THE  MEXICAN  CARIBBEAN   By  far  the  most  interesting  tropical  vacation  destination  in  the  world  

  Comprising  Cancun,  Puerto  Morelos  (a  traditional  fishing  village),  Playa  del  Carmen,   Puerto  Aventuras  and  Akumal  (boutique  resort  communities)  and  Tulum  (free  spirit   beach   village),   as   well   as   the   islands   of   Cozumel,   Isla   Mujeres,   Contoy   and   Holbox,   the   Mexican   Caribbean   offers   endless   attractions   for   visitors,   and   even   more   wonders  lie  within  easy  driving  distance.  In  the  neighboring  state  of  Yucatan  visitors   can   explore   the   world-­‐famous   archaeological   sites   of   Chichen   Itza   and   Uxmal   and   the   16th-­‐century   cities   of   Merida,   Valladolid   and   Izamal,   nature   reserves,   cenotes   and   haciendas.   Further   afield,   natural   treasures,   ancient   Mayan   cities   and   timeless   traditions  await  discovery  in  central  and  southern  Quintana  Roo.            Visitors   from   all   over   the   world   are   flocking   to   the   Mexican   Caribbean   lured   by   its   heavenly   beaches   but   they   soon   find   that   it   offers   an   unsurpassed   array   of   attractions  and  that  there  really  is  something  for  everyone.    Here’s  a  quick  guide  to   the  amazing  travel  adventures  available.  Discover  the  possibilities.     Amazing  Once  in  a  Lifetime  Wildlife  Experiences   Swimming  with  whale  sharks  (summer  season)   Snorkeling  with  sailfish  (spring  season)   Snorkeling  with  sea  turtles  (all  year  round)   Swim  with  dolphins   Swim  with  nurse  sharks   Swim  with  manatees   Golden  ray  migration   Watching  sea  turtles  nest   Cave  of  the  Hanging  Snakes  in  Kantemo  (Maya  Ka’an)     Mayan  Majesty   Chichen   Itza,   UNESCO   World   Heritage   Site,   also   voted   one   of   World’s   New   Seven   Wonders  in  a  2007  global  online  poll   Tulum   Coba   Ek  Balam   Uxmal,   UNESCO   World   Heritage   Site   with   an   incredible   evening   light   and   sound   show   Kabah,  Sayil,  Xlapak  &  Labna,  Mayan  sites  on  the  Puuc  Route  near  Uxmal   Dzibilchaltun   Muyil   Chacchoben  (central  Quintana  Roo)   Kohunlich,  Dzibanche  and  Oxtankah  in  southern  Quintana  Roo   Calakmul  in  southern  Campeche,  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site    

        El  Rey  &  El  Meco  in  Cancun   Cancun  Maya  Museum   San  Gervasio  on  Cozumel     Incredible  Nature   Great  bird  watching  year-­‐round  in  the  area’s  jungles,  wetlands  and  reserves.   The  Yucatan  Peninsula  is  also  on  one  of  the  world’s  great  bird  migration  routes   and  an  estimated  150  million  birds  fly  south  from  the  US  and  Canada  to  escape  the   winter  cold     Sian  Ka’an  Biosphere  Reserve,  a  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site   Contoy  island  bird  sanctuary   Río  Lagartos  Biosphere  Reserve,  home  to  thousands  of  flamingos   Punta  Laguna  community  nature  reserve  near  Cobá,  a  haven  for  spider  and  howler   monkeys   Puerto  Morelos  Botanical  Garden,  second  largest  of  its  kind  in  Mexico   Celestun  Biosphere  Reserve  (longer  excursion)   Calakmul   Biosphere   Reserve   in   Campeche,   a   UNESCO   World   Heritage   Site   (longer   excursion)   Bacalar  Lagoon  (known  as  the  Lagoon  of  Seven  Colors)   Ecological  tours  through  the  mangroves   Crocodile  watching   Night  walks  in  the  jungle     Wildlife  photography  classes  (occasional)     Underwater  World   Dive  or  snorkel  the  world’s  second  longest  reef,  the  Mesoamerican  Reef   Wall  dives  in  Cozumel   Drift  diving  in  Cozumel   Night  diving   Dive  trips  to  Banco  Chinchorro  (coral  atoll  accessible  from  Mahahual  and  Xcalak  in   southern  Quintana  Roo)   BOB  (Breathing  Observation  Bubble)  underwater  tours   Cancun  Underwater  Sculpture  Museum   Atlantis  Submarine  in  Cozumel   Cancun  Aquarium   Xcaret  Aquarium   Underwater  trek  (Snuba)   Cave  and  cenote  diving   Snorkeling  in  cenotes   Swim  or  float  along  underground  rivers   Underwater  photography  classes        

        Parks  for  the  Whole  Family   Xcaret  (Eco-­‐archaeological  Park)   Xel-­‐Ha  Natural  Aquarium   Garrafon  Reef  Eco  Park  (Zip  lining  over  the  Caribbean)   Crococun  Park     Adventure  Parks  &  Trips   Xplor  Park   Xenotes,  Oasis  Maya  (four  different  cenotes  in  one  day)   Jungle  zip  lining  and  canopy  tours   Hidden  Worlds  (Snorkeling,  cenotes,  zip  lining,  cave  diving)   Aktun  Chen  (nature  park  with  cenotes,  caves,  zip  lining)   Jungle  multi-­‐sport  safaris     Island  Hopping   Isla  Mujeres   Cozumel   Contoy   Holbox     16th-­‐century  Colonial  Cities   Merida   Valladolid   Izamal   Convent  Route     Yucatan’s  Henequen  Haciendas   Learn   about   the   history   of   henequen   cultivation   in   the   Yucatan   by   visiting   an   old   hacienda   or   estate.   Used   to   make   ropes   and   sacks,   this   native   plant   fuelled   an   economic  boom  in  the  late  19th  century  and  was  known  as  “green  gold.”   Hacienda  Sotuta   Hacienda  Teya   Hacienda  Yaxcopoil  and  many  more     Meeting  the  Maya   Maya  Ka’an  –  small  group  trips  to  Mayan  communities  in  central  Quintana  Roo  and   Sian  Ka’an  (including  Tihosuco,  Señor,  Chunhuhub  and  Noh-­‐Bec)   Punta  Laguna   Mayan  Temascal  experience  (traditional  sweat  lodge)   Pueblo  Maya  in  Xcaret   Momentos   Sagrados   Mayas,   communitytheater   showcasing   Mayan   traditions   and   village  life  in  X’ocen  near  Valladolid  every  Sunday  at  4  p.m.,  January  to  March      

