Mayan Riviera

"Riviera Maya" is a tourism district following the highway 307 of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It historically started at Playa del Carmen and ended at Tulum, though the towns of Puerto Morelos to the north of Playa del Carmen and Felipe Carrillo Puerto inland are both currently being promoted as part of the Riviera Maya tourist corridor. The Riviera Maya was originally called the Cancun - Tulum corridor, but in 1999 it was renamed as the Riviera Maya with the aid of the town's mayor Lic. Miguel Ramón Martín Azueta.

It is famous for its all-inclusive resorts and smaller boutique hotels along the highway 307 and on or near the beaches. Luxury travel entities have been instrumental in increasing luxury villa rentals and yacht charters in the area.

Geography The terrain is flat, covered by low tropical jungle, and its coasts alongside the Caribbean provide many kilometers of powdery white sand beaches, inlets, bays, and mangrove swamps. As in all of the Yucatán Peninsula, there are no important above-ground rivers with the exception of the Rio Hondo, a navigable river on the border with Guatemala. The most important lagoons are Coba, North of Tulum, Bacalar to the Northeast of Chetumal, the state's capital, and Chichancanab, between Santa Rosa and Polyuc. Sweetwater cenotes are abundant in the region, and are the original water sources of the ancient population centers of the Maya culture.

WEATHER The average annual temperature of the Riviera Maya is 25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), with fluctuations of 5 to 7 degrees. In July, August and September, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the sky, which can change from overcast to clear in minutes. From November to April, there are usually blue skies and a cool northern wind. For a great month by month summary of Cancun's weather

MONEY 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 (where one can withdraw cash from some international credit cards) and many money exchange offices. The other large towns also have many money exchange offices.

WHAT TO WEAR 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 rarely 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.

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.

Tips and Taxes In cases where the gratuity is not included or provided for, 15% is the accepted amount. Most items sold in Mexico have a "value added tax" or sales tax of 10% that is additional to the posted price. In Spanish, it is called IVA. You will see it itemized separately on your receipt.

People and Langauge The original inhabitants of this part of Mexico were Mayan and although Spanish is the official language, most of the indigenous population still speaks their native Mayan tongue. In the past few years, people from all parts of the world have settled here, giving this region a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is fairly common to encounter English, German, Italian and French- speaking people, especially in hotels and in larger towns.

Location The over 100 kilometer stretch known as the Riviera Maya is in the middle of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It begins 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of the Cancun International Airport and ends at a quaint fishing village called Punta Allen, located on a small peninsula within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Between these two points, there are many communities, each different in style and size and with its own unique character, as well as a variety of beautiful bays and solitary beaches. The largest towns are Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. This magical region is also surrounded by many interesting places, such as Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Contoy, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Guatemala, Cuba and Belize. There are numerous travel agencies and tour operators throughout the Riviera Maya which offer different tours and travel facilities.

Exchanging Currency: Most of Playa del Carmen's banks with ATM machines are found downtown on Avenida 5. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Safety in Playa del Carmen: Due to the construction going on in Playa del Carmen, there have been a small number of incidents involving robberies, especially on remote parts of the beach. Take care in these areas, especially after daylight hours.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

How to get to cozumel: The Caribbean Sea separates Cozumel from continental Mexico. It is an 18-kilometre distance that has to be cleaved on high seas aboard the commodity of the ferries or shuttles weighing anchor at Playa del Carmen, in Cancun, to get to this magic and amazing Island.

Transportation

To move around in Cancun you can either rent a car, catch a cab or ride the bus. You can find most of the international renowned car rental companies here. These companies offer their services at the airport, via internet and at some of the hotels too.
Taxicabs are clean and are always available at every hotel lobby and they don't use a taximeter, instead, pre-established fares according to the distances will be charged. You can easily consult these fares with your lobby concierge.
Likewise taxicabs, buses have a 24 hour service too. You can ride all along the hotel zone strip up to downtown where bus-stops are visibly marked along the way.
There are also Bus companies that offer short trips to nearby towns. Most of them have TV and Air Conditioned.

Immigration Requirements

In most cases, only a valid passport is required. In some European, Asian, African and Southamerican countries a visa is mandatory. Please consult your nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Mail office: The mail office is located in downtown Cancun, as well as internationally renowned courier and parcel companies. Some hotels have a mail service too. Please contact your concierge for this topic.

Entry requirements: Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico. Either a current passport, birth certificate or voter's registration will suffice (for citizens not arriving from USA and Canada please check with your local consulate or embassy). Minors traveling alone or with one parent need notarized consent from their parent(s) indicating that the parent(s) who have legal custody knowingly approve of the child's visit to Mexico. Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card that must be turned in upon departure at the airport. At that time, a departure tax is charged and payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos.

Measurements: Speed limits are posted in kilometers. Dive operators generally use both feet/psi and meters/bars when communicating dive data.

Communications:

Telephones: The area code for Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya is 984. All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers begin with 8. If a number is written (984) 873-1234, when in Riviera Maya you must dial 873-1234. International code while calling from the US dial 011 + 52 . While calling home from Mexico dial 001 before the area code and US phone number.

Internet Access: There are plenty of coffee internets in town. All the large hotels offer internet service.

Newspapers: Most hotel gift shops and newsstands carry English-language magazines, and Mexican newspapers in English.

Post Office: The main post office is located in Playa del Carmen on Juarez between 20th and 15th. Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5pm and Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm

Banking: Most Banks are located on Avenida Juarez in Playa del Carmen. Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Many now have Automatic Teller Machines for 24-hour cash withdrawals in Mexican pesos. Sometimes ATMs are out of service, so plan ahead. American dollars and travelers checks are accepted in many places. PIN accepted cards at bank machines: Cirrus and Plus systems Credit card and bank card cash-advance service is available inside the banks. ATM Machines may be found on the outside of the banks, the cash will come out in Mexican pesos based on the bank exchange rate at the day of the transaction.

Hyperbaric medical center: Playa del Carmen and Cozumel have Hyberbaric Chamber for your safety.

Families: If you are traveling with children, you will be pleased to know that all the All inclusive resorts have playgrounds, miniature golf courses and mini theaters with special kids-only entertainment programs. All the tours welcome children while accompanied by their parents.

Attractions: Mayan Archaelogical sites: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba are the most visitated Archaelogical Sites visited in the Riviera Maya.

Eco-Theme parks: Lush jungle, underground rivers that lead to the ocean and the flora and fauna of the region. Xtreme action: sky diving, kite surf

*Wide range of tours and activities are available in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya

Golf: an 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course. This course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle where it awaits any golfer to come and tame it. Driving range and putting green. Located in Playcar, Puerto Aventuras, Cozumel.

Watersports, Cavern and Ocean scuba diving and snorkeling.

Time: Central standard time, Day-light saving time is observed during summer months.


Emergency phones in Playa del Carmen:

Firemen: 984 879 36 70
Police: 984 873 02 91
Cruz Roja: 984 873 12 33


More informatión:

Ana Laura de la Garza
Nextel: (998) 112-72-60
Cel: (984) 105-79-68

ID: 62*13*30712