On the east side of the beautiful state of Quintana Roo, there is a new tourist destination comprising well over 100 kilometers (80 miles) worth of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Mayan Riviera is totally different place that starts some 20 minutes south of Cancun's International Airport up to the picturesque Punta Allen fishermen's village.

The Mayan Riviera is a 130-kilometer strip located on the West coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It ranges from solitary beaches to modern architectural complexes, including hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants. Playa del Carmen, for example, which used to be a peaceful fishermen's village, is now the site of prestigious international hotels. Nearby is the area's principal ecological reserve, Sian Ka'an, a habitat noted for the richness of its flora and fauna.

Even though the Maya culture remains present in the zone, through the many indigenous communities still found here which preserve the traditions, religion and social structure, the splendor of ancient Maya civilization is most evident in the numerous archeological sites in this area. It is through the pyramids, "pelota" playing fields, sculpted stone pillars, plazas and temples that some of the mysteries still surrounding one of the Americas' most important cultures has been partially deciphered.