-like surroundings and natural canopies over walking paths offer more shade from the Caribbean sun. This former city has ballgame courts, temples and other structures that are a joy to discover, including the remains of Mayan roads, now mostly covered by vegetation. One of the Riviera Maya’s most popular hotspots is Playa del Carmen, a town initially known as a sleepy fishing village that has grown by leaps and bounds with great shops, restaurants and bars, especially along its Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue.
Good Time to Go: This November sees yet another version of the famous Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in Playa del Carmen.
COZUMEL
As much a Mayan sanctuary as it is a marine refuge, Cozumel was named “Land of the Swallows” by the Mayas long ago and remains one of the indigenous group’s most sacred locations. Important archaeological sites here include San Gervasio, where the Mayas worshipped the goddess Ixchel, and El Caracol, a structure once used to determine the advent of hurricanes. Among the non-Maya, Cozumel is perhaps best known for being the site of the Palancar Reef, the second largest in the world—a veritable paradise for snorkelers and divers, especially in sites such as Chankanaab Park. Due to its lovely mix of blue waters, great resorts and Mexican-Caribbean warmth, Cozumel is a popular choice for weddings and honeymoons, family vacations and old-fashioned beach-and-sun escapes.
Good Time to Go: The 3-day Cozumel Boat Rodeo and Fishing Tournament takes place in May.
CANCUN
Enjoying a sophisticated but well-deserved reputation as the beach resort destination of choice, Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo is where the beautiful people come to play. Its resorts are nothing short of spectacular, constantly upping the “wow” factor for all types of visitors. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, for instance, now has a Beach Club right by its exquisite stretch of sand and celebrates a Moonlight Fest each month. Resort spas offer everything from traditional Mayan techniques to the latest treatments from Europe and Asia. Top golf courses are plentiful and now include a Jack Nicklaus Signature course from Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts. Cancun is also known around the world for its incredible beaches, and most hotels offer direct access to them—but the Nichupte Lagoon and its mangroves offer another great option for watersports lovers. Kayaking, paragliding and windsurfi ng opportunities abound. Just 15 minutes away is Isla Mujeres, a lovely option for snorkelers that now includes the new, budget-friendly Privilege Aluxes Hotel on Playa Norte. Another fun visit while in Cancun is Isla Holbox, where thousands of pink flamingos flock to each summer. The main mode of transportation here is a golf cart and a seafood meal is as good and fresh as it gets. Isla Holbox has few inhabitants and only a handful of cars but is prolific in wildlife, with sea turtles, dolphins and whalesharks visiting throughout the year.
Good Time to Go: Fishing aficionados might want to stop by Isla Mujeres May 6-8 for its annual Fishing Tournament.
MERIDA
The largest city in the Yucatan is also one of its most picturesque, where horse-drawn carriage rides and 19th century mansions inspire another type of vacation experience. It’s more than 450 years old and captures the buzz of modern-day Mexico while remaining stoic about its past. Its Paseo Montejo, for instance, is a European-style boulevard lined with the most beautiful and grand of estates, some now converted into hotels and museums. Its main square, called Plaza Grande, has something going on every night of the week, with different types of live music waiting to surprise and various buildings of interest nearby, including the San Ildefonso Cathedral, one of Mexico’s oldest, partly built with stones from ancient Mayan temples. On the north side of the plaza is the Government Palace, with murals by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco. Shopping enthusiasts will want to peruse the many handicrafts available, including Yucatecan hammocks and huipiles or traditional Mayan blouses. Around the city are plenty of cenotes in which to enjoy clear waters and several gorgeous haciendas—including Hacienda Xcanatun—that have been expertly converted into the most posh of hotels but still hold on tight to its architectural and cultural roots. Merida is also the gateway to top Mayan sites. There is Chichen Itza, of course, now one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with buildings dating back to the seventh century. Also of interest is Uxmal, built sometime between A.D. 800 and 1,000, and famous for its elaborate structure called the Pyramid of the Magician. Merida itself, in fact, was built upon the ancient Mayan city of T’ho.
Good Time to Go: Merida’s annual International Arts Festival takes place during the early part of the year and features concerts, fine arts, dances and more.
CAMPECHE
This walled city, capital of the state of Campeche, was founded by the Spaniards in 1540 but already existed as the Mayan city of Can Pech long before the Europeans arrived. Its fortifications once protected the commercial port from pirate attacks, and each of its remaining bulwarks now has a different function. For instance, the Baluarte de Santiago is home to the local botanical garden while the Baluarte de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad now houses ancient keepsakes, armaments and seafaring equipment as the Mayan Stelae Museum. The San Miguel Fort is now home to the Museum of Mayan Culture, which among other things holds jade funeral masks. Campeche is beautiful and as a whole worth a visit of a few days.
