Mexico's Riviera Maya
by: Barry deCocq

Travelers who are looking for a fantastic all-inclusive resort
destination that is priced far below most tropical destinations in and
around the Caribbean should look into
Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This
area has fast become a very popular tropical vacation getaway for
travelers from around the world. The Riviera Maya is located on the
Caribbean side of Mexico and encompasses the stretch of coastline
ranging from about 5 miles to 60 miles south of Cancun.

Don’t be misled into thinking that because you fly into Cancun to get
to the
Riviera Maya that it is anything like Cancun and its spring
break, party-like atmosphere…it is far from it. The
Riviera Maya has
been set aside by the Mexican government as a semi-protected area,
and as such it cannot become the touristy, high-rise resort type of
destination you find in the Cancun hotel zone. Resorts can only be
built 3-stories or less in height and they have to be constructed to
embrace the surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and topography. It is a
much more family-friendly and romantic vacation destination.

RIVIERA MAYA RESORTS
Resorts in the Riviera Maya are primarily all-inclusive properties.
Because of the remote locations of many of the properties there are
very few offsite dining areas. All-inclusive resorts give the traveler the
benefit of having everything paid for prior to their arrival. All meals,
drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, and
other amenities are included in package prices. The more upscale
all-inclusive resorts of 4-star and higher quality typically have many
different restaurant options ranging from buffet to world-class a la
carte cuisine….all-included! Some of the more popular resort chains
in the
Riviera Maya include Iberostar Resorts, Palace Resorts, and
Secrets Resorts & Spas. Resorts run anywhere from more family-
related types of properties or resorts for the budget-minded to very
upscale adults-only spa resorts.

RIVIERA MAYA EXCURSIONS
One of the best reasons to choose the Mexico Riviera Maya for your
next vacation is not just for the superb quality resorts and great value,
but also for the fantastic tours and excursions that are available in
around the Yucatan Peninsula region. This area is teeming with
Mayan ruins and ancient architecture that are very popular with
tourists. The most majestic of the local Mayan ruins are the pyramids
of Chichen Itza. These incredibly preserved pyramids date back to
400AD and this awe-inspiring tour will leave with you many wonderful
memories. There are many other Mayan ruins tours you can take as
well. In addition to ruins you can also experience many eco-based
tours that take you to game and marine preserves where you will find
amazing wildlife and snorkeling that is nothing short of amazing.

COZUMEL
Another popular day-trip for those staying in the Riviera Maya region
is the island of
Cozumel. You can reach this quaint island by ferry
from the town of
Playa del Carmen located in the heart of the Riviera
Maya. It is a short 45 minute ferry ride and once there you will find
duty-free shopping, great dining, and some of the world’s best
SCUBA diving and snorkeling.

If you have taken tropical vacations in the Caribbean or Hawaii and
are looking for a new destination to go to the Riviera Maya is an
excellent choice that will definitely impress and have you ready to
come back to again and again.





About The Author
Barry deCocq is a co-owner and managing director of Tropical Sands
Vacations (
http://www.tropicalSands.com), a discount Mexico and
Caribbean travel brokerage specializing in all-inclusive resorts.
Contact at info@tropicalsands.com.
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