Every year, tourists flock to Mexico by the thousands.
More than most holiday travelers however, they are a very particular bunch.
You have the group loyal to the "real" Mexican experience that is loyal to the resort towns of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and Manzanillo on the Pacific side of the country; and then you have the tourists that swear that a vacation to the Mayan Riviera is the best Mexico has to offer.
Situated on the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, and stretching typically from Punta Brava to Tulum, the Mayan Riviera is a stretch of over 70 miles of coastline along the Caribbean Sea and extending 40 miles inland.
As one of the most fascinating and beautiful destination spots in the world, it is a natural playground of culture, history, and scenic wonder.
The interior of the Mayan Riviera is a low-lying tropical jungle that is slowly yielding its secrets to the public and will continue to do so for decades to come.
Archaeological ruin sites such as Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza offer a look back to the days of the Mayan culture and ancient civilization with their impressive pyramids and temples.
Numerous other sites have been discovered and dot the inland and are easily accessible to the public but there are also many off the beaten track that will challenge even the most seasoned adventurer.
The Mayan Riviera is an eco-tourists dream.
Not only are there enough ancient ruins to keep you busy, the Riviera also features spectacular underwater caves, world-class snorkeling, unique wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Two of the more notable are Xcaret and Xel-Ha.
Xcaret is an eco theme park featuring such attractions as an aviary, a coral reef aquarium, a manatee lagoon, an apiary, caves and flamingos.
It also has numerous live shows and demonstrations featuring Mayan culture.
Although a little "Disneyish", great care has been taken to maintain the integrity of the natural ecology of the park.
Xel-Ha is a haven for snorkeling and swimming.
As the largest natural water park in the world, it is host to hundreds of different fish and sea creatures.
Other attractions include a jungle trek, spa and swimming with manatees and dolphins.
If you're a little more adventurous or more of a thrill seeker, the Riviera also has Skydiving, Jungle Zip-Lining, Rappelling, Jeep Jungle Crossing and ATV exploration.
Accommodations in the Mayan Riviera are available in a wide range.
From smaller apartment living in the fishing villages to the luxurious All Inclusive Super Resorts that line the coast with their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, there is a hotel to satisfy every type of tourist.
Out of Toronto, Tour Operators such as Sunwing, Sunquest, and Transat Holidays offer the best of the All Inclusive resorts to areas throughout the Mayan Riviera.
During Peak Season you can get daily direct flights to Cancun and transfers are included in your vacation package.
With so much to do and an impressive range of activities, it's no wonder The Mayan Riviera is becoming one of the hottest destinations for Canadians travelling to Mexico.
Whether you're a beach person, or looking to satisfy your inner explorer through eco tourism or the history of the Mayan culture, the choices and offerings of things to do are endless.
More than most holiday travelers however, they are a very particular bunch.
You have the group loyal to the "real" Mexican experience that is loyal to the resort towns of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and Manzanillo on the Pacific side of the country; and then you have the tourists that swear that a vacation to the Mayan Riviera is the best Mexico has to offer.
Situated on the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, and stretching typically from Punta Brava to Tulum, the Mayan Riviera is a stretch of over 70 miles of coastline along the Caribbean Sea and extending 40 miles inland.
As one of the most fascinating and beautiful destination spots in the world, it is a natural playground of culture, history, and scenic wonder.
The interior of the Mayan Riviera is a low-lying tropical jungle that is slowly yielding its secrets to the public and will continue to do so for decades to come.
Archaeological ruin sites such as Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza offer a look back to the days of the Mayan culture and ancient civilization with their impressive pyramids and temples.
Numerous other sites have been discovered and dot the inland and are easily accessible to the public but there are also many off the beaten track that will challenge even the most seasoned adventurer.
The Mayan Riviera is an eco-tourists dream.
Not only are there enough ancient ruins to keep you busy, the Riviera also features spectacular underwater caves, world-class snorkeling, unique wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Two of the more notable are Xcaret and Xel-Ha.
Xcaret is an eco theme park featuring such attractions as an aviary, a coral reef aquarium, a manatee lagoon, an apiary, caves and flamingos.
It also has numerous live shows and demonstrations featuring Mayan culture.
Although a little "Disneyish", great care has been taken to maintain the integrity of the natural ecology of the park.
Xel-Ha is a haven for snorkeling and swimming.
As the largest natural water park in the world, it is host to hundreds of different fish and sea creatures.
Other attractions include a jungle trek, spa and swimming with manatees and dolphins.
If you're a little more adventurous or more of a thrill seeker, the Riviera also has Skydiving, Jungle Zip-Lining, Rappelling, Jeep Jungle Crossing and ATV exploration.
Accommodations in the Mayan Riviera are available in a wide range.
From smaller apartment living in the fishing villages to the luxurious All Inclusive Super Resorts that line the coast with their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, there is a hotel to satisfy every type of tourist.
Out of Toronto, Tour Operators such as Sunwing, Sunquest, and Transat Holidays offer the best of the All Inclusive resorts to areas throughout the Mayan Riviera.
During Peak Season you can get daily direct flights to Cancun and transfers are included in your vacation package.
With so much to do and an impressive range of activities, it's no wonder The Mayan Riviera is becoming one of the hottest destinations for Canadians travelling to Mexico.
Whether you're a beach person, or looking to satisfy your inner explorer through eco tourism or the history of the Mayan culture, the choices and offerings of things to do are endless.
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