Mexico has an enriched culture full of folklore and legends, its coasts are full of beautiful beaches and its regions boast abundant fauna, today we bring you 5 fun facts about the Riviera Maya. Those who come from the Yucatan peninsula know these curious facts about the Riviera Maya, and they still fully enjoy every corner of the area. If traveling is your thing, then we hope this article provides further reasons to return to this wonderful corner of the Mexican Caribbean.
First, let’s review its location. Nowadays the Riviera Maya is the most visited tourist destination in all of Mexico, however, we could say that it is almost “new”. If you had visited the area in the 1950s you would not have found this development.
There are differences between Cancun and the Riviera Maya, popular and common names that arise when talking about the destination as a region. The Riviera Maya as a tourist region has 130 km along the Caribbean Sea, within the State of Quintana Roo. In fact, it begins in Puerto Morelos south of the Cancun airport and ends in Punta Allen, which is south of Tulum. As you can see, Cancun is not actually part of the Riviera Maya.
Did you know that it is possible to listen to the Mayan dialect among locals in the area? Although the official language is Spanish, more than 20 indigenous languages are still spoken in the region. This takes into account that only around 10% of the inhabitants of the Riviera Maya are Quintanarroenses. The current population is estimated to be around 1.6 million people. But rest assured, there is a beach for everyone!
You might already know what a cenote is and have probably enjoyed their refreshing waters. The Riviera Maya is home to three of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. It’s just one of the many adventures outside the resort. Among the most popular cenotes are Chac-Mool, Dos Ojos, Zacil-ha, Kantun-chi, Uch-Ben-ha, Sac-Actun, and Casa Cenote. All can be found between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
There are two spots under the name Cenote Azul, one is in Playa del Carmen and the other in Bacalar, and both are worth the visit. If you are visiting Chichen Itza, then Cenote Ik-Kil might represent an uplifting stop.
Among the fun facts of the Riviera Maya is the reason why divers from all over the world could visit the destination.
Beyond everything that is offered on dry land, there is the underwater world that features the second largest coral reef in the world. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System extends from Mexico to Honduras and is home to countless marine species. The Great Barrier Reef of the Riviera Maya provides access to great natural jewels that can be discovered by diving among them.
If you enjoy underwater life then the Riviera Maya continues to be the ideal destination for you. Among the reefs near Playa del Carmen are Sábalos, Tortugas, the sunken ship of Mama Vina, and the sunken ship of Juan Escutiaone. From Cozumel, you can venture to Palancar, Devil’s Throat, and Paso del Cedral.
The Riviera Maya is one of the most popular wedding destinations. With an invincible climate that offers the lovebirds a unique celebration, enjoying the pampering, the culture, an average temperature of 27 ° C and idyllic settings that the Mexican Caribbean offers without the need to go into hiding. This certainly makes weddings unique.
Of course, the four hotels in the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya complex offer destination wedding packages for that special event. From an intimate ceremony of up to 10 guests to a party for up to 30 guests.
If you want to know more about Quintana Roo and the neighboring towns of the Riviera Maya take a look at this article.
