Go Golf Clubbing
The golf magazines are singing its praises and there’s no doubt that Cancun and the Riviera Maya are quickly becoming a top golf destination. Golf here is a marriage of spectacular scenery, ancient magic and modern design, a combination that lures the
creative talents of such world-class designers as Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Jack Nicklaus. There are more than six top-class courses in the area with more to come. Most are members of the Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association.
Do Some Island Hopping
Once the exclusive activity of the wellheeled and famous, island-hopping in the Caribbean is now an inexpensive and thrilling jaunt from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Underwater enthusiasts should hop straight to the island of Cozumel, the dive capital of the Mexican Caribbean which is conveniently located just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. For a more laid-back island experience, check out Isla Mujeres (Spanish for the Island of Women), a lovely tropical retreat accessible by ferry from Playa del Carmen or Puerto Morelos (north of Cancun) and from Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
The Call of the Wild
Discover your inner naturalist in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, where wildlife abounds on land and sea. Safeguarding hundreds of species of flora and fauna, the massive biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an (just south of Tulum) is an eco-tourist’s dream. Ditto for the fabulous nature reserves of Contoy (an uninhabited island and birding paradise), Rio Lagartos and Calakmul. Closer to home, the privatelyowned eco-archeological park of Xcaret beckons with its pristine freshwater cenotes (natural sink holes), incredible snorkel ling inlet, and plethora of local wildlife including a tropical aquarium, dolphins (yes, you can swim with them!), butterfly pavilion and more. Stay for the Xcaret at Night show!
Unlock the Mayan Mystery
If you’re awed by archeology, then you’re in
for a treat. Cancun and the Riviera Maya are
smack dab in the heart of what’s known as the
Maya World, the area inhabited by the ancient
Maya civilization more than 3000 years ago. At
the peak of their cultural development (200-
900 AD), the Maya were leagues ahead of their
contemporaries anywhere, constructing massive
temples and ceremonial centers that rival the
Egyptian pyramids. Today, many of the ruins
of these once thriving centers are within easy
travelling distance of Cancun and the Riviera
Maya. One of the most famous, Chichen Itza, is only a few hours away and makes for an
excellent day trip. This excursion is available
from most hotels. The pretty cliff top ruins
of Tulum are also great for photo ops. Don’t
forget your bathing suit!
There are loads of other activities available
such as swimming with the dolphins, zip lining
through the trees – even polo. More details can
be found at www.cancun.travel