Travel Destination - Riviera Maya, Mexico
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Fly to Cancun,
Mexico, and enjoy a scenic drive south to the fascinating Riviera
Maya, with its unspoiled beaches, turquoise waters, tropical jungles
and Mayan ruins. Playa del Carmen's quiet ambiance is found after a
short 45-minute drive south of the Cancun International
Airport. Thirty miles farther down the coast lies Puerto Aventuras,
a perfect backdrop for a leisurely vacation. Continue south to
Akumal, a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy incredible values under the
sun at a vast array of fabulous resorts! With its close proximity to
Cancun, Cozumel, and the most popular sites of the Yucatan, it's no
wonder that the Riviera Maya is a favorite of vacationers!
Forests, jungle, flora and fauna, archaeological
sites, solitary beaches, a turquoise-colored sea with crystal-clear
water which turns to silver by moonlight, the fantasy and warmth of
the tropics, the mystery of the millenary culture which lives on in
the Maya people, are just some of the qualities which have turned
the Riviera Maya into a destination which can compete favorably with
all the rest of the Caribbean's tourist destinations.
The Riviera Maya is located in Mexico,
specifically in the State of Quintana Roo. It borders on the East
with the Caribbean Sea, to the South with the Central American
countries of Belize and Guatemala, and to the West with the states
of Campeche and Yucatan.
The terrain is flat, covered by low tropical jungle, and its coasts
alongside the Caribbean provide many kilometers of powdery white
sand beaches, inlets, bays, and mangrove swamps. Due to the
limestone soil in this entire area, there are no important rivers
with the exception of the Hondo, a navigable river on the border
with Guatemala.
The main economic activity is the exploitation of the jungle, rich
in tropical woods from which mahogany, cedar and chicozapote - the
chicle tree - are obtained. Also important is fishing for lobster,
huachinango (red snapper) and pargo, among other species. To a
lesser extent, agriculture - fundamentally maize - and cattle
raising contribute to the local economy. In recent years, tourism
has become increasingly important to Quintana Roo's finances.
In the continental region the climate is
semi-tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 79 degrees
Fahrenheit, which can rise to 95 degrees in summer. Average rainfall
per year is 55 inches. The highest temperatures and most abundant
rains occur during the months of April and May, and from September
through January. During the day, the climate is hot and light
clothing is recommended. For trips into the jungle, you should wear
pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes or zapatillas and use insect
repellent for mosquitoes. The temperature drops at night and a light
sweater or bush jacket is suggested.
The official currency is the Mexican peso. One dollar is the
approximate equivalent of 9 Mexican pesos, with some variation
according to the rate of exchange.
The main point of arrival is Cancun International Airport. From
here, the Riviera Maya can by covered via the coastal highway which
links the city of Cancun with Tulum and continues Southwest, and
another which links the cities of Tulum and Cob'a. Available
transportation from the airport includes buses, rental cars or taxis
which depart from the terminal. Playa del Carmen has a small airport
with planes which make short hops to the more distant places.
Ferries also depart from Playa del Carmen and Calica, linking the
continent with the islands. There are also local bus lines which
service different locations along the highway.
Domestic electric current is 110 volts, the same as in all of
Mexico. The time zone is the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Most businesses and shops are open from 10am to 10pm, but closed
between 2 and 4pm.
For more information, please contact the travel
experts at Antietam Travel Service, Inc.
Source:
Apple Vacations &
rivieramaya.com
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