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The Mayan Riviera is a hot spot destination that has a little bit of something for everyone .   Even if you are a finicky traveller you will not be disappointed , it may just take you a bit of research to find exactly where you fit.   Imagine sunbathing on white sandy beaches, exploring ancient ruins and embarking on a culinary journey through fabulous local restaurants!

Did you know that the 7th wonder of the world can be found here?   It's  Kukulkan Pyrdamid at Chichen Itza. Built sometime during the 10^th century, Chichen Itza was a major center in the northern Maya lowlands as early as 600 AD. Trust me  -   it is worth the day trip! Visit the great ball courts, group of a thousand columns, temple of warriors and the upper temple of the Jaguar. With ruins spread out over 5 square km there is a lot of room to  wander undisturbed or  in  small groups. Trust me it is worth the day trip!

If you want to enjoy something a little different, visit Soliman Bay & Tankah . Visitors love Soliman Bay & Tankah because they're a step back in time, away from typical tourism and back to the roots of the tropical experience. Soliman Bay is a place to kick back and watch your stress melt like popsicles while you take in  the  blue Caribbean seascape.  

This is also a great area for visiting sinotes...not necessarily for the faint hearted. 

If you are looking for a more family orientated trip, pack up the family and head over to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. "Sian Ka’an" is translated from Mayan meaning "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky". With over 2500 square miles of unspoiled natural beauty, Sian Ka'an is the largest protected area in Mexico. Ecological tours are offered, as well as kayak tours. There really SOOO much to take in .  You will be mesmerized! 

As you know, this is a highly popular area from all Canadian gateways, and for our US clients too.  All types of vacation properties can be found here - from a private villa, to the exclusive Banyan Tree or Fairmont Mayakoba, beautiful properties by Karisma, Bahia (we have an exclusive package there for Feb 20 - ask us), Dreams, Secrets and Barcelo.  It's also a short trip over to Cozumel, where its well worth spending a day.  There are many popular and highly rated excursions in this area, make sure you check them out!

Thought I forgot about food? Not a chance. Check out the recipes below!

Spots & Things to Do

1. Yal Ku Lagoon - Some of the best snorkelling in near Akumal. $7 for all day snorkelling and beats any of the other locations hands down! You will either have to drive or catch a taxi.

2. Downtown Akumal - Very much a quaint, dusty little town out of an old western movie. There are a few shops that sell local crafts and no tourists.

3. Coba Ruins - Unlike Chichen Itza Coba is not a major tourist attraction. Only a few structures have been excavated but there is a hidden bonus. There is usually a local waiting for the couple of tourists a day that arrive. For $20 US he will walk you through the entire ruins explaining all the history.

Travel Tips

This whole area can be very hot...and humid too! Make sure you stay well hydrated, and consider bringing a powdered electrolyte drink if you have had previous sun stroke. 

The ruins lack shade so it is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon and avoid the heat of the day .  Bring sunblock - but read the next para, too, because some are prohibited!

In Ka’an Biological Reserve the use of regular sunscreens is prohibited for swimming and other water activities because oils can be damaging to the water-life ecology. If you can’t go without, look into special eco-friendly sunblocks.

Restaurants

Negrosal, Playa Del Carmen

Are you looking for a fabulous Restaurant ?   If you are after beyond amazing, checkout Negrosal. Located  in  Playa del Carmen ,  t his gem offers so much more than great cuisine. Everything is an art form: frescoes, hand carved table legs, a glass floor with open wine cellar below.

The chef, Ivan Luche, is from Montevideo and as created a an menu based on  south American- European- Mexican fusions.

Tulum, Main Street

The main street of tulum is teeming with different restaurants but you have to be very careful where you eat. Most are generic, bland and overpriced. Here are a few places you should try:

1. Don Cafeto's Restaurant ($)

2. El Tacoqueto ($)

3. Ana and Jose's Restaurant ($$$)

4. El Mariacho Restaurant ($$)

 

Recipes

Authentic Guacamole

Ingredients

    1 avocado
    About 2 tablespoons chopped white onions
    About 2 tablespoons chopped tomatoes
    About 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
    Pinch salt
    Pinch freshly ground pepper
    About 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno chiles
    Lime juice, as desired

Directions

Peel the avocados and place in a molcajete (an authentic mayan bowl). Then add the chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, chiles and lime juice, to taste. Now mix it all together for the ultimate guacamole experience.

Camarones al Tequila

Ingredients

    1 1/2 tablespoons butter
    16 to 20 small shrimp
    About 1/4 cup chopped onions
    About 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
    1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro leaves
    Drizzle tequila
    Pinch Guajillo chili powder, optional
    Salt
    Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and the shrimp. Saute the shrimp until pink then add the onions, tomatoes and the cilantro. Let it sit for about 2 minutes then enhance the favor by adding the tequila, chili powder, if desired, salt and pepper, to taste. Then let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes so it may absorb the favor of the tequila.

Serve with rice and vegetables.