The eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula holds a treasure trove of environmental beauty and natural diversity, which just happens to lie next to some of the world's most astonishing world-class resorts. The state of Quintana Roo is home to the fabulous Riviera Maya, Mexico's premiere vacation destination, as well as untold acres of pristine jungle and dozens of ancient Maya ruins, making it an area sure to appeal to anyone who has even the vaguest interest in sampling some of Central America's many delights. Whether your pleasure is golf, swimming, trekking, incredible cuisine, luxury accommodations, or unbelievable stretches of pristine beaches and gorgeous coral reefs, you and your family will find everything you're looking for in this one corner of sunny, tropical Mexico.
Exciting Adventures on Land and Sea
If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet's rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!
A Region Rich in Mayan History
You might be surprised to learn that, despite all the luxurious trappings and modern conveniences, the Riviera Maya sits adjacent to some of Central America's most amazing Mayan ruins. A multitude of incredible sites, such as Kabah, Umal, and Xel Ha are within only a short drive of the beaches, hotels, and eco-lodges. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to enlist the aid of a personal guide to help point out each site's myriad subtle details of history and architecture, which will surely leave you in awe of the skill and power of this land's ancient former rulers.
However, if you've only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it's windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.
Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an
The bountiful natural preserve of Si'an Kaan boasts the largest and most diverse population of rare and endangered animals practically anywhere in the region. Within its boundaries are over twenty sites of early Maya habitation, including the fascinating city of Muyil, whose most ancient artifacts date back to 350 BCE. Hundreds of species of mammals and over 300 species of tropical bird are just the beginning of the long list of natural treasures sheltered by this protected land. You'll see crocodiles, giant iguanas, exotic spider monkeys, and the adorable coatimundi and that's just for starters.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!
Exciting Adventures on Land and Sea
If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet's rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!
A Region Rich in Mayan History
You might be surprised to learn that, despite all the luxurious trappings and modern conveniences, the Riviera Maya sits adjacent to some of Central America's most amazing Mayan ruins. A multitude of incredible sites, such as Kabah, Umal, and Xel Ha are within only a short drive of the beaches, hotels, and eco-lodges. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to enlist the aid of a personal guide to help point out each site's myriad subtle details of history and architecture, which will surely leave you in awe of the skill and power of this land's ancient former rulers.
However, if you've only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it's windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.
Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an
The bountiful natural preserve of Si'an Kaan boasts the largest and most diverse population of rare and endangered animals practically anywhere in the region. Within its boundaries are over twenty sites of early Maya habitation, including the fascinating city of Muyil, whose most ancient artifacts date back to 350 BCE. Hundreds of species of mammals and over 300 species of tropical bird are just the beginning of the long list of natural treasures sheltered by this protected land. You'll see crocodiles, giant iguanas, exotic spider monkeys, and the adorable coatimundi and that's just for starters.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!
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Find out more on traveling to Guatemala Duende Tours Adventure Travel. To witness the birds in Guatemala in their habitat try Onejungle's Guatemala Adventure Trips for a great combination of adventure and culture.
