A region filled with distinct ecosystems rich in wildlife, flora
and fauna, the Riviera Maya is graced with natural diversity.
That’s what makes the area so appealing to travelers with varied
interests and tastes. Add in family-friendly venues, and Riviera
Maya offers more than just a little something for everyone.
White sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, a network of
underground rivers, jungles, savannahs, mangroves and cenotes can
be found throughout the area, each offering a different view into
its ecology. The region is strongly commitment to protecting the
environment while showcasing its natural habitats. As a result, it
has created a number of eco-archeological parks dedicated to
sustainable tourism development and resource preservation.
Xcaret, the largest and best-known of the region’s
eco-archeological parks, celebrates Mexican culture, history and
the ecological diversity for which the Riviera Maya is known.
Located just four miles south of Playa del Carmen, Xcaret presents
visitors with a variety of eco-adventure activities, including
snorkeling in underground rivers, swimming with dolphins, horseback
riding, scuba diving and touring archeological sites. Its most
popular attraction, the underground rivers, are part of a vast
network of streams in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Set amid a jungle and bordered by a white sand beach, Xcaret
also features a natural aquarium, botanical garden, aviary and
Mayan village, plus a number of restaurants and snack bars. Guests
will also find activities such as a demonstration of the legendary
2,000-year-old Mayan ball game called Pok-ta-pok, Mariachi bands
and an evening folkloric show highlighting the individual states of
Mexico.
Located further south is the snorkeler’s haven of Xel-Ha, a
natural aquarium where the ocean combines with freshwater springs
and natural underground rivers. Situated 27 miles from Playa del
Carmen and surrounded by jungle, Xel-Ha is a chain of inlets,
lagoons, cenotes and underground rivers. Here, visitors will find a
rare opportunity to float down the waterways in oversized
inner-tubes. The site is located outside the grounds of the
eco-park.
Tres Rios is an expansive tropical reserve situated on 370 acres
with a one-mile white sand beach. Named for the area’s three fresh
water rivers, it offers a vast tropical jungle, thriving coral reef
system and numerous mangroves.
Guests have several options for discovering over 100 species of
wildlife in the park - touring on bicycle along jungle paths,
horseback riding on the beach, and canoeing, snorkeling and
kayaking on the river.
Aktun Chen, which means “cave with an underground river inside”
in Mayan, lies in the jungle between Akumal and Xel-Ha. All ages
can enjoy guided walking tours through underground dry caves with
stalactite and stalagmite formations. Some 1,000 acres of
subtropical forest, spider monkeys, white tail deer and wild
turkeys are among the wildlife they’ll witness. The area also
features a serpentarium with poisonous and non-poisonous snakes for
viewing.
Kantun Chi Eco-park, which means “yellow stone mouth,” is
located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera. Legend has it that the
cenotes at Kantun Chi provided water to the ancient Mayans and
local wildlife. The Mayans believed that cenotes could purify their
souls. Before entering one to drink or bathe, the Mayans would
perform a ceremony to ask permission of mythical creatures like the
God Chaac, who was believed to be the rain and water god, and the
aluxes, human-like beings that inhabited the forests and hid from
view. While everyone slept at night, they emerged to walk through
the forests. The Mayans believed that if they were treated well,
the aluxes would take care of the forest plants, ward off plagues,
protect the animals and keep away negative energies.
The 81-mile stretch known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the
Mexican Caribbean on the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the
state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning 11 miles south of the
Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, it extends to
Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a small town near the Sian Kaan Biosphere
Reserve. In addition to the archeological sites, the region
features accommodations, golf courses, shopping and gourmet
dining.
www.rivieramaya.com
