JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar Área local

Discover the ancient magic of the Tulum ruins, the remnants of a 13th-century Mayan coastal city perched on a cliff overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Visitors can explore the archeologic site, learn about Mayan history, and take in the beauty of the surrounding beaches and turquoise waters.

Found throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, including the Riviera Maya, cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Surrounded by lush jungle or hidden within cave systems, these otherworldly formations were sacred to the ancient Mayans. Popular cenotes like Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, and Ik Kil are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and diving, inviting visitors to explore their enchanting underwater beauty.

Dive into adventure at Xcaret, an adventure park where the sparkling waters of the Riviera Maya come to life. Swim in underground rivers and cenotes, plunge down thrilling waterslides, and snorkel and scuba dive to exploire vibrant coral reefs. XCaret also offers nature trails that weave through the jungle, captivating cultural performances, and an eco-park and butterfly pavillion where visitors can learn about conservation efforts.

Xel-Há is an eco-archeological park on the Riviera Maya, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant marine life. The park is built around a series of crystal-clear lagoons, rivers, and cenotes, and visitors can explore both above and below the water.

Famous for its sea turtle population—Akumal actually means "place of turtles" in Mayan—this charming beach town is one of the best spots on the Riviera Maya to swim with these gentle creatures. Visitors can also explore coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, relax on pristine beaches, and kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the tranquil bays.

Hop a ferry to Cozumel, located 12 miles off the coast of Playa del Carmen. This laid-back island has something for everyone, including Mayan ruins, world-class coral reefs for diving and snorkeling, jungle ecotourism adventures, and the lively city of San Miguel.

Spanning over 1.3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico. The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is home to an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs, as well jaguars, pumas, sea turtles, and over 300 species of birds.

About 125 miles inland from Cancún, Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This archeological site—also a UNESCO World Heritage Site—features an 80-foot-tall pyramid, a ceremonial sinkhole, an astronomical observatory and the Great Ball Court where ancient Mayans played a ritualistic game embued had both cultural and spiritual meaning.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has developed into a lively seaside city. Shop, sip and snack your way along Quinta Avenida—the other Fifth Avenue—a bustling pedestrianized street that runs parallel to the city's soft white-sand beach.

For visitors with the time to explore further afield, Isla Holbox is an idyllic island destination. Located off the northern coast of the Yucatán peninsula, Isla Holbox is known for its pristine beaches, car-free streets, and birdwatching. In the summer months, visitors can also swim with whale sharks that have migrated to the region for its nutrient-rich waters.

Known for its tranquil beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Isla Mujeres is a relaxed escape located just off the coast of Cancún in Mexico’s Caribbean Sea. Visitors can relax in the soft sand of Playa Norte, explore the MUSA Underwater Museum, and and snorkel or scuba nearby coral reefs. The island's vibrant narrow streets—just wide enough for a golf cart—are lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and beachside restaurants serving up authentic Mexican cuisine.