Its historic center alone, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, holds multiple buildings and historic sites that need to be explored either on foot along cobblestone streets or with the help of the local trolley and its accompanying audio guide. There is Casa Seis, restored to recreate the abode of a 19th century merchant; the imposing Campeche Cathedral, which took centuries to finish; and the Carvajal Mansion, a 19th century manor with Moorish arches; and many other structures of different colors that make Campeche a genuine queen among cities. In fact, it was recently billed as one of the best 109 historic destinations by National Geographic Traveler. Former haciendas of henequen, grains and sugar are still prevalent throughout Campeche, though mostly as hotels and museums, with many architectural details and relics still intact. Not far away from the city are several Mayan sites to explore, including Edzna and Calakmul— the latter is also one of the largest biosphere reserves in Mexico.
Good Time to Go: Each December brings the Campeche Historic Festival.
CIUDAD DEL CARMEN
This coastal city, on the coastal tip of Isla del Carmen, was once a trade center for the Aztecs and the Maya and later became a frequent stop for pirates before settling in as a placid fishing village. Connected to the mainland by El Zacatal Bridge, Ciudad del Carmen now thrives on the oil found several decades ago off its coast, for which it receives a constant influx of business travelers. It also has a lively nighttime scene throughout, especially around its main plaza and on Playa Norte. Don’t miss the Cathedral of the Virgin of Carmen, which features unique stained glass windows.
Good Time to Go: Each July the city honors the Virgin of Carmen, its patron saint, with assorted festivities.
RIVIERA MAYA
Visitors have a bevy of outdoor options from which to choose here. For starters, the area is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the world, with year-round sunshine-boasting days ideal for snorkeling, fishing, water-skiing, or just splashing around. Hotels in the Riviera Maya cater to every type of traveler, from families on a budget to honeymooning couples (one of these, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, opened recently with a rainforest trail, expansive spa and golf access). The Yucatan Peninsula as a whole has another unique perk for travelers— its underground river system often bubbles up to the surface in cenotes or sinkholes that are great for swimming and snorkeling. Some of these are available at the Xel-ha, which bills itself as the “greatest natural aquarium in the world.” The Riviera Maya also has incredible Mayan ruins. Tulum, the only walled city built by the Mayas, features some ruins with remnants of frescoes and an exquisite location right next to the sea, best enjoyed during the morning or late-afternoon hours. There’s also Coba, whose jungle-like surroundings and natural canopies over walking paths offer more shade from the Caribbean sun. This former city has ballgame courts, temples and other structures that are a joy to discover, including the remains of Mayan roads, now mostly covered by vegetation. One of the Riviera Maya’s most popular hotspots is Playa del Carmen, a town initially known as a sleepy fishing village that has grown by leaps and bounds with great shops, restaurants and bars, especially along its Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue.
Good Time to Go: This November sees yet another version of the famous Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in Playa del Carmen.
COZUMEL
As much a Mayan sanctuary as it is a marine refuge, Cozumel was named “Land of the Swallows” by the Mayas long ago and remains one of the indigenous group’s most sacred locations. Important archaeological sites here include San Gervasio, where the Mayas worshipped the goddess Ixchel, and El Caracol, a structure once used to determine the advent of hurricanes. Among the non-Maya, Cozumel is perhaps best known for being the site of the Palancar Reef, the second largest in the world—a veritable paradise for snorkelers and divers, especially in sites such as Chankanaab Park. Due to its lovely mix of blue waters, great resorts and Mexican-Caribbean warmth, Cozumel is a popular choice for weddings and honeymoons, family vacations and old-fashioned beach-and-sun escapes.
Good Time to Go: The 3-day Cozumel Boat Rodeo and Fishing Tournament takes place in May.
