Mexico
Awe-inspiring resorts, set on powdery sands on sprawling coastlines. Darling coastal villages, where fútbol is played by youngsters on the same streets the greatest European conquistadors and Aztec, Incan, and Mayan warriors once strode; where old traditions live on, tortillas are still handmade, chocolate is served spiced, and Mayan and Nahuatl flows like the rivers that run through the country’s jungle.
These are only some of the lasting impressions made by the United Mexican States, the 11th most populated country in the world, to the 15-16 million Americans who cross the second-longest border in the world each year in search of paradise. From Baja California to the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf of Mexico to the Sea of Cortez, the magic of Mexico awaits, each destination eager to make its own lasting impression.
Cancun – As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, Cancun attracts about four million visitors each year to its pristine white beaches, its top-notch resort and hotel scene and its crystal blue water. The city is home to hundreds of hotels that line the beaches in an area called the hotel zone, attracting all types of guests, from traveling business people to timeshare owners to families. The city is probably most famous for its Mayan ruins, which dot the landscape around this southern region of Mexico. From El Rey to Tulum, the ancient stone remains are unique archaeological attractions that tell the original story of the now bustling modern city. Many people also visit the area for its great dive sites. Colorful coral reefs and diverse sea life are located right offshore, and a variety of inland cenotes (deep natural wells) attract diving enthusiasts to explore the rich underwater worlds of Cancun.
Riviera Maya – Stretching down the Yucatán Peninsula’s Caribbean coast lies the Riviera Maya, also known as the Mayan Riviera. The Riviera Maya coastline stretches from the southern end of bustling Cancun to the north, down south to the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, and in the center of the coastline, the once sleepy fishing village turned popular city of Playa del Carmen.
The coastline today is dotted with an abundance of all-inclusive resorts as well as smaller boutique hotels perched on the idyllic sandy beaches, this coastline is most historically notable for its Mayan past. The pre-Hispanic civilization lived throughout this region and the impressive archeological ruins remain a popular tourist attraction today including Tulum and Chichen Itza
The northern stretch of the coastline extending from Playa del Carmen up to the southern end of Cancun is most heavily occupied with resorts, but the southern end of the coast stretching toward Tulum is home to smaller villages and resorts that are bit more spread out along the less crowded beaches. The most popular activities for visitors to this region include visiting the Mayan ruins, eco-tourism parks including Xcaret and Xel-Ha, snorkeling along the expansive barrier coral reef, golfing and of course soaking up the sun on the relaxing beaches.
Costa/Playa Mujeres – Costa Mujeres sits across the bay on the mainland, just north of Cancun. The beauty of Costa Mujeres is its location. This area feels calm and secluded but is just 30 minutes away from Cancun’s bustling restaurants and nightlife and a quick boat ride from the magical island of Isla Mujeres.
Cozumel – Beautiful Isla Cozumel is an immensely popular vacation and diving destination located in the Caribbean Sea off the Riviera Maya coastline in Mexico. The island is relatively small, only 10 miles wide and 30 miles long but packs a big punch with many high-end resorts and a wealth of diving opportunities for travelers. It boasts great beaches, nice people, and safe streets, with prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations.
Most visitors travel to Cozumel to explore the underwater gems. The main town and dive operations are on the west side of the island, which is the more touristy area. The east side is less developed with beautiful beaches, big waves and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blowholes. Every few miles, you will also find a restaurant along the beach.
Cozumel is a diver’s paradise. Visit any of the reefs in Cozumel for a colorful picture of ocean life. Novice divers should plan to go to Columbia Reef; Columbia shallow, is one of the three dives on this reef suitable for beginners.
Los Cabos – is a magic land full of contrast, from breathtaking seas, to desert and mountains. Also known as “Land’s End” for being located at the tip of the southern Baja California Península. Step into the extraordinary world of Los Cabos where the unparalleled natural beauty, biodiversity and range of amenities will appeal to any personality.
Los Cabos is comprised primarily of two towns, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas; which are linked by a 20-mile corridor lined with world-class resort properties and championship golf courses.
Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit – Two destinations united geographically that live as one. This region is one of the Mexico’s most popular tourism corridors because of its great climate and incredible diversity. It’s this boundless diversity that provides our visitors with such a range of unique experiences too many to describe that you have to live it.
Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are neighboring destinations geographically divided by the Ameca River. Both share one airport: Puerto Vallarta lies just south of the International Airport in the state of Jalisco and the Riviera Nayarit is located in the state of Nayarit north of the airport. It is a privileged location, as we are fortunate to share a coastline with Banderas Bay, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world. Our visitors can cross from one place to the other in a matter of minutes, giving them the opportunity to explore the many attractions that make Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit a unique destination.
Huatulco – Think nine ecologically-diverse, jaw-dropping ocean bays should be protected? So does Huatulco. The region’s nine bays make up Huatulco National Park, and during the region’s first eco-tourism report, Earth Check awarded Huatulco for its exceptional environmental standards. At the feet of the Sierra Madre Mountains on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, the laid-back hideaway’s protected waters, unspoiled coastline, and twenty-two miles of pristine beaches make it a bucket list destination for any sun seeker and watersport lover.
