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 Cancun and the Riviera Maya?

Bacalar

Somehow when you first see Bacalar, a vision of turquoise and aquamarine colored water sparkling under a tropical sun, the name “Lagoon of Seven Colors” somehow doesn’t do justice to its beauty. There seem to be even more shades of blue in the waters stretching into the distance and surrounded by jungle and the wetlands of southern Quintana Roo.

Bacalar is an eco-destination of waterfront lodges, kayak trips, paddle boarding and bird watching. Be sure to visit the historic San Felipe Fort that protected the village from pirates during the colonial period and now houses a museum with displays about these ruthless marauders. Nearby Cenote Azul is said to be the deepest sinkhole in the Maya World.

Ek Balam

Located 20 minutes to the north of Valladolid in eastern Yucatan, the ancient city of Ek Balam is best known for the impressive Acropolis, the tiered pyramid crowned by a temple with a carved stucco façade depicting ancient nobles and rulers, gods, sacred animals and the gaping jaws of the earth monster.

Aktun Chen

The Aktun Chen cave system lies in the jungle just south of Akumal. There are spotlights in the galleries to show the turquoise waters of cenotes and the delicate beauty of the stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones sculpted by water and calcite over millions of years.

This jungle park also offers activities such as zip lining.

Holbox

Miles of white sand beach and aquamarine water that shimmers with phosphorescence during the summer nights, spectacular sunsets, and the chance to see rare birds and animals are some of Holbox’s charms. Located in northern Quintana Roo, just off the Gulf coast, this island is a must for nature lovers, birders and fishermen. There are eco and fishing trips year-round and whale shark watching excursions during the summer. Lobster pizza tops the list of island seafood specialties.

Thomas More Travel can help you arrange tours to these locations and many more throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.