On the eastern side of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is the area known as the Mayan Riviera. Cancun is here, and just south is trendy Playa del Carmen, with its famed Fifth Avenue shopping promenade. Take the ferry to Cozumel, for old world Mexican charm and access to the Palancar Reef, the second largest reef system in the world.
Deep-sea fishing is spectacular in these turquoise waters and water sports include windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, snorkeling, sailing, and water-skiing. Visit Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle at Coba or overlooking the Caribbean at Tulum, and explore the eco-theme parks at Xel-Ha and Xcaret. Plan a day trip to Chichen Itza, a sacred site of the ancient Mayans.