Insider Travel Tips for Mexico: Beyond Cancun

The last time I was in Mexico, so was everyone else - or so it
seemed. But it is possible to travel to Mexico and enjoy a white
sandy beach and some peace and quiet at the same time. All you
need to know is where (and, in some cases, when) to go.

When to Go

November to April is widely regarded as the best time to visit.
The summer months can get pretty hot. September and October is
the peak of hurricane season, which actually stretches from
November to June.

Keep in mind that the month of March tends to be very busy on
the Mexico beaches with high school and college students on
Spring Break. If it's a quiet vacation you want, you will also
want to avoid the time around Christmas and Easter, as well as
July and August.

Where to Go

It's true: there's a lot more to Mexico - and the Yucatan
peninsula - than the city of Cancun.

Here are five favorite destinations that offer memorable Mexico
vacations. Each of these spots can be reached by flying into
Cancun. So if you'd like to get a taste of the big city resort
and then set out on the less-traveled path, you'll have the best
of both worlds.

1. Isla Mujeres. Just 8 miles across the bay from Cancun, Isla
Mujeres is a peaceful fishing village with restaurants, shops,
and small, charming hotels. In fact, the whole island is cozy:
The island itself is less than one mile wide and about five
miles long. Downtown Isla Mujeres stretches only about six
blocks. The island's signature turquoise waters and white sandy
beaches make for great snorkeling and scuba diving. You can rent
kayaks, snorkeling equipment and other gear right on the beach.
Other activities to enjoy during your stay at Isla Mujeres
include fishing, sailing, and swimming with the dolphins.

2. Riviera Maya stretches down the peninsula from Cancun to
Tulum. Here, you will find white sandy beaches and water sports
of all kinds, including scuba diving along the Great Maya coral
reef, the second largest barrier reef system on the globe.
Divers, and snorkelers may be rewarded with the sight of water
life ranging from sea anemones, sponges and sea cucumbers to
starfish and sea urchins, as well as underwater caverns. Sport
fishing is a big business in Riviera Maya, as well. Other
activities include golfing, spa going, and eco-touring at the
various ecological reserves in the region. Two highlights: the
Xcaret EcoPark and the Sian Ka'an bioshphere.

3. Playa del Carmen. About 40 minutes by car down the coast from
Cancun, Playa del Carmen is growing into a bustling resort along
Riviera Maya. If you like to shop, you'll love Playa del Carmen.
Boutiques in the town offer everything from cutting-edge
European fashions to crafts from local artisans. During your
stay, don't miss Quinto Avenida (Fifth Avenue). It's the heart
of Playa. There are no cars, you can stroll the Avenue and be
entertained by street performers, including artists and
musicians. Playa del Carmen also features premiere dining, as
the majority of the Riviera Maya's restaurants are here, and
quite a few of them are on Fifth Avenue itself. The bars and
nightclubs are hopping on into the evening, so bring your
dancing shoes.

4. Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha is an archeological site and eco-park, located
between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. This destination offers
adventures for all ages and mesmerizing ecological sights, as
well as water sports, such as diving and snorkeling. You can
swim with the dolphins here, as well. Xel-Ha is particularly
friendly for families and is bound to be an education in both
Mayan history and ecology for the entire family.

5. Tulum. Drive a bit further south down the Mayan coast and
you'll find the small town of Tulum. Tulum is perhaps best known
for its Mayan ruins, high on the limestone cliffs. These cliffs
offer scenery you'll not soon forget of the Caribbean alongside
a picture-perfect coastline. Tulum is the starting place for
eco-tourism and adventure travel, so make sure to look into
nearby day trips and local attractions.

For an ideal and well-rounded vacation, try a few days exploring
the gradeur of Riviera Maya, then take some time to shop and
play in the bustling Playa Del Carmen and another day or two
visiting the Mayan ruins - and taking in the sites - of Tulum.

The word is out about these magnificent resorts, so you won't be
able to avoid the crowds completely, but by striking out and
having fun off the beaten path, you'll find a good balance, and
learn a lot about ecology and ancient Mayan culture.



About the author:
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape at http://www.momscape.com .
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