Two Tickets To Yucatan Paradise

by Infomaniac on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 | No Comments

While the eastern shore of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is celebrated for its many different types of saltwater fishing having an extraordinary variety of edible species to go after, it is in fact just a small element of what the Mayan Riviera has to offer. In fact, the major attraction of Mexico’s Caribbean coast is the miles and miles of white, sandy beaches, with world class swimming and snorkeling effortlessly accessible. There is a reason why this is one of the most enjoyed areas of Mexico. Beach vacation rentals in the area present ideal bases of operations when discovering this fascinating part of the country.

Chances are you will land at the Cancun International Airport, which is where the Mayan Riviera starts. Rent an automobile and go south on Highway 307, which the Mexican government has newly renovated and maintains in excellent condition for locals and visitors. This drive alone is worth the trip, since the highway rarely strays more than half a mile or so from the coast. Along the way, you will see an abundance of beach vacation rentals ranging from grand to rustic.

One of the most popular destinations along la Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen which translates as “Carmen’s Beach” after the patron saint of Cancun, about an hour south of the airport. Capital of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, this area is home to excellent, sensibly priced beach vacation rentals and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It is also the western terminal for the Cozumel Ferry. Cozumel is merely a few miles off the coast and is where exceptional snorkeling is to be found. This is also home to many stores offering a wide diversity of goods and souvenirs. If you are visiting from one of the cruise ships that sail the waters of the western Caribbean, you will not have to pay import tax on these items.

Back in the city of Playa del Carmen itself, the youngsters will be delighted to visit an actual petting zoo where they can actually handle a lion and a boa constrictor. And when it is hora de comer (time to eat), there are plentiful dining establishments and cafes at which you and the family can sample the native cuisine while listening to traditional live mariachi music.

This part of Mexico is an outstanding place to learn more about the remarkable Mayan civilization, which gave this section of the Yucatan its name. The ruins of quite a few cities are within a few hours drive or bus ride, including Chichen Itza, one of the better preserved of the ancient Mayan cities, and Palenque, which has been essentially restored and has examples of the 3000 year old Mayan ball game of ulama, which is still played by some of the local indigenous peoples.

While you are there, do not miss a round of golf at neighboring Playacar as well as the Xaman-Ha Aviary and Cavernas Sache, a dynamic underground cave with spectacular formations.

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