Popular Destinations

Isla Mujeres Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) was named by the Spanish due to numerous statues of female deities encountered there. During Pre-Columbian times, the island was sacred to Maya Goddess of Fertility, Child-birth and medicine "Ixchel". Recently named a "Magic Town", today Isla Mujeres welcomes visitors of every gender. Expect a marvellously unhurried paradise, 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun, on the Caribbean Sea, where the beauty of the Caribbean, its regional legacy of the Mayans, their expeditions, intellect and gastronomy combined with the colors of Mexico, join in a scenario that is hard to compare. At Punta Sur, the southern tip, there`s a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles. If you`re staying in Playa del Carmen, drive to Cancun and head to Puerto Juarez (there is parking available to secure your vehicle), take the ferry (a 20 minute ride) to Isla Mujeres; it is a small picturesque town, walk-able in two hours and makes for a lovely, refreshing breather. You may find out about schedules and prices here: http://www.granpuerto.com.mx/en/rutas-y-horarios-2/puerto-juarez-a-isla-mujeres/

Cancun was born in the 70`s when the Mexican government began a detailed search to pinpoint ideal sites for tourism development and found this land with 14 miles of pristine beaches and white sand on an `L` shape surrounding a lagoon. Since then, many hotels have been built in this area, making Cancun a destination with touristic infrastructure, modern amenities and service philosophy that rival leisure destinations worldwide. Cancun was planned and built for tourism, and continues to meet the needs of its over 3.3 million annual visitors with world-class hotels, restaurants, shops and activities to satisfy the most demanding traveler.

A small Fishermen`s village situated to the north between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, Puerto Morelos, is apart of the Riviera Maya tourist corridor and therefore, one of the most exclusive residential areas in the Riviera Maya. Puerto Morelos shines for its exceptional beaches, relaxed bohemian ambiance and its reef (declared a National Park) which, is one of the world`s second largest barrier reef, located just 500 meters from the beach. Popular among locals and tourist alike the beaches are wide, free of seaweed and a beautiful environment to relax on the sea. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling tours, diving, kite-surfing on windy days, among other marine activities. Experience great seafood restaurants, souvenir shopping or chatting with locals during your day in this small paradise, just 25 minutes drive from Playa del Carmen. Also, don`t forget to visit neighboring Crococun Zoo, a interactive zoo where you can see (and carry in your arms) a baby crocodile!

Once upon a time, Playa del Carmen was a tiny fishing village that was visited primarily to take the ferry to Cozumel Island. Over recent years, Playa has developed rapidly into a popular vacation destination with new luxury residential condominium buildings, restaurants, boutiques malls and entertainment venues. Playa del Carmen, is known to be one of the fastest growing cities in Latin America and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Mexico today. People from all over the world have made Playa their home town, so `Locals` is not a word that refers only to Mexicans but, also to Italians, French, Canadians, Americans, and the list goes on.

Mexico`s largest Caribbean island, Cozumel, with 478 km2 (184.5 sq. mi) is just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, adjacent to Playa del Carmen within a 45 minutes ferry ride. Cozumel appeals to the masses; from cruise ship passengers, triathletes, `Ironmen` and experienced divers, to families and honeymooners seeking relaxation and fun. San Miguel town is where the majority of the island population lives. With a Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, San Miguel offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and colorful shops but yet, still retains its sense of laid-back tranquility and island charm. Native Mayans first established Cozumel as a ceremonial center and commercial port for trade. Today, Cozumel is the most important touristic port in Mexico. The island is covered with mangrove, home of many endemic animal species and is also renowned for its incredible snorkeling and diving due to the sea`s remarkable clarity and marine life. Cozumel`s underwater life is so rich that in 1961 Jacques Cousteau declared it as one of the most spectacular diving sites in the world. Whether visiting the Museum of the Island, the Archaeological site San Gervasio, the National Park Chankanaab, the famous beach `El Cielo` or any of Cozumel`s underwater wonders you are undoubtedly guaranteed of having a great vacation experience. Photo: Sectur

Puerto Aventuras is a small upscale gated residential community, nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea, filled with numerous activities for the entire family. Not just beach but, golf, tennis, beach, diving, dolphin lagoon and the only full service marina in the area. You can spend a few days in this relaxed and charming little town or use it as a starting point for a wonderful day excursion. Dolphin Discovery facilities are located in the center of town and are built inside of a tropical green island with a natural lagoon. Puerto Aventuras, is ideal for family adventures varying from, swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, Sport-fishing on a private yacht, spending the day sailing on a catamaran with Big Cat, dancing to a live band at sunset while enjoying a tropical beverage at several of the friendly bars and restaurants, or practice your swing on the professional golf course; yes, there is plenty to see and do in Puerto. If gastronomy is your thing, choose to eat freshly prepared `ceviche` on a fishing boat, a delicious wood-oven baked pizza in one of the Italian eateries around the lagoon, savor an American style beef burger with fries at The Pub, try a fancy dinner at the Omini Hotels, or simply enjoy home-made gelato with the kids at Jessi`s Gelato while watching the dolphins play. You can be sure that Puerto Aventuras will excite your family with memories of a grand experience in the Riviera Maya for years to come.

