RIVIERA MAYA TRAVEL INFORMATION

The Riviera Maya also known as the Mayan Riviera or Maya Riviera grants you perfect holidays. Here you will find all what you need for your vacation in the Riviera Maya such as information on Riviera Maya resorts and Riviera Maya hotels. If what you wish is to get to know the region, travel all along the Riviera Maya. For you not to get lost, we provide a map of Riviera Maya. Check out the best deals in the Riviera Maya and pack your camera and your bathing suit. This vacation in the Riviera Maya will not be easy to forget.

The Riviera Maya, 75 miles of crystalline waters with turquoise shades, whose jungle vegetation often hides vestiges of an ancestral culture, the Mayas, features a myriad of options to enjoy ideal vacations.

This paradise-like corner of the Caribbean is located in the Eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. The territories that constitute the Riviera Maya belong to the state of Quintana Roo, which is the newest federal organization of the country since it reached the category of state in the year 1974. It is considered that the Riviera Maya begins with the town of Puerto Morelos that is located about 22 miles to the south of Cancun and extends to Carrillo Puerto in the depth of the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an, finishing in Punta Allen.

Some of the most popular destininations are: Playa del Secreto, Playa Paraiso, Punta Maroma, Punta Bete, Xcalacoco, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Calica, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu Ha, Kantenah, Akumal, Xel Ha, Tulum, Cobá, Boca Paila and Punta Allen.

It does not matter which part of the Riviera Maya you would like to visit, the Riviera Maya hotels feature the characteristics that you consider essential to have pleasant vacations. In Playa del Carmen, the Iberostar Beach Paradise, with its modern facilities and unbeatable service will have you enjoy a delightful stay. The Akumal Villas, the Bahia Principe Resort and the Club Akumal Caribe in Akumal offer incomparable natural scenery and a first-quality service; the staff of the Catalonia Riviera Maya in Puerto Aventuras will turn your stay into a memorable time. Los Lirios Hotel Cabanas, and the Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa in Tulum offer you the opportunity to approach the old secrets of the Mayas with the comfort of modern life; the Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun in Punta Bete will be the highlight of your Riviera Maya vacation and the Copacabana Beach Resort in Xpu-Ha will let you go back home with a smile in your face.

Geography

The territory of the Mayan Riviera is formed by limestone grounds and its orography is flat. It is covered by tropical low jungle and systems of mangrove can be appreciated in the coasts. The sand is pale and fine and the water is characterized by its transparency and turquoise hues. The coast features numerous coves and bays. Because of the orographic conditions and the soil type, the region does not house rivers of importance. Nevertheless, the natural cenotes (fresh water bodies) of capricious shapes and, often, spectacular beauty, abound. The ancient Mayas established their populations in the surrounds of these water bodies.
The climate is semitropical, with an annual temperature average of 78º F, but it can reach 95º F during the summer. The amount of rainfall is abundant especially in April and May and from September through January. The annual average precipitation is of 55”.

During the day the climate is warm, but when the night comes, it cools down and you might need a light sweater. For the jungle trips, it is recommended to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and tennis shoes. You should not forget to bring your insect repellent.

How to get to the Riviera Maya

The easiest way to arrive in the Riviera Maya is through the international airport of Cancun, that lies a 2 hour flight from Mexico City. From there, access to the Mayan Riviera happens with the coastal highway that connects the city of Cancun with Tulum and continues towards the southwest, and with another highway that joins the cities of Tulum and Coba.

Safe and peaceful Riviera Maya vacation

The Riviera Maya invites you to relax and relish. Here you can forget about the problems and the tension of the hectic modern life. Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy yourself while you are indulged by the world-wide recognized Mexican hospitality. In the tourist areas you will be generally safe at night, and when swimming in the beach you will simply have to pay attention to the system of flags. The green flag means that the waters are calm and it is safe to swim; try always to be careful though. If the flag is yellow, it means that the water is somewhat murky and it is recommended to swim without taking risks. When there is a red flag, it is better to take extreme precautions and remain near the border, because the waters could be very agitated. The black flag indicates not to swim. This sign is used, mainly, when there is bad weather.

History

The current territory of Quintana Roo was once the first establishment of itzaes (sacred men), name that the ancient Mayans used to refer to themselves. Coming from the south, the Itzaes founded the population of Bacalar (of bakhalal, place of reeds) in the year of 435 A.C.. where they remained for 60 years. In the period from 495 to 514 A.C., they founded Chichen Itza, which they abandoned to settle in Champoton up to 928 - 948.

In 1526 Francisco de Montejo was granted a royal contract by Carlos V in Granada, which authorized him the conquest of Yucatan, giving him and his heirs the title of rulers of the area. The Montejos succeeded in the conquest of the Yucatan Peninsula until 1546, after having defeated the cupules and the chinchucheles, Mayan tribes of the region. Quintana Roo remained isolated, preserving its customs and traditions until the War of Caste of 1847, which involved the Mayan population of the area.

In 1902, the territory of Quintana Roo was constituted, reducing the jurisdictional extension of Yucatan, and a series of territorial additions and separations from the district to the states of Yucatan and Campeche followed, until 1974, when Quintana Roo started being recognized as a free and sovereign state of the Mexican Federation.

Until the foundation of Cancun, in 1970, nobody had noticed the potential of what we call today the Mexican Caribbean. Later, with the construction of the highway, the affluence of travelers arriving at Cancun International airport boomed towards Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Nowadays, it is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in a worldwide scope.

New Passport Requirements

As part of U.S. Department of State's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travelers will be required to present a valid passport or other accepted document(s) to enter or re-enter the U.S. (visitors and U.S. residents) as early as January 8, 2007, from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

• January 8, 2007: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document (MMDs).

• January 1, 2008: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Click here to get complete details on New Requirements for Travelers including a list of "other accepted documents" from U.S Department of State.