There are also the regional henequen haciendas, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels. And then there are the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea that wash onto white-sand beaches, where you’ll find world-class hotels. Here you can enjoy the white-sand beach resorts and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, where you can scuba dive along the world’s second largest coral reef. You can also swim in fresh water pools in submerged caverns, known as cenotes.

Located in the state of Quintana Roo is Cancun, a bustling tourist destination with luxurious hotels and nonstop nightlife. Also in Quintana Roo is the Mayan Riviera, where you’ll find nature parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha and biosphere reserve Sian Ka’an. Finally, the state offers the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, located several kilometers away from the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef in the world and an underwater paradise for scuba diving.

The Mayan Riviera, a natural paradise that merges with the waters of the Caribbean Sea, is a coastal strip that stretches more than 75 mi (120 km) from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, in the state of Quintana Roo. The climate in this Yucatan Peninsula region is subtropical with an average temperature of 77°F. (25°C).

Considered one of the fastest growing tourist destinations over the last decade, here you can relax or enjoy recreational activities at luxurious resorts nestled in the jungle. The larger resorts offer exclusive golf courses, spas and white-sand beaches, where you can bask in the sun and indulge in all kinds of water sports. You can scuba dive off the coast at a depth of more than 10 meters (33 feet) as you take in the spectacular sights of the Great Meso-American Barrier Reef. You can also discover ancient Mayan cities such as Coba and Tulum; the latter is located right on the beach. What’s more, you can visit incredible ecological reserves such as Sian Ka'an, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. Located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, 68 km (42 mi) south of Cancun, it has sunny days throughout most of the year.  Come nightfall, we recommend that you take a stroll along Quinta Avenida, one of Playa del Carmen’s most happening areas. The avenue is lined with restaurants, bars, cosmopolitan nightclubs and a shopping mall with exclusive boutiques, clothing stores and jewelry shops.

Just a short Ferry ride away from playa Del Carmen is Cozumel, a Caribbean island of approximately  260 miles2  (647 km2 ).  The island’s only town is San Miguel de Cozumel, which has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and Mexico’s most important international cruise dock. Tourists flock to Cozumel looking for the peace, quiet and comfort that the island’s hotel zone offers. During your stay, you can also enjoy excellent golf courses, spas, and restaurants serving up a wide array of regional fish and seafood dishes. And of course there’s the thriving nightlife in the bars, where one can drink national and exotic beverages with new friends under a moonlit sky.

ESSENTIAL FACTS:
LANGUAGE: Spanish and indigenous languages; English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, but you will have a better time if you learn some Spanish.
CAPITAL CITY: Mexico City in the state of Hidalgo.  The capital of Quintana Roo is the city of Chetumal.
CURRENCY: The official currency of Mexico is the peso, but many places along the Riviera Maya accept dollars. Credit cards are often not accepted in small establishments so it is wise to travel with cash or travelers checks. In Playa del Carmen there are banks, automatic tellers  and many money exchange offices.
RELIGIONS: Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3%, unspecified 16.9% (2000 census)
POLITICAL STATUS: A mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
LITERACY RATES: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91% (2004 est.)
ELECTRICITY: The standard current in the hotels in Mexico is 110 volts AC. European travelers should bring a converter or check their electric devices in advance.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: The international country code is 52.  Mayan Riviera area code is 98, and local numbers have 6 digits now rather than 5.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  U.S. , Canadian, U.K. and passport holders of other European Union countries nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport. Other nationalities should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
DEPARTURE TAX: When you leave Mexico there is a "Departure Tax " of about $18.00 US per person but this tax is usually included in your airline ticket and you don't need to pay it again.       

WHAT TO BRING: Dress in Cancun and the hotels is very casual with the accent on comfort. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes. The activities at the hotels and the area dictate sporting clothes. In the evenings you may want to dress up, but not too much. At some of the best spots and clubs you will feel more comfortable dressing up. However, black tie or any tie for that matter is not required.  The climate changes are minimal in the Riviera Maya, so visitors should always pack clothes for swimming and warm weather; light cotton garments and airy sandals are perfect. Rubber soled shoes are recommended for tours to archaeological sites. Boots, long sleeve light cotton shirts and Long trousers are best for those interested in jungle treks. A light jacket, shawl or sweater is advisable for the evenings of November, December and January.