The Mexican Caribbean has been drawing visitors for decades with white-sand beaches, luxury hotels, top-notch dining and intriguing entertainment.
There are many destinations to choose from along this popular coastline that include sleepy beach towns like Tulum and bustling metropolises like the region's hub, Cancun.
Where should travelers head? It depends on what type of experience they are looking for.
Below are some of the best:
Cancun
Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations. The city is ideally located on the Yucatan Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea and is home to beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife and towering luxury hotels.
World-class accommodations, high-end restaurants and luxury shopping distinguish the destination as one of the top places to visit in the country. It is also top among choices for girlfriend getaways, bachelor and bachelorette parties, destination weddings and incentive and meetings groups.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, once a sleepy seaside village, has blossomed into a coastal resort destination with a small town feel. Palm-lined beaches are dotted with laid-back bars and restaurants and bustling Fifth Avenue is home to high-end shops and boutiques, lively bars, nightclubs and more.
Beyond the city streets are many of Mexico's top resorts and boutique hotels, offering access to white-sand beaches and views of the sparkling coast.
Isla Mujeres
Snorkeling and scuba-lovers will want to head to beautiful Isla Mujeres. The small island is just 8 miles off of the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula but feels a world away. Beaches such as Playa Norte are sprinkled with stunning resorts and at Punta Sur, on the southern tip of the island, lies the famous ruins of a Mayan temple.
Water activities are a top draw, in addition to snorkeling and scuba diving, popular pursuits include sea kayaking and windsurfing.
Visitors also fall in love with stunning sunrises and sunsets, sea turtles swimming along the reefs and still uncrowded beaches.
Tulum
Tulum is another seaside town known for its well-preserved Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches.
Tulum National Park is home to a large eco-archaeological site with ruins that date back to the 13th century situated on the Yucatan Peninsula. It was one of the last Maya strongholds to fall to the Spanish and is one of the most visited ruins in Mexico.
In addition to ancient structures, Tulum is perched on an idyllic seaside location with underground cenotes, coconut palms and crystal clear waters home to a variety of sea turtles.
Puerto Morelos
One of the largest great barrier reefs in the world is in the Mexican Caribbean. Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is a top snorkeling destination and is about 12 miles south of Cancun. It is a sleeping fishing town but, just off the coast lies the beautiful reef, teeming with wildlife.
The destination offers travelers a more low-key vacation, away from the glitz and glamour of destinations such as Cancun or Playa del Carmen. But hotels and amenities are wide-spread in the area and visitors will find laid-back luxury as well as boutique accommodation options.
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