Beyond Cancún & Riviera Maya
The Mexican Caribbean boasts one of the most visited cities in Latin America: Cancún. From the city in the north to Chetumal in the south, there are many places filled with nature, adventure, and must-see history.
Travelers will find lovely beaches, lush jungle, stunning archaeological sites, beautiful islands, lagoons, underwater caves, theme parks, and a variety of lodging options accompanied by amazing food. The Mexican Caribbean and its main destinations, Costa Mujeres, Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Riviera Maya (Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum), Cozumel, Maya Ka´an and Grand Costa Maya (Mahahual, Bacalar and Chetumal), are like no other place in the world.
Cancún is a paradise that could have been designed for tourists. Its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are ideal for aquatic sports enthusiasts or those who simply want to relax. The city accommodates every taste and budget with its first-rate infrastructure of hotels, restaurants, and spas.
More curious travelers can also enjoy the easy access to archaeological sites and museums devoted to Mayan culture. And no trip is complete without a visit to the MUSA, an iconic underwater art museum where hundreds of sculptures astonish with their lifelike expressions.
Driving south to Riviera Maya, there are many places to visit and enjoy, but there’s three that visitors should not miss. For starters, the Cenotes Route near Puerto Morelos, a spectacular place with more than 57 incredible cenotes – formed when a sinkhole naturally appears and reveals a secret cave pool beneath. Then comes the city of Playa del Carmen, with its crystalline waters, picturesque rows of palm trees, and the popular Fifth Avenue with close to twenty blocks of shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping malls, and art galleries.
In contrast, another must-see is the archeological site of Tulum, perhaps one of the most emblematic places in the Mexican Caribbean coast due to its privileged location on the seafront and its well-preserved buildings and murals.
Cozumel is the biggest island in the Mexican Caribbean, surrounded by the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest on Earth. It also possesses the only saltwater coral lagoon in the world, so it should come as no surprise that aquatic activities are par for the course here. Snorkeling and diving in crystal clear caves, among beautiful corals filled with marine life, is an unforgettable experience.
Another island, smaller but equally fascinating, is Isla Mujeres. A short boat trip from Cancún, this diminutive paradise is just five miles long and 400 yards wide and is the home of Playa Norte – classified as one of the ten best beaches in the world. It has legendary sunrises and sunsets, making it a coveted destination for honeymooners.
Costa Mujeres is the newest tourist spot in the Mexican Caribbean, which stands out due to its surroundings. Enjoy beautiful natural scenery like the dense mangrove forests, lush vegetation, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. And then relax in the exclusive resorts. Costa Mujeres is located in the north of Cancun, 30 minutes away from the airport and 20 minutes away from the hotel zone. Each of the hotels in this area are all-inclusive. They stand out due to their luxurious accommodation and on-site facilities, such as fine dining resturants, world-class spas, relaxing wellness centers, and outdoor activities. Beyond the resorts, you can explore attractions like Playa Mujeres Golf Club, Isla Blanca beach, and the archaeological site of El Meco, located in the area known as Puerto Juárez, where you will also find beachside restaurants that offer up fantastic fresh seafood.
A visit to the Mexican Caribbean must include a trip to the southern town of Bacalar. Bacalar’s past is evident everywhere you look, having conserved much of its indigenous and Spanish history. It’s also an ideal place for nature lovers: visitors love the Seven Colors Lagoon, named for its many shades of blue, as well as the Cenote Negro inside the lagoon itself, the deepest in the region.
The Mexican Caribbean is the Mexican region with the best must-see destinations for travelers all over the world, looking for history and nature, adventure and relaxation. It offers the best of Mexico and the best of the Caribbean.
