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Located in the heart of the Mayan world, the Riviera Maya or Mayan Riviera is a region that borders the Caribbean Sea and consists of beautiful beaches, tropical jungles, nature parks, rivers, cenotes, and archaeological sites of ancient Mayan ruins.  Known as the Mexico Caribbean in the state of Quintana Roo and part of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya spreads south from Cancun, and from the charming, small town of Puerto Morelos to the tiny fishing village of Punta Allen in the Sian Ka’an nature reserve.

chichen_itza_attractions_riviera_mayaThe Riviera Maya is renowned for being one of the best areas along the Mexico Caribbean coastline for water sports and beach activities, because it offers both expansive and private beaches with the tranquil, warm water of the Caribbean Sea.  Featuring a spectacular underwater world of colorful fish and uncommon marine life along its coral reefs, this part of the Caribbean Sea is home to the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world, spanning from Cancun all the way south to Guatemala, Central America.

Travelers flock to this area for its lush green, tropical rainforests with native plants and animals and for the Caribbean Sea with its beautiful turquoise-blue water and white sand beaches.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming in cenotes (cave-like sinkholes with natural wells fed by underground rivers), swimming with the dolphins and friendly whale sharks, zip-lining, horseback riding, jungle tours, and much more.

Another prime attraction of the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula are the many archaeological sites of ancient Mayan ruins, such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba, to name a few.  There are even Mayan ruins at the popular Riviera Maya eco parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha.  The Riviera Maya includes the key towns of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and everything in between.  Take pleasure in the natural beauty and cultural history of the region’s natural and man-made treasures.