Playa del Carmen: Offering an irresistible blend of Mexican spirit and European sophistication, the charming seaside town of Playa del Carmen offers an array of boutiques, numerous open-air restaurants, superb swimming and snorkeling, and a vibrant nightlife. The bustling center of activity is Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenua), Playa's main promenade open exclusively to pedestrians. (4 miles)
Beaches: The Riviera Maya offers miles of unspoiled, powder white sand beaches to explore and enjoy.
Xcaret: Ecological and archaeological park, dedicated to the Mayan and Mexican cultures and to preserving the environment and ecology of the area (8 miles)
Laguna Chankanaab: Beautiful park and botanical gardens created around a natural coral lagoon on the island of Cozumel (5 miles to ferry + 35 mile ferry ride)
Xel-Ha: Ecological and archaeological park with turtle and dolphin sanctuaries and a research center (34 miles)
Tulum: The archaeological zone at Tulum, a walled Mayan port city perched above scenic beaches, combines the mystery of the ancient civilization with the singular beauty of the Caribbean Sea. (43 miles)
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: Included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO, the third largest protected area in Mexico encompasses lagoons, reefs, lakes, mangroves and forests. Virtually uninhabited, it contains a dazzling array of animal and plant life. (51 miles)
Coba: Set inland, Coba was once the setting of one of the largest of the Mayan cities. Building ruins are spread over a huge area of dense forest and shallow lakes. (180 miles)
Chichen Itza: Considered the most awe-inspiring of all ancient Mayan cities, Chichen Itza's pyramids loom over huge plazas, intricately aligned with the sun and stars. (267 miles)