Page 10 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – Summer 2017

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In Sunny Cancun the Fun Never Stops
Cancun, situated on a lovely stretch of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, lures visitors with its sparkling blue water, white sand beaches and year-round sunshine.
Find Tranquility in the Riviera Maya
If you seek tranquility on a visit to the Yucatan Peninsula, consider staying in the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast, south of Cancun. The Riviera Maya stretches 100 miles, from just south of Puerto Morelos to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. With its long expanses of unspoiled beaches, gentle turquoise waters, lush jungles, and blissful tropical breezes, this region has become
a haven for those seeking a getaway of unrivaled relaxation.
In the Riviera Maya you will find sprawling resorts, world-class restaurants, nightlife, exclusive spas, shopping, and some of the world’s best golf courses. The Riviera Maya is also one of the best destinations for diving and snorkeling. On its shores lies an extensive coral reef, home to a vast variety of marine species. Submerge into the waters and you will find yourself surrounded by tropical fish, stingrays and whale sharks. Be sure to visit Xel-Ha, the world’s largest natural aquarium, and Xcaret, where you’ll see fascinating indigenous wildlife and can snorkel in underground rivers.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Cancun has become Mexico’s premier resort destination. It is, in fact, one of the world’s top tourist destinations. In Cancun’s Hotel Zone, pedestrian-busy streets are lined with luxurious hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, and
in the evening hours the nightlife heats up. Many restaurants and bars feature live music. Dine at one
of the many beachfront restaurants, then head for a nightclub to dance the night away.
Yet, amid all of the
razzmatazz, there is a
deeper, more compelling
side to the region. With
its ancient Maya history,
architectural wonders
and rich cultural heritage,
Cancun presents the
traveler with a colorful
palette of options for
exploration and adventure.
Journey into the jungles of
the Yucatan to investigate
the mysterious work of the
Maya civilization. Cancun
is the gateway to the Maya
world, sitting on some 2,000 archaeological sites; 13 of which are accessible to the public.
The ruins of Tulum, perched picturesquely on a seaside cliff, include several excellent examples of Maya architecture. The site contains 60 buildings, which are thought to be about 10 percent of the original city. Not far away from Tulum lies Coba, the largest of Yucatan’s archeological sites. Containing 20,000 structures, Coba once was home to as many as 40,000 Mayans. On these quiet and peaceful grounds it’s hard to imagine that Coba may have once had the
largest population of all the Maya cities.
An approximate two-and-a-half-hour drive from
Cancun lies the most spectacular of the Mayan sites, Chichen Itza, founded in 495 AD. This site has been meticulously restored; its columned structures and warrior images are reminiscent of ancient Rome. At the entrance of Chichen Itza there is a visitor center and museum where many of the best-preserved sculptures and artifacts are on display.
Beyond these fascinating Maya ruins, Cancun offers travelers many opportunities for pleasurable days spent lolling in the sun. Isla Mujeres, Xcaret and Cozumel lie within close proximity,
so taking a day excursion to these popular sites is a must. Just a 45-minute ferry voyage away, Isla Mujeres is a perfect island on which to totally relax – dive or snorkel in the national park, rent a motor scooter or visit the turtle park. Some of the Yucatan’s
best coral reef diving is found on Cozumel, Mexico’s largest island. At the island’s open-air bars the tropical drinks flow freely, and visitors can enjoy endless miles of beaches. visitors to Xcaret will enjoy a fun-filled day in this ecological amusement park with natural grottos, fresh and saltwater pools and underground rivers that run to the sea.
With scores of luxury resort hotels, lively restaurants and an array of sports activities, such as golfing, horseback riding, sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, the fun never really stops in sunny Cancun.
Tulum
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SUMMER 2017
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