In the heart of the Riviera Maya, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, almost in the middle lays a charming town called Akumal, which in Mayan means `Place for Turtles` and this place definitely honors its` name! Historically, Akumal is the first tourist destination of the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula. Once a huge coconut plantation Akumal, was officially founded in 1958 by Don Argimiro Arguelles as an exclusive community and club for scuba divers called the Club Exploration & Aquatics of Mexico, (CEDAM). The group`s main interest was the search of underwater treasures. Interestingly, Akumal was considered to be developed as a tourist mega-destination long before Cancun yet, at that time was dismissed due to the overwhelming number of mosquitoes produced in nearby wetlands. North of Akumal you will find Yal-Ku, a natural fresh water lagoon where you can snorkel and encounter turtles, rays, barracudas, parrot fish and a host of other interesting sea creatures in crystal clear waters. Akumal, additionally offers a wide variety of restaurants, specialty shops, dive and water activities centers, vacation rental and hotel accommodations. Don`t miss the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive in Akumal and do not be surprised if you find a few friendly turtles waving and saying to you `Hey Dude!`.

Known Worldwide for its Archaeological Site, Tulum is now recognized as one of the best destination in Mexico and the world. Born as a town mainly visited by hippies and backpackers, Tulum town was initially founded close to the Mayan city of Tulum. Nowadays, Tulum is booming yet, still retains its laid back spirit in an Eco-chic and Neo-hippie style. With 10 kilometers of pristine coastline beach access road full of Eco conscious hotels, restaurants, beach clubs along its renowned long white sand beaches. The beaches of Tulum are a favorite spot for Hollywood stars, artists and fashion models, i.e. Kate Hudson, Justin Bieber, Cameron Diaz & Drew Barrymore, to name a few. Tulum town has recently been recognized as a `Magic Town`: A place where Eco-chic style merges with the ancient Maya and the modern Mayan, reflecting in a unique display of architecture, gastronomy and creativity. As a day tour or a full holiday stay, Tulum is definitely `The` spot that shouldn`t be missed during your next trip to Mexico.

When you visit Valladolid, it seems as if you`ve travelled back in time. Just 90 minutes from Playa del Carmen utilizing the newly constructed highway, `Autopista del sol` you will find this `Magic Town` filled with interesting architecture, history, culture, gastronomy and beautiful natural landscapes. Valladolid is a great city to spend the day exploring the Colonial era of churches and architecture like the Cathedral San Gervasio, and the church Convent San Bernardino de Siena, built by Franciscan missionaries between 1552 and 1560. The City Center is a plaza with a park square in the center surrounded by stores, restaurants, hotels and is also the core of the routine life and ancient traditions in town. Within town you will find many activities and popular things to enjoy. Three examples are, the Chocolate Museum, the San Roque Museum, and the gallery `Casa de los Venados`. Located a couple of blocks from the heart of the city is the Cenote Zaci, a landscaped freshwater cenote or underground sinkhole in which you may access the inside and explore its remarkable cave. Valladolid is a popular base for visiting nearby major Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Ek` Balam, as well as Cenote Ik Kilso. Don`t forget to visit the nearby town `Temozon`, well known for their traditional smoked meat and the `Chorizo`, (spicy sausage) If you wish to explore the wonders of the Mayan Civilization, access to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Coba Valladolid, is the perfect stop to stay overnight and experience them all very easily.

Boasting white powdery beaches and temperatures ranging from 78-85F every day of the year Mahahual, is the latest favorite vacation destination on Mexico`s Caribbean Coast. The village of Mahahual is about 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) away from the Costa Maya cruise port where cruise ships can easily be seen from this up and coming village. Costa Maya cruise port is the second most important touristic port in the Mexican Caribbean. Mahahual`s tropical styled beach architecture is shaped by grass thatched palapas roofs and its town people joyful and accommodating. In a short distance off-shore you can see Banco Chinchorro a coral reef part of the Caribbean reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. A seaside Malacan runs from the Main Road to the Southern End of Mahahual village. The Malecon is a pedestrian walkway with the beach to the east and businesses to the west. Several nice restaurants and shops line the Malecon. A new development called New Mahahual is being created directly inland from the port. When ships are in port, the village is busy with cruise passengers but in general, you can find Mahahual peaceful and tranquil, away from the crowds.