| The last time I was in Mexico, so was everyone else, | | | | underwater caverns. Sport fishing is a big business in |
| or so it seemed. But it is possible to travel to Mexico | | | | Riviera Maya, as well. Other activities include golfing, |
| and enjoy a white sandy beach and some peace and | | | | spa going, and eco touring at the various ecological |
| quiet at the same time. All you need to know is where | | | | reserves in the region. Two highlights: the Xcaret |
| (and, in some cases, when) to go. | | | | EcoPark and the Sian Kaan bioshphere. |
| When to Go | | | | 3. Playa del Carmen. About 40 minutes by car down |
| November to April is widely regarded as the best time | | | | the coast from Cancun, Playa del Carmen is growing |
| to visit. The summer months can get pretty hot. | | | | into a bustling resort along Riviera Maya. If you like to |
| September and October is the peak of hurricane | | | | shop, you will love Playa del Carmen. Boutiques in the |
| season, which actually stretches from November to | | | | town offer everything from cutting edge European |
| June. | | | | fashions to crafts from local artisans. |
| Keep in mind that the month of March tends to be | | | | During your stay, do not miss Quinto Avenida (Fifth |
| very busy on the Mexico beaches with high school | | | | Avenue). It is the heart of Playa. There are no cars, |
| and college students on Spring Break. If it is a quiet | | | | you can stroll the Avenue and be entertained by |
| vacation you want, you will also want to avoid the time | | | | street performers, including artists and musicians. Playa |
| around Christmas and Easter, as well as July and | | | | del Carmen also features premiere dining, as the |
| August. | | | | majority of the restaurants in the Riviera Maya are |
| Where to Go | | | | here, and quite a few of them are on Fifth Avenue |
| There is a lot more to Mexico, and the Yucatan | | | | itself. The bars and nightclubs are hopping on into the |
| peninsula, than the city of Cancun. | | | | evening, so bring your dancing shoes. |
| Here are five favorite destinations that offer | | | | 4. XelHa. XelHa is an archeological site and eco park, |
| memorable Mexico vacations. Each of these spots | | | | located between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. This |
| can be reached by flying into Cancun. So if you would | | | | destination offers adventures for all ages and |
| like to get a taste of the big city resort and then set | | | | mesmerizing ecological sights, as well as water sports, |
| out on the less traveled path, you will have the best of | | | | such as diving and snorkeling. You can swim with the |
| both worlds. | | | | dolphins here, as well. XelHa is particularly friendly for |
| 1. Isla Mujeres. Just 8 miles across the bay from | | | | families and is bound to be an education in both Mayan |
| Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a peaceful fishing village with | | | | history and ecology for the entire family. |
| restaurants, shops, and small, charming hotels. In fact, | | | | 5. Tulum. Drive a bit further south down the Mayan |
| the whole island is cozy: The island itself is less than | | | | coast and you will find the small town of Tulum. Tulum |
| one mile wide and about five miles long. Downtown Isla | | | | is perhaps best known for its Mayan ruins, high on the |
| Mujeres stretches only about six blocks. The signature | | | | limestone cliffs. These cliffs offer scenery you will not |
| turquoise waters and white sandy beaches make for | | | | soon forget of the Caribbean alongside a picture |
| great snorkeling and scuba diving. You can rent | | | | perfect coastline. Tulum is the starting place for eco |
| kayaks, snorkeling equipment and other gear right on | | | | tourism and adventure travel, so make sure to look |
| the beach. Other activities to enjoy during your stay at | | | | into nearby day trips and local attractions. |
| Isla Mujeres include fishing, sailing, and swimming with | | | | For an ideal and well rounded vacation, try a few days |
| the dolphins. | | | | exploring the gradeur of Riviera Maya, then take some |
| 2. Riviera Maya stretches down the peninsula from | | | | time to shop and play in the bustling Playa Del Carmen |
| Cancun to Tulum. Here, you will find white sandy | | | | and another day or two visiting the Mayan ruins, and |
| beaches and water sports of all kinds, including scuba | | | | taking in the sites, of Tulum. |
| diving along the Great Maya coral reef, the second | | | | The word is out about these magnificent resorts, so |
| largest barrier reef system on the globe. Divers, and | | | | you will not be able to avoid the crowds completely, |
| snorkelers may be rewarded with the sight of water | | | | but by striking out and having fun off the beaten path, |
| life ranging from sea anemones, sponges and sea | | | | you will find a good balance, and learn a lot about |
| cucumbers to starfish and sea urchins, as well as | | | | ecology and ancient Mayan culture. |