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Mexico's Riviera Maya is situated on the Caribbean side of the Yucatan Peninsula,
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just south of Cancun.
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Stretching down the coast for over 60 miles,
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the Riviera Maya takes in fabulous beaches,
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ancient Mayan ruins and the spectacular Island of Cozumel.
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The Riviera Maya starts at Puerto Morelos.
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Just a half hour drive from Cancun,
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this laid-back fishing town feels a million miles away
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from the bright lights of Yucatan's party capital.
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Not far from town is the Crococun Zoo,
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a great place to say 'hola' to the regions wildlife.
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All the way down the coastline there are family-friendly
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beaches to explore,
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such as Akamal Beach and Half Moon Bay.
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When it's time climb out of the hammock,
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head to Riviera Maya's largest town.
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Filled with boutique hotels, fine restaurants and designer stores,
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Playa del Carmen has a distinctly European feel.
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The town works hard to preserve it's small town, artistic atmosphere,
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and is a great base from which to explore the Riviera's other treasures.
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From Playa del Carmen, hop on a ferry to the
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Island of Cozumel.
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Mexico's largest Caribbean Island, Cozumel is filled with dense jungles,
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sleepy villages and perfect beaches.
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It's the kind of place where people come for the day,
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and end up staying for a month.
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Wander around the island's main town,
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San Miguel and watch the boats slipping in and out of the harbor.
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Learn about village life in the time before alarm clocks.
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Visit ancient cenotes, the freshwater pools which quenched the thirsts
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and sustained the spirits of the ancient Mayan.
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Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef,
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the world's second largest reef.
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Head down to Palancar and Chankanaab on the island's sheltered western side,
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where calmer waters make exploring the reef a breeze, even for beginners.
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For wilder waters, head to the Punta Sur and
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Punta Celerain
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on the islands southeastern tip.
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Explore the rich mangrove and lagoon habitats,
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but don't stray off the paths! Climb to the top of the lighthouse,
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then visit the navigation museum which preserves the islands maritime history.
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At the end of a long island day,
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head to the nearest beach-side cantina and just soak up the views with a cold cerveza.
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The Mayan's appreciated fine views too.
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Back on the mainland, the ancient city of Tulum
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occupies some of the nicest real estate in all of Mexico.
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Sitting high on coastal cliffs, these 13th century ruins were one of Mexico's first resorts,
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a place where Mayan royalty could take the time to great the sun each day.
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Bienvenido to the Riviera Maya, a place where life's most important rituals, go on, forever.