Riviera Maya, Mexico
Travel in the Riviera Maya
My wife and I had the pleasure of traveling to the Riviera Maya for our honeymoon. It was a magical trip for us, filled with both relaxation and adventure. When preparing for a trip to this area of Mexico, there are a number of things you don't want to miss and some things you may choose to avoid.
Things you will not want to miss:
My wife and I had the pleasure of traveling to the Riviera Maya for our honeymoon. It was a magical trip for us, filled with both relaxation and adventure. When preparing for a trip to this area of Mexico, there are a number of things you don't want to miss and some things you may choose to avoid.
Things you will not want to miss:
This historical city has been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From nearly 600 to 1300 B.C.E. Chichen Itza was a prosperous metropolitan that was one of the leading centers for military, political, economic, and religious life in Mesoamerica. At Chichen Itza, there are thousands of ruin sites ranging from the massive central temple, to the famous "ball court", to hundreds of beautifully crafted homes and palace walls.
Tip: The drive from Cancún is long and boring with endless jungle. I highly reccommend taking a tour bus if you are coming from the coast. While I cannot speak for every tour company, the one we took from our hotel was reasonably priced, classy, and it included snacks, drinks,
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Cenoté
One other attraction that you will not want to pass up is seeing a Cenoté. A cenoté is a large cavern where rainwater has washed away the upper limestone crust and created direct access to the groundwater system that runs though the Yucatán. There is very little surface water in this region and therefore these caverns have traditionally been very critical for survival in this part of México. Many of the public cenotés allow swimming in the water with some restrictions. They are quite an amazing site and many hotels also offer tours to see the cenotés for a reasonable fee.
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This site is one of most picturesque ruin sites in all of México. Tulúm was occupied later than Chichen Itza, approximately 1200 to 1600 B.C.E. The walls of the city sit directly on the eastern shores of the Yucután Peninsula and overlook crystal clear waters. This site is much more accessible than Chichen Itza if you are staying somewhere along the Riviera Maya coastline.
Tip: Guides for this ruin site are available outside of the ruins, although I found them quite pricey to hire on the spot compared to the amount of time the guide spends with you. Going with a reputable tour company that your hotel recommends is the best way to ensure you get your money's worth. While having a guide may seem like an extra unnecessary expense, you get so much more from the experience when you walk through with someone who knows the history. Plus, your money supports the local economy, which is always good. The site is very hot during the day in the summer months, and I highly recommend you bring your swimsuit to cool off on the beach directly next to the ruins.
For more information click here.
Xcaret and Xel-Ha
These two attractions are large amusement parks that feature the natural wonders that this area of México has to offer. They aren't like the amusement parks you may be used to in the United States. They are natural parks, meaning that the attractions are based on the surrounding ecology. If I had to choose between the two again I would choose Xcaret. Xcaret is a snorkel park, a zoo, and cultural center all rolled into one. It features numerous shows, an underground river, hiking trails, and an aquarium. It is a whole day affair and it is certainly worth it to stay for the evening show. Xel-Ha is also a full day affair and is primarily a snorkel park. It's great for those of you who aren't into either the price or adventure behind taking a snorkel boat trip to one of the reef systems off shore. The park is an inlet from the ocean, which allows for snorkeling in an almost wave free environment. You will likely see many tropical fish, sting rays, and you can even snorkel up to a gate that holds 1,500 lb. manatees.
For more information on Xcaret, click here. For Xel-Ha, click here.
Things to be aware of and to possibly avoid:
- Don't drink the tap water!!! While many of the hotels in this area filter and treat the water, there are still bacteria in the water that may put you on the toilet for a couple of days. Drink bottled water, and if you go to a restaurant there is no harm in asking them to bring you a sealed bottle of water (to ensure that they didn't just refill an old bottle).
- Know where you are going before you go! Unlike many U.S. cities, the streets are not adequately marked. Having turn by turn directions to your hotel or to an attraction is useful, but not if you are unable read the street signs in order to navigate your way. A map, in my opinion, is absolutely essential. That way if you missed a turn you can check and confirm that you have "gone to far." I am sure a GPS unit would help, but you would have to purchase the maps for the area you are traveling to ahead of time.
- Use tourist companies that your hotel or timeshare recommends. They are likely to be reputable and honest.
-Brandon
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