The Riviera Maya, located in the region of Quintana Roo, Mexico, begins in Puerto Morelos just south of the Cancun airport, and ends in Punta Allen, which is south of Tulum. So you can leave behind the mass of tourists in Cancun, and enjoy a quieter time while experience the rich history and natural wonders of the region.
#1 Pristine beaches
Most visited destination in Mexico, the Riviera Maya offers over 130km of coastline on the warm Caribbean Sea, which means plenty of private space for everyone on these white-sandy beaches.
#2 Abundance of fauna
Hosts the second largest coral reef in the world, which extends from Mexico to Honduras and is home to countless marine species. The Great Barrier Reef of the Riviera Maya provides access to great natural jewels that can be discovered by diving among them. Take a trip to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve to observe the local wildlife, colourful birds, dolphins, sea turtles, even crocodiles.
#3 Natural wonders
You will also find the one-of-its-kind cenotes, these spectacular sunken water pits, offering the most extraordinary experience for divers and cavern explorers. Mayans used to believe they were a path to the underworld, which makes it a truly spiritual experience. Nowadays they still hold a special, sacred, status for the locals, meaning that not all of them are accessible to the public. One of the most famous cenote is Dos Ojos, named this way because of the two sinkholes of 70 meters in diameter connected by a 400 meter long passageway, giving the appearance of 2 eyes. It's one of the best place for scuba-diving, including for beginners with its system of reel lines to help you navigate your way through the tunnels and caverns. Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites will blow your mind, as you swim past them.
#4 Rich heritage
The abundance of Mayan heritage, with its temples, palaces and observatories, hidden gems throughout the Yucatan peninsula awaiting jungle explorers. Amongst them, Tulum, the only Mayan site built on the sea side, or the world famous Chichen-itza, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
#5 Boutique hotels
The fairly recent development of the hotel offering on this side of the coast means that there is plenty of choice for everyone - from the small, luxurious adult-only boutique hotels, to the family resorts, and hippy-style eco-lodge.
Fly to Cancun direct from London, and let nature feed your senses on this magical and spiritual journey.