Riviera Maya 2012

The Land of the Mayans

The Caribbean coastline of Riviera Maya offers 200 miles of pristine, sparkling beaches protected by offshore reefs teeming with life. But this region of Mexico is known just as well for the ancient ruins that bear silent witness to the strength and power of the Mayan culture. Possibly the most important civilization of the ancient world, it reached the height of its splendor from 900 - 1200 A.D. The Mayans were known as great navigators and skilled merchants. They built coastal trading ports strategically located to serve trade activity between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Immense cities and impressive architectural monuments like temples and pyramids still stand today in the lush paradise surrounding Riviera Maya. Such renowned sites as Tulum, Coba, Chichen-Itza and Uxmal are near Riviera Maya, as well as the ruins of Xamán-Há, where elegant temples are scattered among the modern-day deluxe residential zone of Playacar. The ancient site of Xcaret Park, just south of Riviera Maya, also offers the chance to explore archaeological sites as well as a replica of a typical Mayan village. Mayan cultural heritage is still abundant in the area - traditional foods, clothing and crafts abound in the local communities surrounding these ancient sites.

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