| Let's Explore the Historic Sites of the Mayan Riviera, | | | | south-eastern Yucatan Peninsula. Walk through these |
| Mexico | | | | verdant green vegetation-covered ruins, one literally |
| The Mayan Riviera is located on the shores of the | | | | feels the ancient rhythms of this once strong region, |
| Caribbean Sea stretching from Isla Mujeres, in the | | | | and climbing the Nohoch Muul Temple (the highest in |
| north, across the bay from Cancun, to Punta Allen just | | | | the region) one can truly appreciate the pristine beauty |
| south of Tulum. Without a doubt one of the most | | | | and immeasurable vastness of the surrounding |
| fascinating destinations in the world, with tropical | | | | sub-tropical rain forest. |
| beaches, ancient ruins, with an abundance of marine | | | | On to an authentic Mayan village, a self-sufficient |
| and wildlife. The Great Mayan Reef is the largest in | | | | community living along side the region's lagoon system. |
| the Western Hemisphere. | | | | Together with the locals you can walk through their |
| There are just so many adventures to experience, | | | | forest, learning of the local fauna (animals) and flora |
| some of which we will now explore:- | | | | (plants), and view the incredibly beautiful Cenote, (deep |
| Chichen-Itza - Capital of the ancient Mayan imperial. | | | | water filled sinkholes). Spending time with these Mayan |
| Follow the steps into the past and discover the most | | | | people in the jungle and their villages, one is able to |
| important cultural centre of the Mayan civilization. The | | | | truly appreciate how they live and survive far from the |
| mysterious city of Chichen-Itza was an important | | | | 'civilized' lifestyles that we are accustomed to. |
| ceremonial centre and you can still see the magnificent | | | | The Great Maya Reef is the largest reef in North |
| pyramid of KuKulkan which is better known as "El | | | | America and ranks second in size globally behind the |
| Castillo" standing 75 feet high. From here you can | | | | Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. Its |
| journey to Xel-Ha, the perfect spot for snorkelling and | | | | northern extremity begins off the eastern coast of the |
| relaxation. This natural aquarium is famous for its | | | | Yucatan Peninsula at Isla Mujeres. From there it |
| thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish and the | | | | extends 197 miles south, past Cancun and through the |
| dramatic limestone formations. | | | | coastal waters of the State of Quintana Roo where it |
| Xcaret Theme Park- Natures Sacred Paradise. | | | | passes alongside the Central American countries of |
| Xcaret is the unique and friendliest of, the all-in-one | | | | Belize and Honduras. |
| eco-archaeological parks of the world. You will find | | | | It is an ecosystem within itself, with diverse and |
| archaeological ruins, dolphin and horse shows, a farm | | | | abundant forms of sea life, and yet, it is part of a |
| with tropical birds, butterflies, bat caves, beautiful | | | | greater system of rich coral zones that thrive within |
| beaches, snorkelling in the famous crystal caves and | | | | the Caribbean Sea. |
| the well known underground river. Xcaret was one of | | | | Isla Mujeres - The Island was used by the Mayan |
| the most important ports and also a revered | | | | people as a sanctuary dedicated to Ixchel, the |
| ceremonial centre. Immerse yourself in tradition, nature, | | | | goddess of love and fertility. According to the legend, |
| wonder, adventure and beauty. The grand finale of | | | | when the Spanish arrived they found a large number |
| any visit is the excellent Night Show that takes place in | | | | of women statues carved in stone in honour of the |
| a large covered theatre. The night show is a | | | | goddess, and it is from here that the island gets it's |
| spectacular production not to be missed. The night | | | | name "Isla Mujeres" meaning Island of Women. |
| begins with an ancient Mayan ball game then next the | | | | Another legend also has it that the island was used as |
| tales of Mexican history and finally a medley of | | | | a refuge by the pirate and slave trader, Fermin |
| regional dances. | | | | Mundaca, who built a beautiful hacienda here to try to |
| Mayan Culture - To see the real Mexico you must | | | | make a local island girl fall in love with him. The ruins of |
| leave the town and traffic far behind for an expedition | | | | the construction are a reminder of those times gone |
| into the heart of the jungle where you will experience | | | | by. |
| a Mexico that most tourists, and even many Mexicans, | | | | Towards the southern tip of the Island Garrafon Reef |
| never see. | | | | Park can be found, known worldwide for its natural |
| You can begin your historical journey that spans 1500 | | | | beauty and recreational activities. If you would like to |
| years of Mayan culture. The first stop is to the | | | | discovery the treasures of Isla Mujeres why not spend |
| recently-opened ancestral city of Cobá, an | | | | a few days in this enchanting, white sand, quaint Island. |
| archaeological site hidden deep inside the rain forest of | | | | |