It’s not all sun, sand and Spring Breakers in Mexico, you know!
Ahh Cancun. A somewhat misunderstood and misinterpreted playground for visitors, with vast resorts and plush cabanas lining the beach and lagoon-fringed Strip with a Vegas-esq allure for those looking to have fun, kick back and party. Glorious restaurants, incredible bars and clubs will invigorate you at night and indulgent spas and glistening pools will replenish you by day.
But there is so much more to Cancun than meets the eye. Travel along the coastline to the lush Riviera Maya and you’ll see for yourself. Just an hour’s drive from the international airport, Riviera Maya is ideally located within easy reach of all the fun and frolics of Cancun but without the urban buzz and neon signs. And, indeed, if you do find yourself in the mood for a boogie or a reassuring Starbucks then the delightful coastal resort of Playa Del Carmen is within moments of all hotels featured in the Letsgo2 program and is home to a wide choice of dining, nightlife and shopping.
Riviera Maya is a destination hugely fond of its culture, history and ecology. The eco-park Xplor at Xcaret is worth allowing at least two days to explore, boasting underground rivers, wild animals, Dolphin swims and a nightly celebration of light and colour featuring 300 artists, “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular.”The park is also home to a Mayan cemetery, chapel and traditional crafts shop. The adjoining Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort offers packages including entrance fees and is sure to keep the whole family entertained.
Or for a real journey back in time, take a bus ride to the archaeological site at Chichen Itza, the second most visited site in Mexico. The Kukulkan Pyramid is one of Mexico’s most recognizable landmarks and is one of the most spectacular examples of Mayan design. Visitors can learn about Mayan culture, history and modern day, including how the Mayans played football! Clue – it involved a very hard ball and a very tall goal! On the way back to your hotel, stop by one of the many cenotes in the region, a vast network of caves that you climb down to and take a swim in. Watch bats fly above your head and fish swim between your toes in this utterly mystical experience.
It would be easy to dismiss Mexico as a bucket and spade holiday, with such gorgeous resorts and beaches on offer, but for a fascinating insight into Mayan culture, history and nature, it really can’t be beaten as a destination.
7 nights all-inclusive at the 5* Occidental Grand Xcaret including passes to Xcaret Park from £985 per adult including return flights with Thomas Cook from Gatwick. Valid for stays between 01-30 Sep 14. For more holiday ideas to Mexico visit: https://www.letsgo2.com/holidays/caribbean-and-mexico/mexico/cancun/default.aspx
