About Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo state is situated in the southeast of Mexico and is part of the Yucatan Peninsula. This part, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, is famous for its underground rivers, the longest in the world, and a huge number of cenotes in its territory.
Cancun
One of the most important cities in Quintana Roo is Cancun. Created more than 50 years ago to be a tourist destination, it's currently one of the most important in the country. There are many reasons why Cancun is popular: its beaches of white sand and turquoise sea; the archaeological sites, its variety of hotels, restaurants and boutiques, as well as a vibrant nightlife.
In Cancun you have excellent weather, with an average temperature of 80° F, with 240 sunny days a year. The city is divided into two main areas: downtown, where most of its inhabitants live, and the famous Hotel Zone. This is an island 15.5 miles long, which connects to the mainland via two natural bridges. The tourist area is concentrated here with the best hotels, restaurants and modern shopping malls.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya covers more than 87 miles of territory on the Mexican Caribbean coast, at the eastern of the Yucatan Peninsula. In addition to its paradisiacal beaches and picturesque villages, such as Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, there is also an extensive network of underground rivers, lagoons and cenotes. Its mangrove and jungle landscapes make it the ideal place to experience nature.
The Riviera Maya comprises Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum, ending at Carrillo Puerto.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, or simply Playa, is the most prominently visited place in the Riviera Maya, having acquired international renown in only 10 years.
Beginning as a fishing village, Playa del Carmen has become a cosmopolitan destination. Here, more and more tourists arrive from all over the world, to relax on its beaches and enjoy the varied entertainment of its nightlife.
Southern Quintana Roo
Chetumal
Chetumal is the capital city of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Although it is a small-size city, Chetumal has a charming atmosphere featuring some museums, a Boardwalk to walk by at sunset while enjoying the bay view, and several archaeological sites and natural attractions nearby. Many visitors also cross to Belize’s free zone to visit the shops and casinos.
Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar Lagoon is less than 25 mi (40 km) from Chetumal. It is also known as the 7 Colors Lagoon due to the majestic blue and green tones as a result of the mixture of fresh and saltwater, as is connected to the Chetumal Bay. There are some cenotes along the lagoon, plus many places to practice water sports such as kayak or snorkel, besides taking fantastic photographs.
Bacalar Fort
San Felipe Fort, better known as Bacalar Fort, was built in 1727 as a defense from the pirate attacks that used to storm the region for over a century. This Colonial building houses the Pirates Museum and must be in your places to visit while in Bacalar, which is close to Chetumal.
Mahaual
Mahahual is a piece of paradise located a couple of hours from Chetumal. This fishermen’s village is the new star of cruise ship destinations due to its astounding beauty and pristine beaches, where tourists can rest and eat deliciously.
Banco Chinchorro
Banco Chinchorro is one of the top jewels in the Mexican Caribbean. It is a natural reserve in front of the Chetumal coastline and is home to many coral reefs of astounding beauty where thousands of marine specimens live. There are several sunken ships in the area, and it is without a dodubt one of the dream destinations for scuba diving.
Kohunlich
About 44 mi (70 mi) away from Chetumal, there is one of the most investigated archaeological sites in the south Quintana Roo area: Kohunlich. The Masks Temple is the most famous structure due to the enormous stucco faces almost 6.5 ft (2 m) tall. Other places to visit are the Steles Plaza and the Ya’axná Group, which is the earliest remains at Kohunlich.
Dzibanché
Dzibanché is considered the most relevant Maya remains on the Southside of Quintana Roo. It is located about a one-hour drive from Chetumal and features the Lintels Temple with several details that remind to Teotihuacan in Central Mexico.
Points of interest
Xcaret Park
The eco-archaeological park Xcaret is an unforgettable visit. Here you can live the experience of swimming in underground rivers and meeting the whole culture of Mexico in one place.
Xplor Park
Neighboring Xcaret, Xplor Park offers you adventures on the highest zip-lines in the destination, amphibious vehicles in the middle of the jungle, caves, and underground rivers to swim or raft. At its nocturnal version, Xplor Fuego, you can have fun on the only nighttime zip-lines, and swim in "lava" rivers.
Xenses Park
Next to Xcaret, this is the only half-day park where you can find activities designed for your senses. The Xensatorium, salt and mud rivers, Bird Flight, the Slip slide, and an original village, are some of the activities that you can experience, surrounded by fantastic scenarios.
Xel-Há Park
Just 68 miles (90 km) from Cancun you’ll find Xel-Há. A Park that is all nature, here you can enjoy a snorkeling inlet, rope games and zip-lines over the water, and cycling through the jungle.
Xenotes Tour
If you want to get to know the cenotes, we recommend Xenotes. It's an all-inclusive tour that takes you to four different kinds of cenotes. At each one there is a different activity: swimming, rappelling, kayaking and zip-lining.
Tulum
This charming village stands out for its relaxed bohemian atmosphere and its uncrowded beaches. But mainly for its archaeological site, an imposing walled city, the only one built on the edge of the sea.
Parks and Tours
Enjoy the beauty that Quintana Roo, Mexico has for you and fill your vacation with unforgettable experiences!