Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Riviera Maya A Treasureland of Past and Natural Splendor
By Linda Patterson
Located on the eastern coast of the Yucatn peninsula, the Mexican state of Quantana Roo is a bountiful land of natural beauty and environmental diversity that co-exists side-by-side with some of the most luxurious amenities on the planet. Huge mega-resorts that cater to their customers' every whim, featuring swimming, golf, enormous rooms, and fine cuisine sit just a stone's throw from untouched wilderness and natural preserves, miles of pristine coral reef, and the ruins of over a dozen ancient Maya cities. When you vacation in this part of Mexico, you can practically plant your feet on the beach and let the best parts of Latin America come directly to you.
Land and Sea Adventures
If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet's rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!
Millennia of Maya History
Anyone who has heard of the ancient Maya civilization and had their curiosity aroused should doubly consider traveling to the Riviera Maya, as it sits within a stone's throw of a long list of amazing Mayan ruins, such as Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, just to name a few. These sites are only a short trip by van from any of the beach resorts; you can venture there on your own, with a tour group, or in the capable hands of a personal guide, who can explain the detailed history of this incredible site. For the more physically active and challenge-seeking crowd, be sure to ask your hotel about the Coba adventure tour.
However, if you've only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it's windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.
Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an
Not the least of all the spectacular sights to see in Quintana Roo is the amazing nature preserve of Sian Ka'an. One of the largest bioreserves in the world, Sian Ka'an positively overflows with natural diversity. Boasting hundreds of species of rare mammals and tropical birds, giant iguanas, turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and coatimundi, it's borders are a sacrosanct barrier which prevents the modern world from snuffing out the delicate ecosystems which rely on them for protection. However, as a visitor to the region, you are welcome to journey inside the preserve, sailing by boat along its coast or through the waterways which permeate the foliage, or traversing on foot or by vehicle through the jungle roads which run a winding course through the jungle.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Clearly, this is a region overflowing with history, culture, natural splendor, and luxurious amenities all of which spell a thousand and one reasons why your next family vacation should be to the Riviera Maya. You may only stay a week, but you'll surely have your fill of exciting adventures, and a lifetime of fond memories to take back home with you. Just don't forget your camera!
Land and Sea Adventures
If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet's rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!
Millennia of Maya History
Anyone who has heard of the ancient Maya civilization and had their curiosity aroused should doubly consider traveling to the Riviera Maya, as it sits within a stone's throw of a long list of amazing Mayan ruins, such as Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, just to name a few. These sites are only a short trip by van from any of the beach resorts; you can venture there on your own, with a tour group, or in the capable hands of a personal guide, who can explain the detailed history of this incredible site. For the more physically active and challenge-seeking crowd, be sure to ask your hotel about the Coba adventure tour.
However, if you've only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it's windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.
Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an
Not the least of all the spectacular sights to see in Quintana Roo is the amazing nature preserve of Sian Ka'an. One of the largest bioreserves in the world, Sian Ka'an positively overflows with natural diversity. Boasting hundreds of species of rare mammals and tropical birds, giant iguanas, turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and coatimundi, it's borders are a sacrosanct barrier which prevents the modern world from snuffing out the delicate ecosystems which rely on them for protection. However, as a visitor to the region, you are welcome to journey inside the preserve, sailing by boat along its coast or through the waterways which permeate the foliage, or traversing on foot or by vehicle through the jungle roads which run a winding course through the jungle.
Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.
Clearly, this is a region overflowing with history, culture, natural splendor, and luxurious amenities all of which spell a thousand and one reasons why your next family vacation should be to the Riviera Maya. You may only stay a week, but you'll surely have your fill of exciting adventures, and a lifetime of fond memories to take back home with you. Just don't forget your camera!
Posted by AppleFanatic at 1:16 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment