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?

Playa del Carmen

After a day at the beach, an evening stroll along Playa del Carmen’s “la Quinta” or Fifth Avenue for open-air dining and drinks under trees festooned with sparkling lights is always a popular vacation option. Lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, craft shops, boutiques, galleries and designer stores, it comes alive with the sound of music after dark. Start in Parque Fundadores for Caribbean and Cozumel views as the sun goes down and head north along this famous thoroughfare.

Ek Balam

Located 20 minutes to the north of the historic town 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.

Yalku

Take the coast road north from Akumal Bay in the Riviera Maya to this beautiful caleta or inlet. A popular spot for snorkeling in cool, clear turquoise waters bubbling up from underground rivers, cenotes and ojos de agua or springs in the lagoon. Get there early for the best views of the many colorful reef fish that gather there to feed and breed.

Contoy

A true desert island offering a glimpse of the untouched Caribbean, Contoy is an important bird sanctuary, home to 150 species of seabirds, waders and even songbirds, that are year-round residents or winter migrants. Palm-lined beaches give way to dunes and mangrove forest that echo with bird calls from nesting colonies of frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, herons and ibis.

Visitors on eco trips to the island can spend their time relaxing on the sand on the leeward shore, swimming with stingrays in the bay or walk the coast path on the windward side where the surf is stronger.

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