Attractions

Lovers of outdoor activities, particularly water sports, will be completely won over by Riviera Maya. Long, golden sands beaches, bathed by a sparkling turquoise sea cast an unforgettable spell.

Cancún's main tourist attractions are its long beaches washed by the Caribbean, its renowned golf courses and luxury hotels. Cancún is made up of Ciudad Cancún and the Zona Hotelera. Cancún's Mayan ruins, major shopping centres and Centro de Convenciones are all located in the Zona Hotelera, where the hotels and other buildings are lined up in the shape of a "7."

Isla Mujeres

The "Island of Women" is 8 km long (5 mi) and 800 m (2,625 feet) across at its widest point. The enchanting charm of this locale is a combination of many white-sand beaches, lagoons, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and swaying coconut trees.

Playa del Carmen

The liveliest and most touristy city between Cancún and Chetumal, the town of Playa del Carmen is the ideal place to begin a tour of the region. Several boats make daily crossings to Cozumel. Playa del Carmen is mainly frequented by hikers, archaeology enthusiasts, outdoor lovers or those who simply enjoy idling the time away.

Cozumel

Cozumel is the biggest island in Mexico. Surrounded by turquoise waters and a spectacular string of coral reef, it is a scuba-diver's paradise.

Tulum

The archaeological city of Tulum (Mayan word meaning "wall") was inhabited between around AD 900 and AD 1540, when the Mayan civilization began to decline. These temples and buildings, much smaller than those of Chichén Itzá, testify to strong Toltecan and Mayan influences. It is the only Mayan port city uncovered to this day, and one of the rare ceremonial centres that was still in use in the 16th century when the Spanish arrived.

Going Out

Cancún has plenty to offer night owls in search of lively nocturnal entertainment. A bit further south, Playa de Carmen also features all sorts of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

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