Mexico Travelers Recommend - page 2

There’s plenty to do and see in the coastal town of Playa del Carmen. Start your day with sunrise on the beach before heading to Playacar. Wander the aviary filled with indigenous birds or play a few holes on the world class golf course. Hire a bike and ride along the 4 km path along 10 Avenue, where it’s easy to access shopping and boutiques along 5th Avenue. Round out the day with a visit to the Jungle Place sanctuary, where spider monkeys and other local wildlife swing from the trees. Escape the modern day city and travel back to the past on a visit to Chichen Itza. These world-famous ruins rank among the nation’s most popular sites, with more than one million tourists visiting annually. Ancient pyramids are tucked among lush green forests, making it the perfect place to snap some photos while experiencing the nation’s rich culture, history and Mayan tradition.

Use the church tower of Puerto Vallarta’s Our Lady of Guadelupe as a landmark on a stroll of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Cobbled streets lined with flowers lead to the Malecon boardwalk, for strolls along the waterfront to the signature Seahorse Statue. Quaint souvenir shops sell Huichol handicrafts, and bohemian galleries highlight the work of local artists. To relax on the beach, try Los Muertos near the river, or head to quieter stretches of sand like El Gato and Los Arcos. For the best grounding in Puerto Vallarta’s layout, get your bearings on a day tour of the highlights. A family beach holiday at Puerto Vallarta is all about getting out in the sunshine and dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean. Say hello to Flipper and friends with a family dolphin experience, or join a beginner’s diving class to see what’s swimming under the sea.

Cruises sail to the snorkelling grounds off Cozumel, focusing on the island’s famous coral reefs and underwater canyons. Head out for a day of diving at a choice of 100 world-class dive sites, or time your snorkel for a sunset sail with margaritas and music. Newbies can learn to dive with a discover diving PADI course, and if you don’t want to get your feet wet there are glass-bottom boat cruises and underwater submarine tours. Cozumel is a birdwatcher’s haven, providing habitats for migrating ducks, flamingos, herons, egrets, ibis, falcons and kestrels. Like us humans, dolphins are drawn to Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters, and a dolphin swim promises a one-on-one interaction with these lovable creatures. Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the island’s beaches, and feed on Cozumel’s sea grass meadows. Horseback-riding trips into Cozumel’s rainforest heart reveal the island’s cenotes, picture-perfect bathing pools designed by Mother Nature.