Introduction

The Mexican name for the Atlantic coastal region of the Yucatan Peninsula is Riviera Maya. The English use is either Maya Riviera or Mayan Riviera

On the historic Yucatan peninsula, Caribbean Mexico has some of the region's most modern resorts.  Whatever your dream vacation, Caribbean Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula can bring it to life.  The main resort areas combine the magic and myths of Mexico, the convenience and luxury of modern, Western hotels and the calming waters and winds of the Caribbean. Yucatan is an area of Mexico full of all sorts of wonders that amaze tourists at every step.

History

The first European explorers in the Yucatán were the Spanish who arrived early in the 16th century. Hernán Cortés crossed the base of the peninsula in 1525. Spain began the conquest of the Mayas a few years later, and by 1549 approximately half the peninsula was under Spain's domination. Spanish control over much of the region continued until early in the 19th century, when Mexico and Central America won independence. Yucatán and Campeche were constituted separate states of Mexico in 1862; Quintana Roo was made a territory in 1902, a state in 1975.

Culture

Like the weather of this region, the locals are warm and joyful, and they have deep-rooted traditions. They are always ready to welcome whoever wants to get to know them with arms wide open.

Map

To See

Cancun : Near the world famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. “Caribbean Night” cultural program. Folkloric Ballet. Pirate Night show on a boat from Cancun to Isla de Mujeres & return. Bullfights. Beaches. Archaeological areas El Rey & San Miguelito. Ecoparks: Xcaret, Xel-ha, Garrafon and Tres Rios.
Riviera Maya : Visitors can enjoy many activities along the Riviera Maya, such as windsurfing; deep see fishing, trips in kayaks and horseback riding, as well as simply becoming one with nature while resting on a solitary beach. Famous among lovers of scuba diving and snorkelling. There are also two parks along the coast, perfect for a day of adventure. Xcaret is an eco-archaeological amusement park. Xel-Ha is an incredible natural aquarium famous for snorkelling and swimming. Eco-Park Tres Rios: Set amidst three Cenotes forming rivers flowing into the sea, Tres Rios is home of many wild life species and offers kayaking, biking, diving, and horseback riding.
Cozumel/Isla Mujeres : Tours to Tulum, Coba, San Gervacio, Chichen Itza. Xel Ha Lagoon. Tours to Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Glass bottom boat trips. Chankanaab Park. Cozumel Museum. Punta Sur Park.

Useful information

Airports: Cancun, Cozumel and Merida are the main international airports in the area.

Area: The area of Mexico is 1,958,200 square kilometres or 761,606 square miles.

Business: Office hours in Mexico are normally 9 AM to 2 PM and then again from 4 PM until 6 or 7 PM.

Capital: Mexico (Mérida into the Yucatan).

Climate: Warm sub-humid, dry and semi-dry, depending on the area. 26°C annual average.

Clothing: Casual clothing is acceptable for daytime dress throughout Mexico. If travelling to beach resorts, the dress code is very informal for men and women and nowhere are men expected to wear ties.

Currency: Mexican peso (US dollar is widely accepted).

Customs: Up to 200 cigarettes, 3 litters of alcohol beverages, cameras and money for personal use up to USD 300 can be brought into the country duty-free.

Economy: Service-based companies account for about 23% of the state economy. Trade activities (such as agribusiness, the textile and apparel industries, and furniture) account for about 21% of the economy, followed by finance and insurance at 19%, manufacturing at 13%, transportation and communications at 10%, agriculture and livestock at 7%, construction at 6%, and mining at 1%.

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official tourist office website link below or contact us.

Health: The old saw about "don't drink the water" is still in effect. Stick to bottled water for drinking. However, high levels of cleanliness are prevalent in all food preparation facilities in the tourist hotels and restaurants.

Holidays: New Year’s Day (01-02JAN), Constitution Day (5FEB), Benito Juarez’s birthday (21MAR), Good Friday, and Easter Monday (MAR-APR), Labour day (1MAY), Anniversary of Battle of Puebla, 1862 (5MAY), Independence Day (16SEP), Dia de la Raza (12OCT), President's State of the Nation Address (2NOV), Day of the Dead (2NOV), Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution (20NOV), Christmas (25-31DEC).

Language: Spanish is the official language but English, French, German, Italian & Mayan are widely spoken.

Political status: Federal republic. The Constitution of the State of Yucatán provides that the government of Yucatán, like the government of every other state in Mexico, consists of three powers: the executive, the legislative and the judiciary.

Population: 113,724,226 in all Mexico.

Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant. Some Seventh-Day Adventists, and Jehovah's Witnesses.

Security: Mexico has its share of crime, just as any other country. In most parts of Mexico you will probably feel every bit as safe as you do at home, perhaps even safer. Use common sense and you should be OK.

Shopping: There is an art to buying things in Mexico. Except places like pharmacies and convenience stores almost everything that is sold in a store is open to price negotiation.

Taxes & Service charges: There is a sales tax of 15%. The tax applies to the purchase of most items and is paid by residents and visitors alike. Often this tax is hidden in the total cost of restaurant bills, store purchases, and tours. When tipping for service the average tip for servers is between 10%-15%, depending on the service.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code for Mexico is +52.

Time: Standard Time Zone: GMT – 6hrs. Yucatan Time operates Daylight-Saving Time.

Transportation: Driving is on the right, and rental cars, taxis, bicycles and mopeds are also available. An International Driver's License is not required Mexico's long distance bus system is an amazing network of routes that can take you anywhere in the country, from almost any city. Most bus lines have three classes of service, Executive Class (Clase or Servicio Ejecutivo), First Class (Primero Clase) and Second Class (Secundo Clase).

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.visitmexico.com