Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Few destinations on earth cause as much amazement as Riviera Maya. What makes this destination special is the privileged location on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea embrace the powdery white sand of the beaches that cover the coastline. The 120 km of Caribbean coast that stretches the length of Riviera Maya exudes the multifaceted spirit of the destination. Sun and Sand, Mayan Culture, zip lining, cenotes, diving and snorkeling, shopping and nightlife are just a few of the many exiting options.

Population:

Playa del Carmen 150.000 habitants.
Tulum 30.000 habitants.

Currency:

The main currency is the Mexican peso, but the US Dollar is accepted everywhere. Euros are not accepted and need to be exchanged beforehand.

Emergency Numbers:

Police, ambulance, or fire fighters: 911
Hyperbaric Chamber: +52 984 87 31365

Opening Hours:

Banks are open Monday-Friday from 09.00-17.00 hrs.
Shops are open from Monday-Sunday from 10.00-22.00 hrs.
Supermarkets open from Monday-Sunday from 08.00-23.00 hrs.

Newspapers:

The Region

The main city of Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen. Located in the heart of the destination, this once small fisherman’s village has now grown to a city with all amenities a tourist could ask for. Playa del Carmen, simply called ”Playa” by the locals, is a vibrant and lively city.

The main street is the famous 5th Avenue, or ”La Quinta Avenida”. This avenue with a length of more than 3 km, crosses the city and is completely pedestrian. Here you will find bars, nightclubs, shops. Handcraft stores, coffee houses and restaurants from every corner of the world and for every budget whether a taco at the taco stand or a romantic candle lit dinner on the beach, options are there for everyone.

Shopping is excellent and the variety is enormous. Souvenir shops and art galleries, silverstores and handcraft from the region mingle with hammocks, sombreros, tequilashops and designer stores. La Quinta starts at the outdoor shopping mall called ”Paseo del Carmen” which is located in between Playa and the hotelzone Playacar.

In Playacar you will find beautiful all inclusive chain hotels in a private and elegant area. Resorts are located on the beach and surround the Playacar Golfcourse, an 18 hole golfcourse designed by Robert von Hagge and a challenge according to the golfers as the greens are quite narrow. Meals and drinks are inluded in the greenfee and the golfclub also features a spa.

Amongst the all inclusive resorts you will find a small arqueological site called ”Xaman-Ha”. This was a ceremonial site where the ancient Mayas would practice purification ceremonies before they would make the crossing to the Island of Cozumel to worship Ixchel, Goddess of the moon and of fertility. During centuries the Mayas would challenge the Caribbean Sea to bring offers to Ixchel to favor fertility and to ask for blessings such as good health and abundant crops for their community. Xaman-Ha is also the name of the small bird sanctuary also located in Playacar. This is a cute little park with many species of birds from the region.

The nightlife of Playa has become famous in the region and guests from all over visit to have fun and dance the night away. The bars are located mainly in 12th Street and all within walking distance one from the other. As most of them are outdoors the street at night are as busy as during the day, and options range from dancing under the stars on the beach until watching the sunrise at the after hours club.

Top 10

Here you will find the activities and attractions that you can not miss, once you are in this amazing destination.

Enjoy your stay at the paradise Riviera Maya!

What to do?

What makes the Riviera Maya a great place to vacation?: The long list of fun activities to experience and incredible eco adventure parks to visit during your stay in this marvelous destination. There is something for everybody and for every age group, from exploring the Mesoamerican Reef diving amongst colorful fishes, to hiking in the jungle or ziplining through the treetops, fun is guaranteed for all!

Events

Throughout the year there are many special events that take place in Riviera Maya. There are festivals that range all the way from the extraordinarily Riviera Maya Jazz Festival through international movie and food festivals to complement your vacations. More tips on www.rivieramaya.com