Mexican Caribbean, paradise found
Luis LOPEZ GALAN
There is a word that represents itself the traveler soul of hundreds of people around the world, a word that awakes our most adventurous feelings... that word is Caribbean. We all have dreamed of getting lost on a Caribbean beach with white sand and blue water in different shades to forget the real world with a view to paradise but... How to find it? Actually, it is not that hard, and today you are in luck: we are giving you the hints for you to enjoy it in one of the countries with the most personality of all those who bathes the Caribbean Sea. Have you ever thought about traveling to the Mexican Caribbean? Here are all clues to do it!
WHY TO CHOOSE THE CARIBBEAN IN MEXICO?
The Caribbean Sea, one of the largest seas in the world, bathes with its water countries desired by hundreds of travelers such as Cuba, Panama, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia ... or Mexico. While we have to admit our love for this country, something that is reflected in our coffee experiences, this time we can give more than one reason why we choose it again. Why Mexico? Because in addition to the sun and the beaches, this is a country rich in culture, with a world-renowned cuisine and with friendly and fun people. Enjoying the Caribbean in Mexico means starting the day sunbathing beside the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations, jump overboard traditional cenotes at midmorning, eat the best tacos in the vibrant Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen and finish the day at the clubs in Cancun. What more could you want?
The Mexican Caribbean is a benchmark of world tourism and it is formed by eight major destinations, some more and some less known by most, yet all with their charms and secrets. The best known of these is, probably, Cancun, a city that has become the icon of the area and the holiday symbol for fun and relaxation. It is followed by the Riviera Maya and its more than 120 kilometers of forest and sea, with the second largest coral reef in the world. The islands are very known, such as Cozumel, one of the jewels of the Caribbean Sea, or Isla Mujeres, smaller but equally or even more beautiful. For those who do not have enough with Cancun, the city of Playa del Carmen offers luxurious accommodations, nightlife and parks. Out of them, the archaeological cities of Coba and Tulum, with its Mayan sites, will delight lovers of history. Choosing the Caribbean in Mexico is undoubtedly a success.
The Caribbean Sea, one of the largest seas in the world, bathes with its water countries desired by hundreds of travelers such as Cuba, Panama, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia ... or Mexico. While we have to admit our love for this country, something that is reflected in our coffee experiences, this time we can give more than one reason why we choose it again. Why Mexico? Because in addition to the sun and the beaches, this is a country rich in culture, with a world-renowned cuisine and with friendly and fun people. Enjoying the Caribbean in Mexico means starting the day sunbathing beside the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations, jump overboard traditional cenotes at midmorning, eat the best tacos in the vibrant Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen and finish the day at the clubs in Cancun. What more could you want?
The Mexican Caribbean is a benchmark of world tourism and it is formed by eight major destinations, some more and some less known by most, yet all with their charms and secrets. The best known of these is, probably, Cancun, a city that has become the icon of the area and the holiday symbol for fun and relaxation. It is followed by the Riviera Maya and its more than 120 kilometers of forest and sea, with the second largest coral reef in the world. The islands are very known, such as Cozumel, one of the jewels of the Caribbean Sea, or Isla Mujeres, smaller but equally or even more beautiful. For those who do not have enough with Cancun, the city of Playa del Carmen offers luxurious accommodations, nightlife and parks. Out of them, the archaeological cities of Coba and Tulum, with its Mayan sites, will delight lovers of history. Choosing the Caribbean in Mexico is undoubtedly a success.
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THE BEST BEACHES
Despite how much we love lists, as demonstrated some time ago with the one dedicated to the most impressive statues in the world, it is difficult to make one of the best beaches of the Mexican Caribbean, since they all have that charm of paradise found, with its white sand and turquoise blue water. However, after deciding among them, we have dared to note those that no one should miss.
First and also to not miss the most famous and recognized places, we highlight the Playa Delfines in Cancun (Dolphins Beach), a place that offers an impressive image with its contrast of the brilliant sand next to the indescribable blue sea. Despite being located near the hotels area, the buildings are not built near the water, so the beach still retains its natural charm. The second one is located on Isla Mujeres (Women Island) and is called North Beach, a beach with calm waters and spacious sand areas. The curious name of this island comes from the conquests, as in ancient times this place was sacred to the Mayan goddess of the moon, love and fertility, Ixchel, who was entertained with offerings of female forms. When the Spanish saw this, they decided to give it its present name. We do not move away from the prehispanic cultures to talk about the third beach, Tulum, probably one of the most spectacular places in the world. While it is true that once in Tulum, it is better to continue going down the coast to reach the most secluded beaches, which are confused with the forest itself, the one next to the Mayan ruins offers also an absolutely unique experience. If you are looking for absolutely virgin beaches, the island of Holbox is your destiny. We can not choose one beach here: go to the island and you will know the reason. And to finish this list, Chemuyil beach in the middle of the Riviera Maya, offers everything you expect before even reaching the area: relax, sun and the Eden Garden at our feet. Your favorite is not on this list? Leave a comment below!
