ARTICLES MANIAC ? Jewel of the Yucatn, The Riviera Maya

Located on the eastern coast of the Yucatn peninsula, the Mexican state of Quantana Roo is a bountiful land of natural beauty and environmental diversity that co-exists side-by-side with some of the most luxurious amenities on the planet. Huge mega-resorts that cater to their customers? every whim, featuring swimming, golf, enormous rooms, and fine cuisine sit just a stone?s throw from untouched wilderness and natural preserves, miles of pristine coral reef, and the ruins of over a dozen ancient Maya cities. When you vacation in this part of Mexico, you can practically plant your feet on the beach and let the best parts of Latin America come directly to you.

Family Forest Adventures

If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet?s rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!

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.

However, if you?ve only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it?s windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.

Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka?an

The bountiful natural preserve of Si?an Kaan boasts the largest and most diverse population of rare and endangered animals practically anywhere in the region. Within its boundaries are over twenty sites of early Maya habitation, including the fascinating city of Muyil, whose most ancient artifacts date back to 350 BCE. Hundreds of species of mammals and over 300 species of tropical bird are just the beginning of the long list of natural treasures sheltered by this protected land. You?ll see crocodiles, giant iguanas, exotic spider monkeys, and the adorable coatimundi and that?s just for starters.

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.

With all this adventure and excitement waiting for you, how can you resist a journey to the Riviera Maya? However long you stay, you can be sure of one thing it won?t be nearly long enough, and you?ll be planning your return from the moment you step on board your flight back home!

Duende Tours is a tour operator with a great number of Yucatan adventure tours that visit Biosphere Reserves and other amazing places. For more specific information on the Yucatan Peninsula see the Yucatan Travel News section.

Source: http://articles-maniac.tk/jewel-of-the-yucatn-the-riviera-maya/travel-leisure/

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