Discover the Magic of Mexico
The white-sand beaches, translucent cenotes, and awe-inspiring ruins of the Riviera Maya have a mystical quality to them. The area stretches 80 miles from the fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the archeological sites of bohemian Tulum. It is in the state of Quintana Roo on the northeastern Yucatán peninsula along the Mexican Caribbean, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is submerged just off the coast, making for excellent snorkeling and diving. Yet, there’s so much to do on dry land.
In the center is Playa del Carmen, where shops, restaurants, and the nightlife of La Quinta Avenida beckon. For more sightseeing, off the mainland to the east and accessible by ferry, the island of Cozumel offers an extension of paradise.
Must-Do: Interact with spider monkeys at The Jungle Place near the town of Chemuyil, South of Playa del Carmen. The nonprofit rescues and rehabs abandoned and orphaned primates by providing them with love as well as food, shelter, and medical care access. Tours are offered for a donation and must be reserved.
Eat: Go crazy with the Cherry Mania, lemon, salted caramel — or any of the fresh, creamy flavors that change daily (an excuse to visit more than once) — at Jessie Gelato, a waterfront artisanal ice cream and sorbet shop in Puerto Aventuras (closed Mondays). It’s no coincidence Jessie Gelato has been the recipient of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice™ award for years.
Day-Trip: To see flora and fauna and ancient ruins, venture south of Tulum to the Sian Ka‘an biosphere reserve. Take a boat tour along the lagoons of the nearly 1.3-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage site, watching for manatees, dolphins, turtles, and crocodiles in the water and jaguar, puma, and tapir in the forests. Don’t forget to look up for more than 350 bird species, including eagles, condors, and male frigates pumping out their red chests in the winter. At the site’s northern edge, walk to the Muyil archeological zone’s 56-foot-tall El Castillo temple and then climb the observation tower for lagoon views.
Through Getaway offers, Interval® members enjoy highly discounted resort stays, available for seven nights or less — without trading resort weeks or points.
