Q U I N T A N A R O O :
The state of Quintana Roo is located at the east part of the Yucatan Peninsula and is border by the states of Yucatan and Campeche, the country of Belize and on the east by the incredible Caribbean. Quintana Roo is Mexico's youngest state which was founded in 1974.
Since then the world has come to know the beauty of its massive coral reefs, comfortable tropical climate, international resorts, dazzling white-sand beaches, tropical islands, nature reserves and the country's mega resort, Cancun. The state is more than just Cancun.
Kinbé Hotel, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
There are islands such as Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the Contoy Island Bird Sanctuary. Great attractions such as the Mayan Riveria which is an area of endless deserted beaches, sleepy fishing villages and attractions for travelers from all over the world. The ancient Maya ruins of Tulum, Cobá, the remote jungle site of Kohunlich, Dzibanché, El Rey, Muyil, San Gervasio and others are only a small part of the states history.
The territory was once a home to the Itzáes, who around 400 A.D. came out from Bacalar and founded Chichen Itzá, at the north of the peninsula de Yucatán. Bacalar is located in the very south of Quintana Roo just north of the capital of Chetumal. Ecological parks such as Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve have created another type of attraction for what has become to be known as Ecotourism. The site is quite large and is pristine and will remain that way.
Quintana Roo Cities | Cancun | Cozumel | Playa del Carmen
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Flamingos Cabins, El Cuyo, Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula
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Anything you can think of to do in the Caribbean, can be done around Cozumel. From sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, diving, boating to jet and water skiing. San Miguel, Cozumel's only town, is located in front of the docks where passengers arrive from Playa del Carmen. This part of the island is where the hotels and restaurants are located.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN - Affectionately known as simply 'Playa' this beach front town has really grown into a jewel on the coast of Quintana Roo. It is quickly becoming a favorite for many travelers since it is much less cosmopolitan than the international Cancun.
Quintana Roo Cities Mayan World Main Menu AKUMAL - The name means "Place of the Turtles" in Mayan and is one of the southern most resorts in the Mayan Riviera. A beach town it is located just north of Tulum and is only 65 miles of good road from Cancun. Akulmal is one of the older areas on the coast and is famous for being a very tranquil place and also for the thousands of endangered sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs.
Cabañas Copal, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico
The eggs are laid in the spring, but the breeding season is from May to October and also takes place on the beach. It is not uncommon to spot giant sea turtles called 'caguamos', make their way up the beach and dig holes in the sand. They then fill them with eggs, cover the holes, and with sheer determination drag themselves back into the sea.
 La Paz Hotel, Playa del Carmen Q.Roo. México
Akumal is nestled into an intimate sheltered bay and is really a great getaway for someone looking for peace and tranquillity with amenities of much larger cities. Travelers looking for a bit of paradise on a smaller scale are searching for Akumal. Water sports abound in Akumal. The beaches are serene and the calm waters of the bay are perfect for snorkeling, diving or just swimming. There is an incredible reef just off shore and further out some of the best cave diving in the world. There are a series of ridges honeycombed with these caves which are separated by canyons. There is also a coral wall located between the reef and the caves. Wall and cave diving are considered the playground of more experienced divers, however, there are still great areas for the less experienced.
This part of the Mexican Caribbean is filled with colorful marine life. There are over 500 different species of tropical fish within swimming distance of shore. Giant sponges in hues like hot pink and florescent orange light up the ocean and there are coral beds including a brain-coral garden located offshore in about six to seven feet of water.
Loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles feed in the reef offshore and are not especially wary of divers. Jet ski's are rented in Akumal and sport fisherman have a choice of many different locations and styles of fishing.
Paamul Caribbean Paradise, Riviera Maya Q. Roo México The statue of the Spanish shipwrecked sailor (1511 A.D.) Gonzalo Guerrero, dressed as a Maya warrior, stands guard over the bay as a reminder of the first contact between Europeans and the Maya. Gonzalo Guerrero married into a noble Maya family and became a dreaded foe to the Spanish. He is called the father of the first Mestizo, the first Mexican of mixed European and native blood.
Quintana Roo Cities Mayan World Main Menu BACALAR - The beautiful Bacalar Lagoon is one of the more breath taking views to be found in Quintana Roo. From the hillside above the lagoon you can see beautiful islands with crystal clear Caribbean water wrapping around them.
The town sits on top of the bay and the streets gradually drop down to the edge of the lagoon where the Fort of San Felipe sits. This majestic fort was built in 1727 to protect Bacalar against pirate raids. In fact, before the fort was built the area was slowly deserted due to the danger from the pirates.
The fort also became famous during the Maya Wars where it was the site of a very large massacre. Another of the more famous sites to be found at Bacalar is the Cenote Azul. It is a very well known tourist destination where the cenote is thought to be bottomless. A very nice restaurant and small zoo complete the attraction.
Quintana Roo Cities Mayan World Main Menu CHETUMAL - The capital of Quintana Roo is located south of Bacalar and just above the border of Belize, in fact they share a duty free 'Free Trade Zone' where shoppers can get great bargains without the hassle of import-export concerns. Chetumal, because of its location on the border of Belize has established a culture that is quite different than any in Mexico.
The languages of English, Mayan and Spanish are spoken though Spanish is dominant. There is also a language mixture called Creole which can be heard. The mix of races and languages makes Chetumal a very different place in Quintana Roo.
Aside from the normal parks and Municipal offices Chetumal also offers alternatives such as visits to archaeological sites of Kohunlich in Quintana Roo and Xpuhil, Becan, Chicanna in Campeche. These ancient cities are located deep in the jungle and are excellent spots for birding.
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