The 240-mile (380-km) strip of land south of Cancun is called the Riviera Maya. This includes tourist draws such as Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Xel-Haánd finally Tulum. There are numerous hotels, resorts and spas of every class from grass shacks and see-through huts on the beach to six-star, luxury spas that cost over $500 a day. Playa del Carmen is a bustle while Cozumel, when the cruise ships are gone, is calm. Tulum is buzzing in the day and quiet at night. For the visitor, there are beaches, archaeological sites, caves and cenotes to visit. There is great fishing, snorkeling, diving and swimming anywhere along the coast. Eating and drinking yourself into a heart attack would be easy, given the gourmet restaurants and eateries. The Riviera Maya is enjoyed by every culture in the world. This book is also included as a section of our comprehensive Adventure Guide to the Yucatan. Experience the places you visit more directly, freshly, intensely than you would otherwise - sometimes best done on foot, in a canoe or through cultural adventures like art courses, cooking classes, learning the language, meeting the people and joining in the festivals and celebrations. This can make your trip life-changing, unforgettable. All of the detailed information you need is here about the hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. But we also lead you to new discoveries, turning corners you haven't turned before, helping you to interact with the world in new ways. That's what makes Adventure Guides unique. "Latest edition of a highly-recommended guidebook to this fascinating corner of Mexico, a region which the authors describe as 'a big hitch-hiking thumb.' Their interest and hard work has paid off in both editions. The book is loaded with hotel and transportation info, great maps and interesting art work. Eco travelers will love this guidebook. The author provides full details on kayaking, hiking, rappelling, and camping in the region. She also features more out-of-the-way attractions such as natural cenotes, ancient ruins and colonial towns. Of special note - this is the first guidebook to feature a section on colonial era hacienda hotels, including both luxurious hotels and working haciendas where readers can experience authentic Yucatecan living in fine accommodations that are also economically priced. Indigenous artists in Maya villages are also profiled." - Planeta.com Journal "Comparing your book to Lonely Planet's - your book won hands down on every level. It was AWESOME!" - Erika Holm "Profiles 49 Maya destinations, excellent trip planning hints, detailed maps and advice from health precautions to getting around." - Anton Newspapers "Your Yucatan guide is great.....Keep up the good work." - Bill Bell "I am the author of the thriller/adventure 'A Tourist in the Yucatan,' and I recently reviewed Adventures Guide to the Yucatan. In my opinion, this is a 'must have' book for the adventure minded traveler! The authors has done an excellent job in putting together the ultimate adventure guide book to the Yucatan. For many travelers, a trip to the Yucatan means mostly sitting on the beach soaking in the sun. Available activities are diverse from scuba diving on tropical reefs or into cenotes or caves to kayaking, camping, or just getting off the beaten track and meeting the 'REAL PEOPLE.' This book does a great job of outlining all the possibilities available in a straight forward and easy to read style." - James Brunfeld. --Provided by publisher.