About 100 years ago, the area boomed as a primary shipping port for hardwood and chicle, being exported to the United States and Europe. Today, it is a charming seaport town best known for its excellent seafood restaurants and quaint craft shops. Slightly south of the port town, the Barrera Marin Botanical Garden cares for more than 60 acres of pristine jungle with over 400 species of plants and trees, marshland vegetation, tropical birds, beautiful flowers and medicinal plants. Other places of interest include a Post Classic Mayan Archeological site and a replica of a chicle harvesting camp.

Another treasure of the Riviera Maya. The English translation "secret beach" invites visitors to majestic stretches of white sand and turquoise sea. The long span of beach is broken occasionally with small communities of private homes surrounded by groves of coconut palms. Spend some private time swimming, walking or just lying around on the sunny shores. Come share in the magic of this unique and exclusive place.

A warm palette of color; spend the day exploring through jungle paths or wasting away the hours listening to the soft rush of the Caribbean waves.

Playa del Carmen is the region's primary commercial center and headquarters for fun in the sun. Streets and avenues are alive with fun-seekers and sun worshipers. Playa boasts a healthy dose of camaraderie and enjoyment, and offers many of exciting activities.

At the center of this fun loving destination, 5th avenue runs north and south, parallel to the beach. The avenue is busy day and night with visitors and locals, all strolling leisurely along the walkway. Street vendors with carts full of silver and gold jewelry peddle their wares. Some vendors sell handmade souvenirs, others stand behind modest kiosks selling fresh coconut water and cut fruit. Visitors of all nationalities lounge about sipping tequila and watching the movement of people up and down the avenue. Restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops line the pavement. Upstairs, downstairs and around all corners, you will find a place to eat or drink. With to eating and drinking comes shopping. There are as many shops and boutiques as there are restaurants and bars. Playa del Carmen is the jumping point for ferries to Cozumel. There is also a small airport where you can catch a plane to Cozumel, Merida or to the different archeological sites like Chichen Itza, Uxmal or Palenque, or just to take a sight seeing flight over the Caribbean coast of Riviera Maya. Take your time and explore all that Playa del Carmen has to offer!!!!

Playacar is an upscale housing development with a world-class golf course and a stylish shopping mall. Playacar has miles of white velvet beaches and lush tropical jungle landscaped with hibiscus, citrus and bougainvillea. There is also an open air aviary within the tropical forest, housing a dozens of species of birds from Southeast Mexico as well as migratory birds from the north. Open Monday Friday 9AM to 5PM $2 entrance fee.

Like walking through Mother Natures Garden, this ecological park is an all day encounter with nature and offers a host of recreational activities. Jaguars, sea turtles, crocodiles, spider monkeys, iguanas, flamingos, and macaws are just some of the colorful species that you'll find in this natural jungle.

Spectacular snorkel sites are plentiful here. Floating down the parks crystalline underground rivers, you will pass through brilliant tunnels, caverns and cenotes.

At Xcaret, there is plenty to do for landlubbers. Be sure to take time out to discover the parks many attractions. For those seeking a leisurely adventure, try horse back riding through the jungle and along sandy beaches.

If you think a day in Xcaret is enchanting, wait until night falls. The lure and mystique of ancient Mayan rituals come alive with the re-creation of a Maya ball game. Visitors can take a candle lit stroll through the intricate pathways of elaborate Mayan caves. At night, the village is the place to behold authentic ancestral dances and spectacular ritual fire ceremonies.

This quiet destination lies on a charming deep blue bay, adding to the allure of the southern coastline. Here the reef sits a heartbeat away from shore. Out of the water, Paamul attracts campers and visitors looking for their share of rest and relaxation. There is a restaurant where you can have a great seafood meal; a great place not just for enjoying the food but the view of the sea and the Caribbean breeze.

Is a natural hideaway and a refreshing alternative to the more crowded destinations. Scantly marked dirt road entrances off highway 307 lead to a beautiful stretch of solitary beach. Along the beachfront, Chalio's restaurant serves up simple and delicious meals with ceviche, nachos and fresh fish on the menu. There are a couple of large resorts along this beautiful, wide sandy beach, as well as a few small hotels. Camping is also allowed on some areas of this beach.

The beach at Kantenah is a secluded and private spot. There is only a small, unmarked, dirt road leading down to the beach which one can find immediately south of El Dorado Resort. Stretch out under the cool shade of a throng of coconut palms, snorkel the reef or just enjoy the comforting peace and quiet of the beach.
Stop off at the handcraft, clothing and jewelry outlet on the way to Kantenah. Here you can bargain for colorful woven rugs, hammocks, souvenirs, gifts and pottery.