World-famous as a fantastic location for single travelers looking to mix and mingle, as well as a quiet, romantic getaway spot for any couple, Mexico's Riviera Maya is usually thought of as a place for lovers. However, many are finding out that it's also a great spot for families to bring their children to, far from the bustling, crowded resorts; a more relaxing and calmly serene atmosphere which offers excellent food, history and culture, and even some light adventure opportunities to appeal to a wide range of holiday palettes.
Fine Dining
One of the most highly-recommended aspects of the Riviera Maya is the quality of its restaurants. Catering to the tastes of all tourists, from those who seek authentic Mexican trade to the homesick traveler wishing for a hamburger and french fries, whatever you desire can be found in abundance. Breakfast buffets serve traditional and western items, and in addition to Latin American cuisine, a plethora of hot dog shops and burger joints serve all your favorite midday and late-night snacks from home. Despite all the beautiful sights and pristine beaches, when recalling your trip later you might find the thing you remember most vividly is all the delicious meals you ate!
Adventure Parks
For those with a bit more of an active bent, the Riviera Maya can fulfill your desire to get out and stretch your legs a bit. Several eco-parks, such as Xplore, offer a range of unusual and exhilarating activities, all available to anyone who pays the price of admission. A 3-mile jungle ride will take through rainforest, across rivers, and even down into isolated caves. Also provided are unlimited rides on the zip-line system which has been installed throughout the park. These lines hang at varying heights, from 'hammock' height for the beginners, to over ten stories for the experienced or simply brave. 11 lines of varying configurations and the ability to ride to your heart's content should satisfy anyone's craving for a little adventure while on vacation!
In addition to the zip-lines, another very popular activity is the underground swim. With an adjustable time length of up to 40 minutes, you can get through the series of hauntingly splendid caverns under your own power, or requisition a boat to take you drifting through them as you relax with a camera or some favorite reading material.
Mayan Heritage
Of course, there's more to the area than simply jet-skis and sun tans. The Riviera Maya borders on some truly astounding archaeological ruins. The nearby port of Tulum showcases an ancient walled city built by the Maya; in the end, it was ravished by diseases brought by Spanish soliders, not by firearms, so the city remains one of the best-preserved Maya ports in all Central America. This amazing city boasts high walls, massive pyramids, several temples, and its own biological preserve. Though the natural splendor of the Riviera Maya is apparent to anyone who visits the area, the rich cultural heritage is too often overlooked by travelers looking for a resort-centered getaway; therefore, especially if you come with a family, make it a point to educate yourselves a little about the amazing ancient cultures, whose former backyards you now lounge in.
Like the outdoors? Looking for travel ideas in the Riviera Maya? Try the Mexico travel community for info on touring Guatemala, Mexico and Belize. The original article appeared here: Mayan Riviera Outdoor Adventures.