        Water  Sports   Sailing   Windsurfing  (lessons  available)   Kite  surfing   Paddle  boarding   Fly  boarding   Water  skiing   Jet  surf   Paddle  board  yoga   Wave  runners/Jet  skis   Speed  boats   Tiny  speed  boats  through  the  mangroves   Luxury  yacht/catamaran  cruises   Kayaks     Fishing   Big  game/Bill  fishing   Large  pelagic  tarpon  fishing   Flats/fly  fishing   Surf  fishing   Spear  fishing   Catch  &  release  dock  fishing  for  children     Sports  &  Activities   Spa  relaxation   Tennis   14  Golf  Courses   Helicopter  ride  along  the  Mexican  Caribbean  coast   ATV  Jungle  Tours   Jeep  Safaris   Go  Karts   Exotic  luxury  cars  to  drive  such  as  Ferraris   Segway  scooters   Parasailing   Ultralight  flights   Parachute  jumps   Horseback  riding   Polo   Camel  riding  on  the  beach   Watching   baseball   (Mexican   League),   basketball   (Triple   AAA   level)   and   soccer   (Mexican  Second  Division)  in  Cancun   Sports   events   such   as   boxing,   Mexican   lucha   libre,   triathlons,   marathons,   cycling   races    

        Nightlife   Dining,  starting  with  Mexican  cuisine,  UNESCO  World  Heritage   Xoximilco  Park  (Mexican  evening  of  great  food,  live  Mexican  music  and  a  ride  on  a   traditional  trajinera  or  Mexican  “gondola”)   Xcaret  Park’s  famous  evening  show   Coco  Bongo,  Latin  America’s  hottest  nightclub   Pirate’s  Night  Parties  on  a  pirate  ship   Lobster  dinner  cruises  on  a  Spanish  galleon   Salsa  classes   Karaoke     Romantic  dinners  on  the  beach   Beach  bars   Live  music,  Mexican  and  world  music   Cirque  du  Soleil  (coming  this  November)   Cancun  Planetarium   Concerts  by  world-­‐class  musicians      (Occasionally)     Shopping   Designer  brands   Mexican  handicrafts   Local  art     Mexican  Traditions   Mexican  cooking  schools  in  Cancun,  Puerto  Morelos,  Merida  and  Valladolid   Learning  Spanish   Learning  Maya   Charrería,  traditional  Mexican  rodeo  events   Bullfights     Events  during  the  Year   Here  is  a  selection  of  annual  events  in  the  area  and  there  are  many  more  to  take  in   during  a  vacation.   Merida   Festival,   January   (month-­‐long   cultural   festival   starting   on   January   6,   anniversary  of  the  founding  of  the  city)   Dia  de  Reyes,  Mexican  Tradition,  January  6   Momentos   Sagrados   Mayas,   community   theater   showcasing   Mayan   traditions   and   village  life  in  X’ocen  near  Valladolid  every  Sunday  at  4  p.m.,  January  to  March   Mexican  Caribbean  bill  fishing  season  begins,  March   Cancun  &  Riviera  Maya  Food  &  Wine  Festival,  March   Spring  Equinox  at  Chichen  Itza,  March  21   Mexican  Caribbean  fishing  tournaments,  April  –  August  in  different  locations   Isla  Mujeres  Regatta  (late  April)   Copa  del  Rey  Polo  Tournament,  El  Rey  Polo  Club,  Puerto  Morelos  (late  April-­‐May)    

        Mexican  Independence,  September  15   Merida  Autumn  Cultural  Festival,  September  -­‐  October   Day   of   the   Dead,   Mexican   tradition,   World   Heritage,   November   1   &   2.   Day   of   the   Dead  is  called  Hanal  Pixan  in  the  Yucatan  Peninsula   Xcaret  Festival  of  Life  &  Death,  Oct  31,  Nov  1  &  2   OHL  Classic  PGA  Golf  Tournament  at  Mayakoba,  November   Riviera  Maya  Jazz  Festival    (late  November,  Playa  del  Carmen)     Further  Afield   Trips  to  destinations  in  the  Maya  World   Seeing   more   of   Mexico   –   flights   to   Mexico   City,   Puebla,   Guadalajara,   Oaxaca,   Palenque  and  Leon,  jumping  off  point  for  Guanajuato  and  San  Miguel  de  Allende   Departure  point  for  Cuba     Voluntourism   The   Mexican   Caribbean   and   the   Yucatan   offer   opportunities   for   visitors   who   are   interested  in  volunteering  their  time  and  skills  to  help  communities  or  wildlife.   Conservation  projects   Sea  turtle  conservation   Reef  health  monitoring   Jaguar  census   Bird  counts     Flamingo  ringing   Community  projects   Teaching  English     See   unikgo.com   for   videos   of   many   lesser-­‐known   attractions   in   the   Mexican   Caribbean  and  Yucatan