The Yucatan Peninsula is in the southeastern region of Mexico and is made up of the states of Campeche, Yucatan and the territory of Quintana Roo which offers the vast majority of attractions. It is a low lying land of limestone bedrock with hundreds of miles of water filled subterranean passages and throughout the forests there are scores of open freshwater wells called cenotes.
The Caribbean Sea runs the length of Quintana Roo and is host to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and the northern reaches of the territory are home to the well known resort areas of Cancun, Cozumel and the quaint little island of Isla Mujeres. In the last several decades thriving tourist bastions sprang up along the coast at Playa Del Carmen, Akumal and the shore side Mayan temples of Tulum. In the interior, mystical and majestic pyramids rise from the jungle floor; some like Chichen Itza have become, must see, tourist attractions while other lie hidden in the dense forest.
Cancun
Cancun has long been a favorite destination for international travelers, sun worshippers and spring break revelers. Luxurious high-rise hotels line the beach offering opulent accommodations, fine dining is the norm, lively nightlife is ongoing and there is an abundance of activities. Beach goers sail catamarans, race jet skis, snorkel on the reef or just relax in the sun enjoying tropical cocktails.
Cozumel
Cozumel is an island lying just off the coast and is host to some of the best scuba diving on the planet. The reefs on the leeward side of the island are massive with caves, grottos, swim- throughs and walls that plummet into the abyss. The vibrant coral reefs and the multitude of marine life make Cozumel a scuba divers paradise.
Isla Mujeres
The small island of Isla Mujeres has been a bastion for adventurers, expatriates and others who wish to get away from it all in a laid back tropical paradise. Isla Mujeres is still laid back, but it has been discovered and the pace has been throttled up a notch or two by others looking for the same. Excellent accommodations can be found, there is great dining, beautiful snorkeling and scuba divers come to see the caves of the sleeping sharks.
Playa Del Carmen
The Riviera Maya is the section of coast that runs from Cancun to Tulum and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Playa Del Carmen is south of Cancun and across the channel from Cozumel and has been one of the fastest growing resort areas in Mexico. ‘Playa’ has it all with excellent resorts, white sand beaches and it is the jumping off spot for tours and cave diving expeditions in the interior.
Tulum
Tulum is the only Mayan ruin on the coast and it majestically sits on a cliff above a powdery sand beach over turquoise water. Once standing alone, Tulum now has a thriving tourist trade with a small Pueblo, a hotel zone and it is adjacent to the Sian Ka’an biosphere. The Tulum area hosts a number of cenotes and is a popular destination for cave divers exploring the subterranean labyrinths.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
South of Tulum, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises 1.3 million acres of Caribbean coast, coral reefs, estuaries, mangrove swamps, savannas, freshwater lagoons and tropical forests. The reserve has 23 archeological sites, 103 species of mammals, over 300 bird species and can be explored on numerous trails and waterways.
Chichen Itza
Another World heritage Site are the ruins of Chichen Itza in the north central region of the peninsula in the state of Yucatan. This sprawling center of Mayan civilization is overwhelming in its beauty and its significance. The centerpiece is the towering pyramid of ‘El Castillo’ and a walk through the grounds will take the visitor past temples, ball courts, stone carvings and cenotes.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a place of adventure, discovery and wonder and one of the few places the visitor can be explore a primal jungle amid prowling jaguars, primitive crocodiles and playful primates during the day and dine in a five-star restaurant that night. The beaches are unequaled, the diving is the best and the restful ambiance comes from the happy, friendly people.
Sources:
http://www.ecotravelmexico.com/visitorscenter.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_del_Carmen
http://cesiak.org/habitat.htm
http://www.visitmexico.com/en/Visitmexico/Visi_Quintana__Roo