Riviera Maya & Cacun, Mexico

by admin · June 24, 2007

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the Riviera Maya the Maya civilization was first to settle here. They developed a very advanced civilization. It’s believed they crossed the Bering Strait some 25,000 when there was ice to do so. Around 250 A.D the Maya rose to prominence here. These early people are recognized for the religious beliefs and they built great temples as well as produced advancements in mathematics, writing, and astronomy. They are credited with being the first culture to use the number zero in mathematics. They also developed a calendar system
Today many Maya have gone into the cities but some still reside in more traditional agriculture based villages. There is high growth in tourism in this area and it’s a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. The Maya once built great pyramids and temples but are now building tourist resorts.

Climate in Riviera Maya and Cancun

The mean temperature in this area is 24–25 °C (75-77°F) making it perfect for year round holidays. May through November is the rainy season. Most storms such as hurricanes and tropical storms tend to miss this area.

Language in Mexico

The language this area is mainly Spanish Mayan and English are also spoken.

Currency in Mexico

The currency is the Mexican Peso but many places also take American dollars.

Riviera Maya and Cancun Cities

Cozumel 73,200
Playa del Carmen 110,000
Cancun 734,078

Things to do in Riviera Maya and Cancun (Cities and main point of interest)

Akumal Beach, Akumal – Great for swimming with white beaches that go on for miles.
Aktun Chen, Akumal – Visit this cave and go zip lining or take a tour.
Mayan Ruins of Tulum – Visit ancient ruins here which were once a site for commerce. Tour guides can explain each building and take you through buy valium online securely these ruins. Visit booth and shops and get some Mexican handicrafts to take home.
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve – Located in Tulum this is a 5000 hectare nature reserve.
Cenote Chaak Tun, Playa del Carmen – This is another great cave complex to explore on your vacation.
Grand Coral Golf, Playa del Carmen – Excellent golf course with a full 18 holes.
Coba – This area features a large park and on the drive here there are many shops along the highway. There’s a a large pyramid here as well as good restaurants.
Chichen Itza – Amazing ruin you can get a tour here from Cancun.
El Meco Ruins – Another site featuring ancient ruins.

Food and Restaurants in the Riviera Maya and Cancun

There is a large variety of food in Cancun including Mexican, Japanese, French Chinese, and Western food. You’ll find many fast-food outlets as well as buffets and other restaurants. Many hotels serve large breakfasts or brunch buffets. Pescado a la Tikin-Xic is a traditional fish dish served with achiote which is a spice. It usually come son a banana leaf. Kibi is a baked wheat ball that is stuffed with meat or cheese and comes with a hot chili.

Shopping in Riviera Maya and Cancun

La Isla Shopping Village, Cancun -Very trendy shopping paradise with over 150 shops. Enjoy restaurants, cinemas, and a nice aquarium too.
Plaza Caracol- Located in Cancun you’ll find over 200 shops here with brand name items and there’s plenty of food here as well.
In other parts of the Riviera Maya area you’ll find all types of shops with many gifts and souvenirs to take home. This area caters to tourists so expects to find many of these items.