The Riviera Maya is an incredible mix of ancient Mayan ruins, modern seaside resorts and charming little beach towns with a fun mix of local Mexicans and foreigners. The Mayan ruins such as Tulum are a must-see, but there are also some great nature park villages like Xel-Ha and Xcaret. To dig deep into the natural world head to the Sian Ka'an or Calakmul Biosphere Reserves. But for a taste of modern fun poke around the hip and happening towns of Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
The Yucatan’s only rainforest with some elevation has an amazing canopy teeming with exotic creatures native to the peninsula. Bird watchers will enjoy searching for the 250 or so species of colourful birds that live here though it’s unlikely you’ll spot a puma or jaguar. Local guides can take you around the park for a better insight into the fauna and flora.

Cozumel
This huge island right off the coast of the Riviera Maya has been one of the planet’s top five scuba diving destinations for years. It has a decent-sized town in San Miguel, plenty of resorts if you want to linger, and certainly some of the best underwater scenery in the region. Despite its notoriety, Cozumel has thankfully managed to retain much of its laid-back charm.

Playa del Carmen
This is the hippest town on the Riviera Maya, and well worth a visit if you want some fun and creature comfort. Playa, as it’s known, has a great beach, the best shopping along the Quinta Avenida promenade, and plenty of excellent hotels, restaurants and bars. The town has a cosy charming feel to it, often labelled ‘Third World Chic.’

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
At the southern end of the Riviera Maya is this outstanding nature preserve, encompassing some 500,000 hectares of tropical rainforest and pristine coastline. It is home to a bewildering array of wildlife such as spider monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, manatees, crocodiles and sea turtles. There are also 366 species of birdlife protected within its boundaries. Memorable day trips can be arranged at outfitters in Tulum town.

Tulum Ruins
The Mayan ruins at Tulum are one of the most famous and extraordinary in the region. This fortress-city was built on a bluff overlooking a crystalline sea with the imposing Castillo structure standing guard over the complex. The site has been cleared and is organised for easy exploration of the pyramids and temples open to the public. You can even take a swim in the glassy waters as you gaze back at the marvel of the Castillo. Licensed multilingual guides are on hand to provide a full explanation of Tulum and its function.

Xcaret
Xcaret is a one-stop activity wonderland for visitors. Within this impressive and popular park you can scuba or snorkel, chill in a hammock on its stunning beach, dive through freshwater caverns or its famous underground river, hike through the rainforest, visit Mayan ruins and even meet a few modern-day Mayans. Sure, it’s geared for tourists, but they do it in such a way that you feel the fun more than the overt tourism. There are also some nice culture shows and a handicraft market.

Xel-Ha
At the heart of this beautiful place is a huge lagoon surrounded by verdant jungle where seawater and freshwater meet. A miniature train will carry you to the point upriver there the fun begins. You can snorkel your way back to the sea and rent underwater cameras and other fun equipment like snuba, a mix of scuba diving and snorkelling. The dolphin swim is another highlight of Xel-Ha, as is the botanical garden, and sublime walking path through the jungle.