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The stunning Playa del Carmen has all the brilliance of its neighbor Cancun up north, but without the hordes of tourists. Just north of Kantun-Chi, Xcaret is a waterfront eco-tourism resort with caves to explore, fantastic snorkeling, nighttime shows and plenty of quiet places to relax. Kantun-Chi features breathtaking views, underground swimming opportunities and a tasty menu at their on-site restaurant. The Riviera Maya has a number of popular eco parks for visitors looking for a nature escape. There are plenty of other smaller ruins nearby for travelers looking to go off the beaten path. Book a tour ahead of time, rent a car to drive on your own or fly into the Chichén Itzá International Airport to save time. This world-famous site of Mayan ruins is one the main reasons people visit the Yucatan Peninsula, but it can take some planning to make the trip from the Riviera. Sundays tend to be the busiest, so plan accordingly. Just past the Mamitas Beach Club, you’ll find a sandy stretch popular among both locals and tourists. Mamitas Beach is the most popular beach among the LGBTQ crowd in Playa del Carmen. There is a lot to do in the Riviera Maya for travelers interested in exploring the local environment and culture.
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Most beaches are top-optional, and English is not the only other language you will hear. Since the Riviera Maya hosts many European travelers, the vibe is much more different than Cancun. June through November brings warm afternoon rains and occasional hurricanes. Peak tourist season is the end-of-year holidays in December through March as tourists flock to warmer weather and sunny beaches. There are occasional circuit parties and special events hosted irregularly by some of the more welcoming hotels and resorts in Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen has a thriving community of LGBTQ locals and the frequent visitors from Europe and North America have made the town a happening spot that's both welcoming and fun.Ī Playa del Carmen Pride festival is held each year in June, and features pride parties, parades, and events attracting tourists from around the world. Only a one-hour ferry ride from Cozumel, the town used to be seen as a stop along the way back to Cancun, but has now come into its own as a worthy destination. Many gays and lesbians in Mexico have started seeing Playa del Carmen as a sophisticated alternative to super-gay Puerto Vallarta and tourist-filled Cancun. In the small towns like Tulum and Playa, there’s no need for a car, as it’s much easier to walk than drive. That translates to a roughly $40 taxi ride or an adventure on the much cheaper public bus system. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Playa. Most visitors fly into the international airport in Cancun to come to the Riviera. It's also easier to swim here: the island of Cozumel blocks much of the pounding Gulf surf, calming things down nicely! This 75-mile strip of the Yucatan Peninsula is often lauded as the most beautiful part of Mexico, and with perfect weather, soft white sand beaches, and sparkling clear water, it’s easy to get lost in this Mexican paradise. The town is dotted with Mayan ruins, many right on the beach, which provides a unique contrast from the ruins further inland. Tulum was an original resort town for Mayan kings, where they rested and seriously worshiped the sun. The official Riviera Maya area starts 10 miles south of Cancun and includes the beach towns of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. The area of Riviera Maya, also known as the Mayan Riviera, lies in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.