Here’s our monthly gallery showcasing some of the region’s many natural and historical attractions. How many have you visited?  Which ones would you like to explore on future visits to Royal Resorts?

Ek Balam

Located 20 minutes to the north of Valladolid, the ancient city of Ek Balam or “black star jaguar” in Maya (star/black = ek, jaguar = balam) reached its peak between AD 600 and 900. During this time, it forged political and trade links with other city states in the Maya World, including Chichen Itza, and the mix of architectural and artistic styles on display at the site reflects its regional influence. The site’s principal building is the 31-meter-high Acropolis with its magnificent stucco façade featuring statues of long-lost rulers, hieroglyphic inscriptions, murals and masks in the form of the gaping jaws of the earth monster.

Contoy

For a day of Cancun sailing and wildlife sightings, visit Contoy, a beautiful desert island and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean. Over 150 species of birds make their home on Contoy year-round or are migratory visitors in the winter. They include the colonies of frigate birds and cormorants that nest in the mangroves, ibis, roseate spoonbills, herons and even flamingos feeding in the shallows. Contoy is a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip north of Cancun and you may see dolphins, sea turtles and flying fish as you sail through turquoise waters.

El Cielo, Cozumel

A unique snorkeling spot off the coast of Cozumel, El Cielo is a stretch of the seabed littered with thousands of starfish wherever you look. Marvel at this gift of nature, but do not disturb the starfish.

Boca Paila

Boca Paila beach is located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest protected areas. Drive south along the bumpy coast road (keep a lookout for potholes) from Tulum into the reserve and eventually you’ll reach a wooden bridge and beyond that you’ll see the beach. “Boca Paila” means the “mouth of the pail “and it is the only place in northern Sian Ka’an where a freshwater canal fed by cenotes and underground rivers flows into the Caribbean and fish from wetland and marine ecosystems can move between both worlds.

Sit in the warm sun, enjoy the soft Caribbean breeze and take in the view. Ospreys nest in an abandoned watchtower, terns and pelicans dive into the waves and herons keep watch in the shallows for prey.

Thomas More Travel is your guide to incredible travel experiences in the Mexican Caribbean and Yucatan.