Mayan Riviera Playa Del Carmen

In the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen is a thrilling holiday destination located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The Mayan Riviera is a unique combination of ancient Mayan archaeological ruins and stunning beaches on the Caribbean Sea. History buffs and beach lovers from around the world travel to Riviera Maya to explore the ancient Mayan ruins and relax on the powdery white beaches of the Carribbean. This area of the Yucatan Peninsula offers a distinctive vacation experience from the other popular Mexican resort towns. There are many marvelous resorts, hotels and vacation rentals to choose from inn Playa de Carmen, Playacar and Puerto Aventuras.

The Mayan Ruins

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many Mayan ruin sites. The majority of them still have not been discovered because of the dense jungles and foliage found throughout the region. The three most famous Mayan ruin sites in the Riviera Maya are Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum. The ruin sites charge $5.00 to use your video camera, however there is not a charge for digital cameras. We suggest that you bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Although you can explore any of the ruin sites on your own, we recommend taking a guided bus tour that can be arranged at your hotel. Tour operators offer great deal on Mayan ruin excursion tours.

Chichen Itza

The Chichen Itza ruins, recently named one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is the most magnificent of all the ruin sites Chichen Itza is home to the famous Kukulcan pyramid often seen photos. The pyramid is the main attraction, but if you have a fear of heights, do not attempt to the climb the pyramid because you may be too afraid to climb back down the narrow steps. There are many legends surrounding the Chichen Itza ruins. For example, if you clap your hands while facing the pyramid the echo you are is Quetzal, the sacred Mayan bird. Legend also says the ancient Ballcourt was designed so that a whisper could be heard clear across the court.

Coba

The Coba ruins are located in a jungle close to Tulum. There are three large pyramids to explore at Coba. The Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in Yucatan Peninsula, is similar to the Kukulcan pyramid at Chichen Itza, so the same rule applies; do not climb the pyramid if you have a fear of heights. The Iglesia and the Conjunto Las Pinturas are the other two famous pyramids located at the Coba ruin site.

Tulum

The Tulum ruins are one of the smaller ruin sites. The ruins are located near a beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling after exploring the ruins. Tulum, often called the “walled city”, is the only ruin site that still has intact walls around the main village. There are many small building to explore at the site. The Tulum ruins are adjacent the Xel-Ha, a beautiful ecological park, which makes a perfect one day excursion to enjoy the ruins and a few refreshing water activities.

After exciting day touring one of the three magnificent archaeological Mayan sites, you can relax and cool off one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. You are guaranteed to have a memorable holiday vacation at one of the many exciting resorts or vacation rental located throughout the Mayan Riviera Playa Del Carmen.