Cancun, Myan Riviera, Cozumel

By Irene Butler and contributing writers.

Published in Air Canada Vacations E-Magazine


Siesta, fiesta, cerveza—ariba!

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a true “slice of paradise,” where vestiges of Mayan civilizations, steamy jungles, white-sand beaches, blue-green seas and modern centres all converge into the ultimate travel experience.

With something for every age, taste and budget, the northern cities of Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo offers up many prime places to explore from the shores of Cozumel and ancient mystery of Mayan Riviera to the mega playground metropolis of Cancun.

For non-stop action—Cancun is where it’s at. Start things in stride. Awake to the sound of the lapping ocean. Stroll along the sandy strip in the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) where resorts line the famous Kukulcan Boulevard. Then “charge it!” at the ultra modern malls that grace this area with specialty shops and brand name goods. Colourful markets and panoply of great restaurants also abound. Club-goers are also in their glory here—Cancun’s nightclubs rock!

A short stint from Cancun is the Ruinas del Rey (Ruins of the King). Built centuries ago by fishermen, today this small, archeological Mayan ceremonial ruins are surrounded by the Hilton Cancun Beach and Golf Resort's 18-hole golf course. Be sure to opt for a guided tour and hear stories of ancient Mayan body art practices such as jade grillz (i.e. tooth jewelry).

From Cancun, take a ferry to the Isla Mujeres (Women’s Island) for a glimpse of slower paced local life, complete with daily siestas and late night dancing in the town of Playa Norte. Shallow water at the north end beach is great for wading. Snorkel and diving devotees are ubiquitous in deeper areas.

Perfect for teens and adult funsters, Playa del Carmen is the place to be and be seen when it comes to partying in the Caribbean. At nightfall, the 5th avenue strip (Quinta Avenida) comes alive dotted with bars and clubs suited for every taste & style.

Discover More to Mexico in Mayan Riviera

Dropping down into the Mayan Riviera, development geared toward eco-tourism sustaining local communities and the environment is impressive. First stop: Xcaret Eco Park. Featuring a TON of attractions, plan to spend a full day to explore the grounds at leisure. Floating along two natural underground rivers, is just one of the many awesome water activities you can try out. See Papantla Flyers, perform a ritualistic feat in honour of Xipe-Toteck (the god of fertile soil). Watch in amazement as these acrobats swing to the ground tied upside down to a central pole. Mayan village and Mexican cemetery replicas and enclosures with indigenous animals round out the variety, plus a spectacular evening show portraying rich Mexican cultural heritage from pre-Hispanic times to present day.

At the end of a narrow road is the village of Dos Palmas. Here, you can participate in a moving and truly unforgettable experience—an ancient Mayan ritual rebirth ceremony led by village shamans—the 95-year-old village elder and his sons—involving a visit to the sacred temazcal (sweat-lodge).

Next, move on to take in Xel-Ha (shell-ha) and Tulum (two-loom); being that they are in close proximity. The gigantic water park, Xel-Ha, is filled with divers and snorkel aficionados luxuriating in the warm sheltered waters. A swim with the dolphins is a popular feature here and at most other recreational parks.

On the edge of the jungle, cresting a rocky cliff discover Tulum—the only Mayan city built overlooking the sea with the best preserved ancient buildings you can find. Find out about the ancient civilization’s intriguing mastery in architecture, mathematics and astrology. After touring the ruins, make your way down to the breathtaking turquoise sea at the base of the cliff for a refreshing dip.

Mayan enthusiasts will find taking things a step further south to delve into the ruins of Chacchoben (The Place of Red Corn) well worth the journey. Amidst towering mahogany trees, strangler figs and banyan tree tentacles, be dazzled by the overpowering dimensions of the temples. Once a city reserved for rulers and nobles, the remnants of the burial site of kings lie at the base of the temple to the sun god. Opened to the public in 2002, many of its secrets are still covered in vegetation giving it a primal feel.

When it comes to discovering the ancient past, no trip to Mexico is complete without checking out the most visited site in the Yucatán— Chichen Itza. Dating back 1500 years, this famous archaeological site is rated among the most important in the Maya culture. It covers an area of approximately six square miles where hundreds of buildings once stood, with now little over thirty still standing.


Cozy up to Cozumel

A day at Cozumel is an enviable excursion. For those staying in Cancun/Mayan Riviera, this picturesque spot is within convenient reach with more than affordable US$12 roundtrip ferry rides sailing every hour from Playa Del Carmen. Boasting easy access to the Palancar Reef—the second largest coral reef in the world—Cozumel is the number one dive destination in the western hemisphere. Gear rental outlets abound. For those looking to keep dry, a ride on a glass-bottomed boat or submarine is a must.

Give in to temptation and simply spend hours strolling Cozumel’s endless picturesque beaches. Be sure to make periodic stops at the many beach clubs—simple palapa (thatched roof) shacks serving up scrumptious fried fish, soft drinks and ice cold cervezas (beer).
For a glimpse of local lifestyle, amble through the island’s town of San Miguel. At the southern tip of the island, a climb up the 133 steps to the top of the historic lighthouse at Punta Sur Ecological Reserve is well worth the spectacular view. Make time to meander through the nearby botanical gardens, and for the more daring, a boat ride through crocodile infested marshes completes the total Cozumel experience.