CANCUN
Enjoying a sophisticated but well-deserved reputation as the beach resort destination of choice, Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo is where the beautiful people come to play. Its resorts are nothing short of spectacular, constantly upping the “wow” factor for all types of visitors. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, for instance, now has a Beach Club right by its exquisite stretch of sand and celebrates a Moonlight Fest each month. Resort spas offer everything from traditional Mayan techniques to the latest treatments from Europe and Asia. Top golf courses are plentiful and now include a Jack Nicklaus Signature course from Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts. Cancun is also known around the world for its incredible beaches, and most hotels offer direct access to them—but the Nichupte Lagoon and its mangroves offer another great option for watersports lovers. Kayaking, paragliding and windsurfi ng opportunities abound. Just 15 minutes away is Isla Mujeres, a lovely option for snorkelers that now includes the new, budget-friendly Privilege Aluxes Hotel on Playa Norte. Another fun visit while in Cancun is Isla Holbox, where thousands of pink flamingos flock to each summer. The main mode of transportation here is a golf cart and a seafood meal is as good and fresh as it gets. Isla Holbox has few inhabitants and only a handful of cars but is prolific in wildlife, with sea turtles, dolphins and whalesharks visiting throughout the year.
Good Time to Go: Fishing aficionados might want to stop by Isla Mujeres May 6-8 for its annual Fishing Tournament.
MERIDA
The largest city in the Yucatan is also one of its most picturesque, where horse-drawn carriage rides and 19th century mansions inspire another type of vacation experience. It’s more than 450 years old and captures the buzz of modern-day Mexico while remaining stoic about its past. Its Paseo Montejo, for instance, is a European-style boulevard lined with the most beautiful and grand of estates, some now converted into hotels and museums. Its main square, called Plaza Grande, has something going on every night of the week, with different types of live music waiting to surprise and various buildings of interest nearby, including the San Ildefonso Cathedral, one of Mexico’s oldest, partly built with stones from ancient Mayan temples. On the north side of the plaza is the Government Palace, with murals by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco. Shopping enthusiasts will want to peruse the many handicrafts available, including Yucatecan hammocks and huipiles or traditional Mayan blouses. Around the city are plenty of cenotes in which to enjoy clear waters and several gorgeous haciendas—including Hacienda Xcanatun—that have been expertly converted into the most posh of hotels but still hold on tight to its architectural and cultural roots. Merida is also the gateway to top Mayan sites. There is Chichen Itza, of course, now one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with buildings dating back to the seventh century. Also of interest is Uxmal, built sometime between A.D. 800 and 1,000, and famous for its elaborate structure called the Pyramid of the Magician. Merida itself, in fact, was built upon the ancient Mayan city of T’ho.
Good Time to Go: Merida’s annual International Arts Festival takes place during the early part of the year and features concerts, fine arts, dances and more.
CAMPECHE
This walled city, capital of the state of Campeche, was founded by the Spaniards in 1540 but already existed as the Mayan city of Can Pech long before the Europeans arrived. Its fortifications once protected the commercial port from pirate attacks, and each of its remaining bulwarks now has a different function. For instance, the Baluarte de Santiago is home to the local botanical garden while the Baluarte de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad now houses ancient keepsakes, armaments and seafaring equipment as the Mayan Stelae Museum. The San Miguel Fort is now home to the Museum of Mayan Culture, which among other things holds jade funeral masks. Campeche is beautiful and as a whole worth a visit of a few days.
Its historic center alone, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, holds multiple buildings and historic sites that need to be explored either on foot along cobblestone streets or with the help of the local trolley and its accompanying audio guide. There is Casa Seis, restored to recreate the abode of a 19th century merchant; the imposing Campeche Cathedral, which took centuries to finish; and the Carvajal Mansion, a 19th century manor with Moorish arches; and many other structures of different colors that make Campeche a genuine queen among cities. In fact, it was recently billed as one of the best 109 historic destinations by National Geographic Traveler. Former haciendas of henequen, grains and sugar are still prevalent throughout Campeche, though mostly as hotels and museums, with many architectural details and relics still intact. Not far away from the city are several Mayan sites to explore, including Edzna and Calakmul— the latter is also one of the largest biosphere reserves in Mexico.
Good Time to Go: Each December brings the Campeche Historic Festival.
CIUDAD DEL CARMEN
This coastal city, on the coastal tip of Isla del Carmen, was once a trade center for the Aztecs and the Maya and later became a frequent stop for pirates before settling in as a placid fishing village. Connected to the mainland by El Zacatal Bridge, Ciudad del Carmen now thrives on the oil found several decades ago off its coast, for which it receives a constant influx of business travelers. It also has a lively nighttime scene throughout, especially around its main plaza and on Playa Norte. Don’t miss the Cathedral of the Virgin of Carmen, which features unique stained glass windows.
Good Time to Go: Each July the city honors the Virgin of Carmen, its patron saint, with assorted festivities.
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