Despite how much we love lists, as demonstrated some time ago with the one dedicated to the most impressive statues in the world, it is difficult to make one of the best beaches of the Mexican Caribbean, since they all have that charm of paradise found, with its white sand and turquoise blue water. However, after deciding among them, we have dared to note those that no one should miss.
First and also to not miss the most famous and recognized places, we highlight the Playa Delfines in Cancun (Dolphins Beach), a place that offers an impressive image with its contrast of the brilliant sand next to the indescribable blue sea. Despite being located near the hotels area, the buildings are not built near the water, so the beach still retains its natural charm. The second one is located on Isla Mujeres (Women Island) and is called North Beach, a beach with calm waters and spacious sand areas. The curious name of this island comes from the conquests, as in ancient times this place was sacred to the Mayan goddess of the moon, love and fertility, Ixchel, who was entertained with offerings of female forms. When the Spanish saw this, they decided to give it its present name. We do not move away from the prehispanic cultures to talk about the third beach, Tulum, probably one of the most spectacular places in the world. While it is true that once in Tulum, it is better to continue going down the coast to reach the most secluded beaches, which are confused with the forest itself, the one next to the Mayan ruins offers also an absolutely unique experience. If you are looking for absolutely virgin beaches, the island of Holbox is your destiny. We can not choose one beach here: go to the island and you will know the reason. And to finish this list, Chemuyil beach in the middle of the Riviera Maya, offers everything you expect before even reaching the area: relax, sun and the Eden Garden at our feet. Your favorite is not on this list? Leave a comment below!
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
The Mayan civilization was one of the most important pre-Hispanic cultures of America for over 3000 years and the one that left more beauty to future generations. It is known that the Mayans inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula, by the Caribbean Sea, in the eastern third of Mesoamerica and that during their most productive years they crreated the cities with the largest populations and the most culturally advanced in the world at that time. Their culture is an essential part of the history of Mexico and one that attracts visitors with its temples, its astronomical and mathematical systems or its artistic talents.
In the Yucatan peninsula, the current center of the attractions that left the Mayan culture, the Chichen Itza concentrates the largest number of visitors. Despite being somewhat apart from the main points of the Riviera Maya, there are tours and excursions that depart daily from there to visit this worldwide known pyramide. Back to the Riviera Maya, the spectacular archaeological city of Tulum leaves the visitor speechless. The city was built to serve as a fortress and peaked at the end of the classical period (around 1000 AD). The place has one temple that has became a symbol of this culture, the so-called "The Castle", located on the edge of a cliff with unbelievable views to the sea. To avoid crowds, the Tourist Office of Mexico recommends to visit the archaeological site on Tuesday mornings.
Another important Mayan city in the area was Coba, with the highest pyramid of Mexican ancient world, with more than 40 meters. Its name means water stirred by the wind and it is located half an hour away from Tulum.
The Mayan civilization was one of the most important pre-Hispanic cultures of America for over 3000 years and the one that left more beauty to future generations. It is known that the Mayans inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula, by the Caribbean Sea, in the eastern third of Mesoamerica and that during their most productive years they crreated the cities with the largest populations and the most culturally advanced in the world at that time. Their culture is an essential part of the history of Mexico and one that attracts visitors with its temples, its astronomical and mathematical systems or its artistic talents.
In the Yucatan peninsula, the current center of the attractions that left the Mayan culture, the Chichen Itza concentrates the largest number of visitors. Despite being somewhat apart from the main points of the Riviera Maya, there are tours and excursions that depart daily from there to visit this worldwide known pyramide. Back to the Riviera Maya, the spectacular archaeological city of Tulum leaves the visitor speechless. The city was built to serve as a fortress and peaked at the end of the classical period (around 1000 AD). The place has one temple that has became a symbol of this culture, the so-called "The Castle", located on the edge of a cliff with unbelievable views to the sea. To avoid crowds, the Tourist Office of Mexico recommends to visit the archaeological site on Tuesday mornings.
Another important Mayan city in the area was Coba, with the highest pyramid of Mexican ancient world, with more than 40 meters. Its name means water stirred by the wind and it is located half an hour away from Tulum.
LEISURE, FUN AND ADVENTURE
But the Mexican Caribbean still has more to offer: adventure for the most intrepid ones, with diving, snorkeling and swimming in the cenotes of Xcaret and Xel-Ha parks; rich cuisine in the main streets of Playa del Carmen and Cancun or at any small taco place you find at hand; shopping malls and avenues of shops and stores ... do not hesitate, everything is waiting for you in the Mexican Caribbean!
But the Mexican Caribbean still has more to offer: adventure for the most intrepid ones, with diving, snorkeling and swimming in the cenotes of Xcaret and Xel-Ha parks; rich cuisine in the main streets of Playa del Carmen and Cancun or at any small taco place you find at hand; shopping malls and avenues of shops and stores ... do not hesitate, everything is waiting for you in the Mexican Caribbean!
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