Boca Paila Preserve at SianKaan

The Riviera Maya

After the amazing success of the Cancún, it was natural that all the shoreline of the Mexican Caribbean would attract the interest of international developers. Starting with Cancún southwards to Tulum, the Riviera Maya offers the most amazing and diverse vacation destination in the world. This privileged enclave is traversed by the 100-mile (160 km) Highway 307 that runs parallel to the sea. It is dotted by myriad landmarks such as pristine white-sand beaches, fresh water cenotes (natural sinkholes), charming towns and mystical Maya sites...all surrounded by the lush tropical jungle. The Riviera Maya offers the opportunity to enjoy nature at its best while you learn about one of the planet's most ancient and enigmatic civilizations. Lodging is available throughout the area to suit every taste and budget, with a selection of rustic cabanas, small quaint hotels and luxurious waterfront developments.

Riviera Maya first time visitors video

CANCUN

Cancún, a growing city and world-renowned tourist destination, is located on the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico's southern state of Quintana Roo. The city of Cancún comprises two distinct areas: the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), a slender ribbon of an island that is bordered by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Nichupté Lagoon on the other; and El Centro (Downtown), on the mainland, originally a workers' village for those laboring in the Hotel Zone.

Cancun's International Airport is the Mayan Riviera gateway for direct and charter flights from major capitals from all around the world, mainly from the US and Canada. It's convenient geographic location allows 4 hour flights from Los Angeles or New York, and 2 to 3 hour flights from most southern and center states.

The Hotel Zone
Is a "7"-shaped island, which is joined to the mainland by the Punta Nizuc bridge at the south and by the Playa Linda bridge at the north. The island, a narrow, 22-kilometer (14-mi.) strip of sandy beach, is bisected by Kukulcán Boulevard. The large, natural Nichupté lagoon extends southwest between the island and the mainland. Facing the Hotel Zone is a National Marine Park, nestled between the west coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún and Punta Nizuc. This protected area harbors the most beautiful reefs in Cancún.

The Beaches
The entire coast is federal property and, therefore, open to all. From Downtown to Punta Cancún, the coast is protected by off-shore Isla Mujeres and the waves rarely rise above knee level, whereas the wide-open beaches from Punta Cancún to Punta Nizuc are pounded with strong surf and deceptive currents. Restaurants, bars and water sports facilities are available at most of the beaches.

The City of Cancún
Today 500,000 people share the joys of living in this burgeoning community. Cancún is an interesting agglomeration of large Supermanzanas, or SM, (neighborhoods) with small residential parks in the middle and large streets.

Downtown Cancún
The heart of Cancún is El Centro. Thousands of tourists flock to haggle with vendors at the mercados (markets), shops and boutiques, or to enjoy the exquisite plates and exotic drinks offered by Downtown restaurants, and bars.

Electricity
110 volts. Most hotels feature voltage converters that make most 220-volt electrical devices work.

Flora & fauna
Cancún, along with the entire state of Quintana Roo, harbors a remarkable biodiversity. In the zone one can find 475 species of birds, 100 mammal species, 1,200 different species of plants and 2,500 marine species, among which are many different types of coral and other life forms, cohabiting with 500 species of multicolored tropical fish.

Geography
Cancún is located 19 degrees 39' 07" North, and 89 degrees 25' 52" West. The ground is formed by layers of limestone, where many underground cave and river systems form hundreds of natural sinkholes, called cenotes. Parallel to the coast is the second largest reef barrier in the world, 864 kilometers (535 mi.) long.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, rent-a-cars, mopeds and bicycles are plentiful throughout the beaches and boulevards. Bus stops are sprinkled throughout Downtown and the Hotel Zone. While economical, buses are usually packed during peak hours. Taxi fares are fixed. In the Hotel Zone that depends on which zones you are traveling between, so ask the driver for the fare. Within the Downtown area, the standard fare is $15 pesos.

Language
All throughout México, Spanish is the official language as it is in Cancún. A significant part of the population, mainly the indigenous, speaks Maya. Other common languages include English, French, German and Italian.

