The state of Quintana Roo, located on the eastern edge of Mexico's Yucatn peninsula, is one of the most diverse and beautiful in the entire country. It's a tourist's dream come true, providing everything from ancient Maya ruins to lush, unspoiled natural landscapes, to the booming resorts and world-class luxury of the Riviera Maya. In times past it was known simply as the Cancun-Tulum corridor, in reference to its location buttressing two important centers of civilization, both of which date back many centuries to the Maya's dominance over the region. It is a simply irresistible opportunity to experience every facet of a tropical paradise, in a setting that is safe, educational, and fun for singles, couples, or an entire family.
Land and Sea Adventures
From single-day excursions to multiple-day-long treks, the Riviera Maya can sate your whole family's thirst for adventure in the jungle. You can venture out into the thick, misty tropical forest, following the sure footsteps of your trusty multilingual guide, on a search for incredible flora and fauna the likes of which you've never seen with your own eyes. Gorgeous tropical birds, rare mammals, and an abundance of ocean life are just a few of the natural wonders you'll surely want to find time for even on the briefest of visits to the region.
The Land of the Maya
For those with an historical bent, the Riviera Maya sits adjacent to some of Central America's most amazing Maya ruins. Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, to name just a few, are mere minutes by van from the bustling resorts and beaches; you can choose to explore the ruins on your own by foot, or go with the assistance of a personal guide. Larger tour groups are also available. If you prefer a bit more physical activity with your history, combine your love of trekking with your interest in ancient peoples by taking the Coba adventure tour.
Quintana Roo's two most impressive Maya sites are doubtlessly Tulum and Chichen Itza. One of the few cities the Maya built near the seashore, the old port of Tulum is a now-silent guardian over the coast, featuring a massive seawall to protect the city's inhabitants from invasion at sea. It was effective, although the city eventually fell to invaders too small to be stopped by any wall: disease-causing microorganisms that decimated the population several decades after the Spanish conquest of the New World. Tulum also contains one of the America's oldest known lighthouses, which focused the rays of the sun onto the water in order to warn ships away from dangerous shoals and coral reefs. No less fascinating is the city of Chichen Itza, Tulum's architectural cousin, albeit on a much more massive scale. Your trip there will have you walking amidst the awe-inspiring ruins of the Jaguar Throne, the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, and staring up at the massive pyramid of Kukulcan. 30 meters tall, the structure is designed to cast a serpentine shadow on the ground during the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, in honor of the snake-god to which the pyramid was dedicated.
Sian Ka'an Protected Land of Natural Wonders
Perhaps the most astonishing feature of Quintana Roo was not wrought by the hand of any human civilization, but writ large on the earth by the pen of Mother Earth herself. Though deforestation and human encroachment threaten much of this land's magnificent biodiversity, at least one area has received the maximum amount of protection available the Sian Ka'an bioreserve. Within its boundaries flourish hundreds of species of birds and mammals, crocodiles and turtles, monkeys, coatimundi, and more. Visitors are welcome to venture into the park by land or by sea, and view firsthand the incredible diversity and splendor of nature, hopefully to be forever convinced of the necessity and responsibility we share in safeguarding such treasures of the plant and animal kingdom.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure - however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!
Land and Sea Adventures
From single-day excursions to multiple-day-long treks, the Riviera Maya can sate your whole family's thirst for adventure in the jungle. You can venture out into the thick, misty tropical forest, following the sure footsteps of your trusty multilingual guide, on a search for incredible flora and fauna the likes of which you've never seen with your own eyes. Gorgeous tropical birds, rare mammals, and an abundance of ocean life are just a few of the natural wonders you'll surely want to find time for even on the briefest of visits to the region.
The Land of the Maya
For those with an historical bent, the Riviera Maya sits adjacent to some of Central America's most amazing Maya ruins. Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, to name just a few, are mere minutes by van from the bustling resorts and beaches; you can choose to explore the ruins on your own by foot, or go with the assistance of a personal guide. Larger tour groups are also available. If you prefer a bit more physical activity with your history, combine your love of trekking with your interest in ancient peoples by taking the Coba adventure tour.
Quintana Roo's two most impressive Maya sites are doubtlessly Tulum and Chichen Itza. One of the few cities the Maya built near the seashore, the old port of Tulum is a now-silent guardian over the coast, featuring a massive seawall to protect the city's inhabitants from invasion at sea. It was effective, although the city eventually fell to invaders too small to be stopped by any wall: disease-causing microorganisms that decimated the population several decades after the Spanish conquest of the New World. Tulum also contains one of the America's oldest known lighthouses, which focused the rays of the sun onto the water in order to warn ships away from dangerous shoals and coral reefs. No less fascinating is the city of Chichen Itza, Tulum's architectural cousin, albeit on a much more massive scale. Your trip there will have you walking amidst the awe-inspiring ruins of the Jaguar Throne, the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, and staring up at the massive pyramid of Kukulcan. 30 meters tall, the structure is designed to cast a serpentine shadow on the ground during the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, in honor of the snake-god to which the pyramid was dedicated.
Sian Ka'an Protected Land of Natural Wonders
Perhaps the most astonishing feature of Quintana Roo was not wrought by the hand of any human civilization, but writ large on the earth by the pen of Mother Earth herself. Though deforestation and human encroachment threaten much of this land's magnificent biodiversity, at least one area has received the maximum amount of protection available the Sian Ka'an bioreserve. Within its boundaries flourish hundreds of species of birds and mammals, crocodiles and turtles, monkeys, coatimundi, and more. Visitors are welcome to venture into the park by land or by sea, and view firsthand the incredible diversity and splendor of nature, hopefully to be forever convinced of the necessity and responsibility we share in safeguarding such treasures of the plant and animal kingdom.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure - however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!
About the Author:
Looking for a great trip to Mayan Ruins? Check the going birding on Cozumel is a piece of cake? Duende Tours offers a great Riviera Maya Ruins and Nature tours. Especially the Coba Adventure Tour is a great combination of fun, adventure and Mayan Ruins.
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