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RIVIERA MAYAA veritable treasure troveof beaches and ancestral culture

Plural, diverse and heterogeneous even in its most deeplyrooted origins, Riviera Maya is the cradle of civilizations andpossesses an extraordinary natural beauty. On the one hand,it has given us some of the great jewels of the planet: Chichen Itza,Coba, Tulum are proof of an ancestral legacy of incalculable cultural value. On the other hand, Playa del Carmen, Sian Ka'an andCozumel, offer an unparalleled atmosphere of beach, relaxationand fun.Discover.The Region P/3Useful Information:How to Get There,Weather and Currency P/4Essentials:What to Do inRiviera Maya? P/5Top Experiences P/9Activities Full ofAdrenalin, Sunand Beach P/15Typical Flavors P/16Holidays and Festivals P/17Where to Sleep P/21

The Regionat a GlanceMexico will surprise you with itssimplicity and natural beauty. A landscape that contrasts with the passionateand vibrant character ofits people, with the majesty of its cities, with itsnatural scenery and withits ancient monuments.From historic Tulum tothe lively coast of Playadel Carmen, the whole region seems to have beenblessed by the gods. Riviera Maya is a true treasure,refuge to a thousand wondersand owner of a biodiversity unlike any other in the world.Chichen rtoMorelosPlaya delCarmenRío SecretoPlayaXpu-HaAkumalPlayaParaisoTulumBahia PrincipeComplexRiviera MayaCobaSian Ka’anBiosphereReserveCOZUMELISLAND3

HOW TO GET THEREBy air, the closest airport isCancun International Airport.It is located: 20 minutes fromCancun, 45 minutes from Playadel Carmen, 1’30 h from Tulumand 1’10 hfrom Akumal.WEATHERRiviera Maya enjoys a tropical climate. It is characterized by being warm and humid, with many hours of sunshine per year andmoderate warm winds. The average annual temperature is 26ºC(78.8ºF) with a relative humidity of 85%.January and February: The nights arecooler, with temperatures droppingto 15ºC (approx. 60ºF) at night andreaching 28º-30ºC (82-86ºF) in thedaytime.December-April: The temperatures are usually mild and pleasant during these months.July: Temperatures climb higher, and tropical rains are common.June-October: The averagetemperature is 30ºC (86ºF), butthere are days when the thermometer climbs to over 40ºC (104ºF).At this time of year there is usuallysunlight from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.CURRENCYThe local currency is theMexican peso, however U.S.dollars and euros are acceptedin most places. Besides,currency canbe easily converted at any ofa myriad exchange bureausor banks.4

Essentials:What to Do inRiviera Maya?5

LAND OF ADVENTURE:XCARET, XPLOR, XEL-HA,XAVAGE AND XENOTETwo of the top local attractions, due to their enormous wealth ofnative flora and fauna, are the Xcaret eco park and the Xplor adventure park. Xcaret was an ancient Mayan city located in a naturalinlet famous for its port and trading activity. Today it is synonymous with the conservation of the most typical nature of the Mayab region: cenotes, the Coral Reef aquarium and Mexico's mostimportant butterfly pavilion. This land of adventure does not endhere: be sure to pay a visit to the Xel-Há natural aquarium!SUNKEN TREASURE:RIO SECRETO NATURAL RESERVEIn addition to hosting the planet's second most stunning coral reef,the area is also home to impressive underground hideouts. One ofthe great jewels is the Rio Secreto Natural Reserve, which followsthe course of an underground river bedecked with stalagmites andstalactites.6

SHOPPING ON FIFTH AVENUEPlaya del Carmen's Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is the place youwon't want to miss if you're into fashion, accessories, jewelry andcrafts. Every year thousands and thousands of people from all overthe world stroll down this emblematic avenue in search of curiosrepresenting the most deeply rooted Mexican traditions as well asthe latest in international fashion, haute couture and typical regional costumes. Everything comes together on Fifth Avenue, which isjust a stone's throw from the beach and has bars and restaurantsfor you to enjoy a full day.SAN MIGUEL DE COZUMEL:AN AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN ISLANDSan Miguel de Cozumel is a small town that seems designed tosurprise visitors. A charming nook in the middle of the sea, locatedon the island of Cozumel in front of Playa del Carmen, where timeseems to stand still, far removed from the hustle and bustle. Takeadvantage of your visit to the island of Cozumel to take a strollthrough its narrow streets lined with small colorful houses thatsing "Caribbean!" at every step. You will find modest little shopsto buy souvenirs and wonderful traditional restaurants where youcan sample fresh grilled fish.7

THE BEAT GOES ONIN PLAYA DEL CARMENPlaya del Carmen will reveal itself to you as an irresistible destination, brimming with energy and vitality, even while the mostabsolute relaxation awaits you on its postcard-perfect Caribbeanbeach. On the famous Quinta Avenida you will find the mythicalCoco Bongo, a nightclub full of energy, shows with acrobats andexciting tributes to great music stars, a true spectacle in which youwill feel like you are part of an endless cast.RIVIERA MAYA GOLFCLUB BAHIA PRINCIPEA 27-hole golf course surrounded by the Mayan jungle, naturallakes and cenotes. A course suitable for international competitionswhere you can rehearse your swing on the practice range, and signup for private or group lessons to improve your technique or getstarted in this incredible sport. At the end of the round, you canenjoy food and drink in the elegant atmosphere of the cafeteriaoverlooking the golf course.8

