The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most famous seaside tourist spots, and is especially well known as a place where single tourists can mix and mingle, or where couple can come for the romantic tropical getaway of a lifetime. However, many families are just beginning o discover that it makes a great spot for all ages to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities and crowded resorts; a quiet, beautiful seaside relaxation station ideal for sampling fine dining, hiking through ancient cities, and even indulging in a little adventure tourism for the more active members of the family.

Fine Food

Almost without exception, the restaurants on the Riviera Maya are top-notch, with a wide selection of both traditional dishes and fast-food favorites from the USA. If you find yourself hankering for a bacon & eggs breakfast at some point during your trip, there are many buffets that will oblige, as well as dozens of vendors selling hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and traditional carnival fare. So whether you’re in search of authentic Mexican or feeling a bit homesick, the restaurants and dining establishments on the Rivera Maya will accommodate you.

Adventure Parks

Anyone more interested in getting a little more activity worked into their itinerary can check out the areas eco-parks. Xplore, one of the more popular sites, features many unique physical challenges and activities for anyone who purchases admission to the park. All visitors can take part in a three-mile-long jungle ride, which winds through tropical rainforests, stretches across rivers, and even takes your down into some underground caves and caverns. Unlimited rides on the system of 11 zip-lines that crisscross the park is another bonus; the lines are hung at varying heights, to increase the comfort and enjoyment of the seasoned zip-liner and the borderline acrophobe alike, from ‘hammock height’ up to a distance of over 10 stories. If you’re looking for a new experience to challenge you and get your heart pumping as a change of pace from relaxing on the beach, riding the zip-lines will be an unforgettable one.

In addition to the zip-lines, another very popular activity is the underground swim. With an adjustable time length of up to 40 minutes, you can get through the series of hauntingly splendid caverns under your own power, or requisition a boat to take you drifting through them as you relax with a camera or some favorite reading material.

Maya Culture

Of course, there’s more to the area than simply jet-skis and sun tans. The Riviera Maya borders on some truly astounding archaeological ruins. The nearby port of Tulum showcases an ancient walled city built by the Maya; in the end, it was ravished by diseases brought by Spanish soliders, not by firearms, so the city remains one of the best-preserved Maya ports in all Central America. This amazing city boasts high walls, massive pyramids, several temples, and its own biological preserve. Though the natural splendor of the Riviera Maya is apparent to anyone who visits the area, the rich cultural heritage is too often overlooked by travelers looking for a resort-centered getaway; therefore, especially if you come with a family, make it a point to educate yourselves a little about the amazing ancient cultures, whose former backyards you now lounge in.

Duende Tours is a tour operator with a special focus on adventure travel. See Duende Adventure Tours to find out more or go to Riviera Maya community.

Tags: Adventure Holiday

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