Surrounded by thick jungle, the renowned ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Coba can be reached in around 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Playa del Carmen. Located between two lakes, the city – founded in around 100AD - is home to several large temple pyramids – including the main one, Nohoch Mul, which stands at 138-feet tall! Also in the region, Tulum is an ancient Mayan port that combines fascinating history with pristine beaches. The main building is a large stone castle perched on a cliff, while the Parque Nacional Tulum is home to mangroves and cenotes.
The Great Mayan Reef
One of the great global dive spots, the Great Mayan Reef is the planet’s second largest barrier reef, stretching 450 miles from Cancun to Honduras. Thanks to the diversity in its marine life – which includes manta ray, dolphin and whale shark - the reef’s warm, crystalline waters boast sensational sites for diving and snorkelling.
Cenotes are striking natural sinkholes filled with crystal-blue water and illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, dotted along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Swim, snorkel or dive in these enchanting limestone caves, once considered as sacred gateways to the underworld by the ancient Mayans. A sustainable tourism project, Parque Dos Ojos is one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world with some 30 cenotes spreading across 83km!
Featuring more than 160-kilometres of coastline, the Riviera Maya boasts simply spectacular stretches of pristine, white sandy beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Soak up the glorious Mexican sunshine or head into the wonderfully warm waves.