12 TOPEXPERIENCESMAYAN RUINS1COBAThe ruins form an archaeological site that is distinct from the restof the Yucatan peninsula due to its location alongside 4 naturallakes (a rare occurrence on the peninsula). There you will find thehighest pyramid in the Mayan Empire, known as Nohoch Mul, whichin Mayan means "the Great Mound". You will also discover a largenumber of Mayan stelae and stone statues displaying preciouswritings and drawings.We recommend you pay a visit to the Santa Cruz ranch, where youcan bathe in a cenote and swim in crystal clear waters.Keep in mind that in archaeological zones,the INAH ( National Institute of Anthropologyand History) charges a fee for the use of cameras.9

12 TOPEXPERIENCESMAYAN RUINS2TULUMThe famous walled Mayan city is situated on the edge of a beautiful cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, a perfect location for the protection of the Mayan villages.Visit the castle that served as a lighthouse and helped the guideships safely skirt the world's second largest coral reef. Explore amagnificently preserved area and admire priceless murals. We recommend that you book an excursion with expert guides so thatyou can learn the history and hear many fascinating stories aboutthe area.3CHICHEN ITZAChichen Itza was the Mayan civilization's most important city. It is hometo the most extensive and awe-inspiring ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. Itwas a sacred city, and although manybuildings are buried, there remainstanding structures that can be visited to this day. We recommend a visit to the Kukulkan temple, a structurethat displays the Mayans' knowledgeof mathematics, astronomy, geometry and acoustics. And the “El Caracol”observatory, which is assumed to havehad an astronomical function given itsorientation toward Venus and othercelestial bodies.Visit this marvel, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.10

12 TOPEXPERIENCESIDYLLICBEACHES4PUERTO MORELOSLocated 18 miles from Cancun and 20 miles from Playa del Carmen. It is characterized by its peaceful atmosphere, with a beautiful white-sand beach caressed by crystal clear waters. This smallfishing village is surrounded by mangroves and a great variety ofmulticolored fish, dolphins and turtles can be seen in its waters.Here too you will find the world's second biggest coral reef, idealfor scuba diving, windsurfing and snorkeling. The area boasts theregion's only botanical gardens, with unique species of flora andfauna.5PLAYA PARAISO, TULUM"Paradise Beach" islocated a few milessouth of the Tulumarchaeological site.Its sand is whiteand soft, its watersturquoise and calm.11

12 TOPEXPERIENCESIDYLLICBEACHES6AKUMAL BEACHIts name means "Place of the Turtles"as it is the nesting site of choice ofseveral species of turtles. A spectacleof nature that is well worth seeing onyour visit.7XPU-HALocated 12 miles south of Playadel Carmen, it is a tranquil beach,ideal for resting. It's perfect forscuba diving and snorkeling,as it lies in front of a beautifulreef. We recommend you headtoward the northern end, whereyou will find a small lagoon.12

12 TOPEXPERIENCESNATUREAT ITS PURESTFor allthese activities,remember to bringalong comfortableclothes, sunscreen,sunglasses, mosquitorepellent, water, andmoney for fees.8SIAN KA’ANThe Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is the third largest reserve inMexico, protecting more than 1,235 acres of ecosystems, 800 species of plants, and 360 species of birds and other animals. Werecommend taking walks through the tropical forest, crossingthe savannas and shimmering lagoons, and visiting the beautifulbeaches of Punta Allen. Keep in mind that SEMARNAT (Ministry ofthe Environment and Natural Resources) charges an entrance feeto enter the marine park.9HOLBOXLocated just off the Yucatan Peninsula,Holbox Island is a barrier island thatwill put you in touch with natureand with the most authentic side ofthe region. You can swim with thewhale shark in September and enjoyvirtually undisturbed and very sparselyfrequented beaches. The island is 26miles long by little over a mile wide.It has nearly 22 miles of beaches andis part of the Yum Balam Flora andFauna Protection Area. Here youwill find a large number of species,including birds, manta rays, dolphins,manatees, otters, jaguars, pumas andtapirs. All of themare protected as a means of fosteringtheir reproduction.13

12 TOPEXPERIENCESORIGINALACTIVITIES10MUSA:UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ARTAn impressive underwatermuseum featuring more than500 sunken sculptures. Thesculptures are anchored tothe seabed and are madeof marine concrete, whichpromotes the generation ofcorals on its surface and therecovery of natural reefs. Thisnational park is located inthe waters between Cancunand Isla Mujeres, and featurestwo galleries: Manchones andPunta Nizuc. In Manchonesthe statues are located about25 feet deep, and in PuntaNizuc they are about 13 feetbeneath the surface.11TEMAZCAL: A PREHISTORICCURING CEREMONYA ritual of ancestral origin, temazcal is a steam bath used in Mesoamerica based on the healing of body and soul. The word temazcalcomes from the Náhuatl language, and means “sweathouse”. Thetraditional temazcal is a stone and mud structure where detoxification (and therefore a physical and spiritual purification) is achievedusing vapors generated by infusions of specific plants.12XOXIMILCO: A FESTIVE LOOK ATMEXICAN CULTURENavigate the park's canals in a picturesque "trajinera" party boat.Enjoy an open bar with tequila, beer and soft drinks, and excellenttypical Mexican cuisine. Experience typical rhythms of the "rancheros", "norteños", the marimba, and the musical and cultural iconthat is the Mariachi. Consult the services and products included andavailable, as well as the ticket price, on the event's official website.14

ACTIVITIES FULL OFADRENALIN, SUN AND BEACHBlend in with nature andlet your more adventurousside flow. Feel the pure airinvading your body andsoul. A chance to connectwith your most authenticand natural side.KAYAKINGSAILINGSCUBA DIVINGWINDSURFINGKITESURFINGGOLFSTAND-UP PADDLING15