Population
Cancún currently has 600,000 inhabitants, most of which are not originally from this area. A cosmopolitan city, it harbors people from every corner of México and the rest of the world.

Time
Cancún has a summer schedule (May to September) and another for the winter (October to April). According to the international time zones, Cancún is located - 6 hours of the Greenwich Meridian Time.

Weather
During the summer season—April through September—high temperatures average 36°C (97°F) and lows 29°C (84°F); during winter season—October through March—highs average 28°C (82°F), and lows 18°C (64°F). Cancún enjoys 253 sunny days per year. The rainy season goes from May to November.

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PUERTO MORELOS

Thirty-six kilometers (22 mi.) south of Cancún, 2 hours drive from Boca Paila Preserve is the tranquil fishing town of Puerto Morelos, with its beautiful beaches and an offshore reef that is great for diving and snorkeling.
The town features all the basic amenities such as restaurants, gift shops, a pharmacy, grocery and liquor stores, money exchange facilities; as well as offering services like car rentals, scuba shops, travel agencies, a gas station and small, inexpensive hotels.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Just 68 kilometers (41 mi.) from Cancún, Playa del Carmen (or Playa) has some of the finest beaches and coral reefs on the coast, with accommodations that range from five-star quality to rustic. Playa's pedestrian walkway is lined with shops, boutiques and a wide variety of restaurants.

XCARET
Situated seventy-two kilometers (45 mi.) south of Cancún is the entrance to Xcaret, a privately-owned eco-archaeological park. It features an archaeological site thought to be the vestiges of the Maya port of Polé. Other attractions include some cenotes (natural sinkholes), a beautiful natural inlet-which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling-, dolphins, an aviary, a tropical aquarium, butterfly pavilion, and a museum. Stay for the Xcaret at Night show.
PUERTO AVENTURAS
Nestled beside a lovely stretch of dazzlingly white beach is Puerto Aventuras, 98 kilometers (60 mi.) south of Cancún. Its sea is clear, calm and perfect for swimming. Deserted stretches easily reached on foot. This 900-acre development features hotels, condominiums, restaurants, shops, full-services marina, dive center, nautical museum and an 18-hole golf course.
AKUMAL
Akumal, located 102 km (approximately 64 mile) south of Cancún, is right on the shores of a tranquil bay with clear, shallow water that is perfect for snorkeling. There are several hotels, restaurants and shops. Snorkeling and diving trips to the offshore reefs (considered some of the finest in the area) are offered by many waterfront dive operations. Fishing trips are also available. Back to top
AKTUN CHEN
Come see the five-million-year-old cave system of Aktun-Chen. Located a 107-kilometer (64 mi.) drive south of Cancún, this grotto is the only known extensive, above-water-level cave system that has been discovered in the eastern part of the Yucatán peninsula. Visitors can tour its ancient stalagmites and stalactites with the aid of a bilingual, informed guide, who explains the process through which the caves were formed. Located two kilometers west of the Cancún-Tulum Highway, at km 107.
HIDDEN WORLDS
Venture into the most beautiful cenotes (natural sinkholes) where you can snorkel or go cave diving; the jungle snorkel includes swimming, snorkeling and a jungle hike. Tours include guide, transportation and snorkeling gear. All the activities are suitable for the whole family. Hidden worlds offers restaurant service, and is located 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Chetumal - Cancún highway 307, km 243.
XEL HA
In Xel-Há National Park, located 122 kilometers (76 mi.) south of Cancún, nature has created incredible caves, inlets and lagoons. Fish from the Caribbean take refuge in the placid waters of Xel-Há, where freshwater from nearby streams mixes with the ocean. Snorkelers can mingle with the multi-colored, brilliant fish. The park also offers all modern amenities and services.
TULUM
The impressive cliff-top archaeological site of Tulum (131 km/86 mi south of Cancún), dating from the Maya Post-Classic period (A.D. 900-1512), is one of the most famous landmarks in the Maya World. It commands spectacular views of the Quintana Roo coast. Bring your bathing suit for a swim after visiting the archaeological site. Back to top