Quintana Roo, Mexico

Quintana Roo Mexico (19, 382 square mi) bordering Belize to the south, is east of the state of Campeche and northeast of Yucatan. With a shoreline extending over 620 miles, it offers the delights of a turquoise ocean and infinite secluded beaches dotted with palm trees, beneath a powder blue sky.  The soft tropical breeze maintains the temperature at a comfortable 77° F year-round. The northern coast with Cancun Mexico and the Riviera Maya is the most developed part of the Mexican Caribbean.  Cancun’s hotel zone is constructed above an island.  Many luxury hotels, various modern shopping centers, exquisite restaurants, marinas, impressive golf courses, travel agencies providing tours to the most interesting sites within the Mayan World, make for an ultimately rewarding stay.  Cruises to Isla Mujeres depart from the Embarcadero located on Kukulcan Boulevard or from Puerto Juarez, north of Cancun.  This tiny island outlined in the horizon owes its name to the clay idols of women found there by the conquerors.  With its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere, it is a haven for travelers in search of peace and tranquility.   South of Cancun Mexico, lies the Riviera Maya: more than 60 miles of beaches, vacation centers, all-inclusive luxury hotels and notable theme parks with conservation programs.

Originally a fishing village, Playa del Carmen is the heart of the Riviera Maya. Today it is a popular cosmopolitan destination that attracts young people from around the world and has options for all tastes and budgets.  Ferries to the island of Cozumel, Mexico’s largest island and a world famous diving Mecca, depart from its dock. The Riviera Maya invites you to discover its natural and cultural wonders.  You can dive in its coral reefs or caverns, or swim in its numerous underground sinkholes also called cenotes.  Here in the Yucatan Peninsula, where there are no rivers or lakes, fresh water flows beneath the ground.  When part of the cave ceiling collapses, a portion of the underground rivers (cenotes) is revealed.  These refreshing pools of crystalline water are true oases in the middle of the jungle populated by unique flora and fauna.  You can enjoy a trip to the archaeological zones of Tulum or Coba.  Also worthwhile is a visit to the typical Mayan villages where people live of the production of their handicrafts. Ecotourism is also an excellent option where you can discover little-known places within the region.  In order to protect the area’s biological wealth, the government has established wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.  Among these is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Yum Balam reserve with Holbox Island, the National Marine Park, Banco Chin-chorro and Contoy Island, a natural bird refuge.

Inland, the Maya Province with its historic towns is reminiscent of the War of the Castes between the Maya and the Spaniards, during the second half of the 19th century, which resulted in determining the state of Quintana Roo Mexico. The southern portion of the state is in full development though it still receives few visitors.  Chetumal is the state capital.  Its Museum of Maya Culture will introduce you to the grandiose history of people that still live according to their ancient traditions.  Nearby is Bacalar Lagoon, also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors, an Eden if you are in search of calm and relaxation.   The town of Bacalar with its historic fort dating back to the 17th century was erected to guard against pirate attacks.  The region is also rich in archeological sites like Kohunlich and Dzibanche.  The southern coast or Costa Maya is made up of deserted ivory-sand beaches, vast areas of virgin jungle, coastal fishing villages, stunningly beautiful landscapes and offers diving trips to the coral reefs of Banco Chinchorro. Fishing is a principal activity within the state reflected in the delicate dishes characteristic of the region:  grouper, mojarra, red snapper and when it is open season, lobster and conch that are prepared in a wide variety of scrumptious ways throughout this marine paradise, usually accompanied by sauces made with chili peppers.

Inland, the Maya Province with its historic towns is reminiscent of the War of the Castes between the Maya and the Spaniards, during the second half of the 19th century, which resulted in determining the state of Quintana Roo. The southern portion of the state is in full development though it still receives few visitors.  Chetumal is the state capital.  Its Museum of Maya Culture will introduce you to the grandiose history of people that still live according to their ancient traditions.  Nearby is Bacalar Lagoon, also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors, an Eden if you are in search of calm and relaxation.   The town of Bacalar with its historic fort dating back to the 17th century was erected to guard against pirate attacks.  The region is also rich in archeological sites like Kohunlich and Dzibanche.  The southern coast or Costa Maya is made up of deserted ivory-sand beaches, vast areas of virgin jungle, coastal fishing villages, stunningly beautiful landscapes and offers diving trips to the coral reefs of Banco Chinchorro. Fishing is a principal activity within the state reflected in the delicate dishes characteristic of the region:  grouper, mojarra, red snapper and when it is open season, lobster and conch that are prepared in a wide variety of scrumptious ways throughout this marine paradise, usually accompanied by sauces made with chili peppers.

Quintana Roo Mexico also has a plentitude of tropical fruits that may be sampled in the typical aguas frescas, or fresh fruit beverages, or in juicy slices any time of the day. It was no accident that the ancient Maya settled here 3,500 years ago.  Generous in all aspects, the state of Quintana Roo intends to continue sharing all its wonders.  Neverthe-less, today it is important to adopt an ecological conscience both in local inhabitants and visitors in order to preserve the region’s wealth for the enjoyment of future generations.