Escapade Travel - Mayan Riviera Information

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Tulum Information

Riviera Maya, Tulum Coast

Bursting with scenic and natural wonders, the Riviera Maya is taking shape as Mexico's most unique vacation area. The pace is relaxed and perfect for the escapist looking for a bit of adventure. This region is made up of small independent communities providing infinite possibilities for exploration and enjoyment. The second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Reef, runs along the coastline and a jungle surrounds the towns and beaches. A unique and complex underground river system flows beneath the surface and surprises visitors with magical caverns, caves, and cenotes (caverns that open to the sky). There are also hundreds of archaeological sites, remnants of the incredible and timeless Mayan civilization, and a spectacular and plentiful marine life.

What to Do

Playa del Carmen is the largest town in the Riviera Maya. While it still has the atmosphere of a small fishing village, there are also elegant hotels, restaurants, and open-air shops along the waterfront. In Puerto Aventuras, the first resort town built in the Riviera Maya, visit the shipwreck museum which houses interesting colonial artifacts that have been found along the area's reefs. In Xcaret (ish-karet), you can swim with the dolphins and snorkel through an underground river. Xel-Ha is a wonderful eco-park in which to spend time swimming, snorkeling, or discovering one of the world's largest natural aquariums. The ancient Mayan city of Tulum, built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, is one of the prettiest archaeological sites in Mexico.

Dining and Entertainment

After a day of leisure or full of adventure, fresh lobster and fine wine, homemade pasta, or a taco at a small Mexican restaurant will satisfy every palate. Coffee in the Riviera Maya, be it espresso or regular, is the very best in Mexico and easy to find. Nightlife in Playa del Carmen can be either quiet or exciting, depending on one's tastes. Enjoy all kinds of music from reggae, rock, and jazz to salsa and African drums.

Average Temperature

Month
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December

High/Low
92/75
93/72
91/72
85/69

Time Zone

The Mayan Sun Coast is on Central Standard Time

Currency

The peso is the Mexican form of currency. It is suggested that you exchange small amounts of U.S. dollars for pesos. Major credit cards are also widely accepted. A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert U. S. dollars to pesos. Bartering when shopping outside of the resort areas is practiced. U.S. dollars are accepted in the resort areas but keep in mind any change that is due back will be in pesos. One recommendation is to use a credit card which will present the daily currency exchange on your next billing statement.

Language

Spanish is the official language. English is also widely spoken in the hotel areas.

Proof of Citizenship

Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and our International Destinations are a valid passport, OR a certified , state issued birth certificate with raised seal AND a valid government photo ID, a naturalization/citizenship certificate, Armed Forces' ID or discharge papers stating place of birth. It is the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).

Getting Around

Taxi service is readily available at taxi stands, airports and hotels. The area is also serviced by local buses that run throughout the area. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Available Tours

Chichen Itza tour
Tulum and Xel-ha snorkeling tour
Underground River Adventure
Coba Aktunchen Park
Isla Mujeres
Xcaret
Jungle Tours
Bull Fights
Snorkeling Adventure

Business Hours
Most stores are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in the hotel zone. Stores downtown may close between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the traditional "siesta" and on Sundays.

Medical Facilities
Mexico has a nationalized healthcare system and almost every town and city has either a national hospital or medical clinic. Some hotels have a 24-hour doctor on call. No vaccinations are needed to enter Mexico from the U.S. or Canada.

Handicapped Facilities
The majority of five-star and Gran Turismo hotels are wheelchair accessible and have special rooms designated for handicapped guests.

Telephones
From North America to Cancun: dial 011 (international access code) + 52 (Mexico's country code) + 98 (area code for Cancun) + the local number. From Cancun to North America: dial 00 + 1 + area code + local number.