Playa del Secreto
Mexico - Vacation - Holiday
Condo - Villa - Apartment - Flat
on Mexico's Mayan Riviera
between Cancun and Playa del Carmen
Where to begin? We have been traveling to the Yucatan for about 10 years. Our first trips included all-inclusive resorts, then we got adventurous and started staying in condos and really exploring the area. We've traveled the coast from Cancun to Tulum and further south to Xcalak. We fell in love with Mexico and wanted a home here. This is how Isla de Vista came to be.
This page isn't meant to be all encompassing information about the Yucatan peninsula, just some of our favorite places and activities on the Mayan Riviera.
Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancun is a fabulous day trip. The ferry from Porto Cancun will have you on the beach in less than 15 minutes. Don't miss Playa Norte and Sergios Beach Bar or Garrafon National Park on the south end of the island.
Garrafon Park on the south end of Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres
Spectacul Sunsets on Playa Norte - Isla Mujeres
Playa del Carmen
The once sleepy fishing village of Playa del Carmen is now a bustling international hot spot. And while the beaches are a little crowded the shopping and dining more than make up for it.
5th Avenue or Avenida Cinco is the place to see and be seen. Dining choices range from humble taco stands to fine cuisine. One of our favorite's is YAXCHE, a restaurant specializing in Maya Cuisine.
YAXCHE - Mayan Cuisine
Akumal
Puerto Morelos
Just five minutes north of our condo is the small fishing village of Puerto Morelos a great place for diving, eating, deep sea fishing and snorkeling. We have 4 favorite restaurants:
Posada Amor for breakfast
Le Marlin Bleu for lunch and shrimp tacos
Pelicanos for a nice dinner with a view
and John Grays Kitchen for fine dining
There are also Italian, Seafood and Chinese restaurants as well as pizza!
South of Playa del Carmen lies the eco-friendly beach town of Akumal, which means place of the turtles. Stretched out along 2 reef protected bays, Akumal is a great day trip. Lots of great restaurants and shops, and who knowsyou might see some baby turtles leaving their nest. Not to be missed? Snorkeling in Yal Kul Lagoon.
Tulum
At the far southern tip of the Riviera Maya, 130 miles from Cancun is Tulum, with its wild beach and limited electricity and services Tulum is a favorite of the international backpacking crowd. But don't let this stop you from visiting one of the most unique areas on the coast.
The Mayan culture thought this place was pretty special too. One of the only seaside Mayan cities was located here. Don't forget your bathing suit if you visit the ruins, there' s lovely little inlet protected from the waves that is a perfect place to cool off.
Fresh seafood, shops with local crafts and the historic Mayan Ruins of Tulum make this a must see stop.
This page was last updated: September 14, 2009
Other Activities
Xcaret The Disneyland of of the Yucatan. Part Eco-Park, Part Beach Club. Located south of Playa del Carmen, Xcaret is worth an entire day. Great activities, but the best show is put on at night with Mayan re-enactments. www.xcaret.com
Chichen-Itza The most famous of the Mayan Ruins on the Yucatan. This is a tourist destination but is definitely worth seeing. The summer solsitice reveals a snake climbing up the side. more info
Xel-Ha Another kid friendly eco/water park. All inclusive so just bring yourself! www.xel-ha.com
Coba This one is not on many tours, but there are a few. If you would like to explore one of the most impressive of the Mayan ruins without the crowds, Coba is the place to go. This extensive site with the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan is still being uncovered from the jungle. more info
