Home JOURNAL Riviera Maya: Top Reasons to Go

Riviera Maya: Top Reasons to Go

Mexico's Caribbean coast is full of treasures, from spectacular white-sand beaches and offshore reefs to some of the Yucatán Peninsula's most beautiful Mayan ruins. Unsurprisingly, much of the region is also full of tourists, who come from around the world to bask in the sun and soak up the unique Mayan-Mexican culture. Photo above, El Castillo in Tulum, The Costa Maya, Caribbean Coast, Mexico. Photo Credit: John Copland / Shutterstock. Courtesy of Fodors.com.

Tulum: Only an hour south of Playa del Carmen, the ruins are a dramatic remnant of a sophisticated pre-Columbian people overlooking the Carib-bean—one of Mexico's classic views.

Temple of the Frescos, Tulum, Mexico shown above. Photo Credit: Joe Ferrer / Shutterstock.

Casting for bonefish: These elusive shallows-dwellers, off the Chin-chorro Reef near the Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka'an, can match wits with even the most seasoned fly-fisher.

Traditional Mexican house shown above. Photo Credit: Agnieszka Guzowska / Shutterstock.

Relaxing at a spa: The Riviera Maya is flush with luxurious spas, some incorporating native ingredients and ancient rituals into their treatments.

Beach, Tulum, Mexico shown above. Photo Credit: BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock.

Snorkeling and diving outer reefs and cenotes: The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Banco Chinchorro, and freshwater cenotes (cavernous sink-holes) are teeming with marine life.

God of Winds Temple, Tulum, Mexico shown above. Photo Credit: John Copland / Shutterstock.

Soaking up local culture: Cradled between mangrove and sea, the quaint fishing village of Puerto Morelos has maintained its authenticity despite neighboring growth.