Located just off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. The underwater world around Cozumel was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1959 who called it one of the best diving areas in the world. Since that time Cozumel has become a National Marine Park to protect the delicate balance of it’s beautiful coral reefs and amazing variety of tropical fish.
Lying along a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico are the resort destinations of Canc?n, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel, collectively known as the Mayan Riviera. This magnificent area on the tip of the Yucat?n Peninsula attracts some five million visitors each year, in the process generating 20% or so of Mexico’s total revenues. Despite these numbers, you’re unlikely to feel like a part of the crowd due to the Riviera’s wide beaches and endless crystal clear water. The area also boasts numerous fun activities such as dolphin and stingray swims, snorkeling among reefs and tropical fish, as well as scuba diving in the world’s largest underwater museum, a spectacular collection of sculptures submerged at depths of up to eight meters. Then, of course, there’s the region’s many ancient Mayan ruins, with some of the closest sites within walking distance of the beaches, while the largest and most impressive – Chich?n Itz? and Tulum – are just a few hours away.
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World Chichen Itza sits near Mexico’s eastern coast, showing off the famous temple of Kulkulan, the execution spot in Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto. A tad older than Hollywood however, the sprawling archaeological complex actually dates back over 1500 years, to the time of the Maya, a people later found to be particularly advanced for their time, in areas such as mathematics and astronomy. For those who wish to soak up the facts and figures, marvelling at the achievements of an ancient civilization or those who fancy a day of wandering around and admiring the sites, Chichen Itza is an absolute must. This is a facebook profile pic waiting to happen!
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico : Explore Chichen Itza, Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are a spectacular site to behold.
One of the most important archaeological sites in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is located deep in the jungle, and a bit of a challenge to reach. You can rent a car and make the two-hour drive yourself, or check out any of the many tours from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
Pro tip: if you can, get up early and visit the temples before the crowds and the heat set in.. Extra info about Hostel Playa del Carmen
The ancient Mayan city of Uxmal is one of the most historically and culturally significant attractions in Mexico. Roughly 55 km (35 miles) south of Merida in Yucatan, the city was constructed primarily in the ninth century. Uxmal was once the capital of the region, and it is a prime example of Puuc architecture. Various stone levels, along with elaborate stonework, gives the pyramid structures a grand appearance. Not to be missed is the Magician’s Pyramid, the tallest of the pyramids at Uxmal.