From beaches to caves and the cities of the ancient Maya, our monthly gallery showcases 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?
Xpu-Ha
The long crescent-shaped beach at Xpu-Ha is one of the most beautiful bays in the Riviera Maya. Sprawling resorts give way to boutique hotels, houses and even rustic beach bars and campsites set among the palm groves. At the northern headland there is a caleta or inlet where manatees have occasionally been sighted.
San Felipe, Yucatan
If you are bound for Rio Lagartos this fall to see the flamingos, after your trip through the wetlands to see one of the Yucatan´s great natural wonders, drive on to San Felipe. This fishing village on the Gulf coast has peaceful beaches, colorful clapboard houses and delicious fresh seafood.
Cave of the hanging snakes, Kantemó
Witness an eerie natural spectacle that takes place at dusk in a cave near the village of Kantemo in Maya Ka’an, central Quintana Roo. At dusk, thousands of the bats that make their home deep within the cave begin to stir and emerge from their roost to hunt for insects. As they take wing, snakes hidden in crevices in the cave roof hang down with gaping jaws, snapping up the bats in mid-flight, hence the name Cave of the Hanging Snakes.
Calakmul
For an unforgettable trip into the wild, visit the ancient Mayan capital of Calakmul in southern Campeche, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its monuments and the biodiversity of the jungle protected by the vast Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. This is the domain of the jaguar, the tapir and the king vulture.
Calakmul was a major power during the Classic period of Mayan history. Its ruling dynasty had a longstanding bitter rivalry with the city of Tikal and the hieroglyphic inscriptions on stelae and palace walls tell of 100 years of war, battles, victories, alliances and successions.
Thomas More Travel can help you arrange tours to these locations and many more throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
