Map and Descriptions of
Mexico Resort Areas

For area descriptions click on the name of the city.

Cancun
The sand is different in Cancun. While some beaches have tan sand or golden shores, the sand here is a pure white powder. Thirty years ago, this sandy strip of land was home only to the odd flock of birds that would stop on its white shores while flying south for the winter. Today, Cancun is the world's premier sunspot offering a wide range of diversions to suit most any taste and budget.

Activities center around three distinct bodies of water.  The Bahia de Mujeres offers calm waters perfect for families; the Nichupte Lagoon is ideal for water sports; and the Caribbean Sea offers amazing scenery with a strong surf and undertow.   Several small archeological sites stand in vivid contrast to resorts, and the ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum area a short trip away.

Cancun/Riviera Maya (Playacar/Tulum)

The Hidden Treasure of the Mayan. . . . tropical jungles, unspoiled beaches, spectacular archaeological sights. The Cancun Suncoast, also known as "Mayan Riviera", boasts 1000 years of intriguing Mayan history. Discover the growing resort area of Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes south of the Cancun Airport. About 30 minutes further down the coast lies Puerto Aventuras, a perfect backdrop for a leisurely vacation. Continue south to Akumal, a nature lover's paradise, surrounded by expanses of pristine jungle. Take time to visit the seaside archeological site of Tulum. Then snorkel at Xelha, the world's largest natural aquarium.

Recommended Sightseeing Tours:
GOLF - 18-hole Golf - Daily packages at either Pok-a-Pok or Caesars Park Golf Club
HORSEBACK RIDE - along tropical beaches or in the jungle, half-day
COBA & TULUM - Tulum site overlooking the sea, lunch at Coba villa, a trek through the jungle in search of temples and pyramids at Coba's partially excavated site, full-day
ISLA MUJERES - Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) by boat - El Garrafon National Park, submarine ride, snorkeling, visit to villages, full-day
CHICHEN-ITZA - Seasoned guides explain the intriguing mysteries of the Mayans during a tour of the pyramids, sacrificial well, ball court, and marketplace of one of Mexico=s most important ancient sites. full day
TULUM /XCARET - Ceremonial center overlooking the Caribbean at Tulum, swim in caves and grottos in eco-archaeological park at Xcaret, full-day
SNORKELING  - Sail through beautiful Nichupte Lagoon to Punta Nizuc, the southernmost beach in Cancun and some of the best snorkeling waters in the Caribbean. Perfect for both experienced and beginner snorkelers. Includes snorkeling gear, lunch andbar.
CAVE DIVING  - Cenotes Cave Diving - Fresh water grottos, full-day
DEEP-SEA FISHING

Cozumel
Crystal clear Caribbean seas teeming with painted fish and stunning coral reefs... dense jungles populated by exotic wildlife. The island of Cozumel lies twelve miles off the Yucatan Coast. Snorkel or scuba at Palancar Reef, the second largest in the world, which Jacques Cousteau called "the best diving area in the world" because of the diversity of its species, stunning sites and incredible visibility in the waters (always at least 150 feet!). Take a day trip to the Cancun Suncoast, about a 45 minute ferry ride. Then relax and enjoy an awe-inspiring sunset, marking the end of another day in paradise.

Recommended Sightseeing Tours:
SUNSET CRUISE - Two hours of relaxation, live music and a stupendous sunset.
MEXICAN FIESTA - An unforgettable evening of great food, Mariachi music and traditional dances.
ISLAND TOUR - Wander the picturesque streets and bargain-filled shops of San Miguel, then set off by bus to see the lush vegetation of the interior and palm fringed beaches of the coast. The final stop is the Chancanaab national park, with it's  tropical flora and natural lagoon brimming with exotic fish - a true snorkeler's delight. 

Huatulco
Huatulco lies where the foothills of the Sierra Madre meet the waves of Mexico's Pacific. . . an undisturbed sanctuary of intimate bays and pristine beaches. Huatulco invites its visitors to explore the secret coves and hidden lagoons within its nine bays, none of which can be seen from the others. Still largely undeveloped, Huatulco offers 22 miles of nearly virgin Pacific coastline.

Recommended Sightseeing Tours:
HORSEBACK RIDING - In the Oaxacan jungle and along the beach.
TOUR BY BOAT - Snorkeling in Tangolunda, Chahue, Santa Cruz, El Maguey and El Organo Bays.
HORSEBACK RIDING - In the Oaxacan jungle and along the beach.
DEEP SEA FISHING

Ixtapa
Golden shores, lush tropical mountains, mango orchards and stunning sunsets. . . Ixtapa invites you to experience some of the best watersports on the southwest coast of Mexico, plus award winning golf courses. Choose from a wide variety of luxurious accommodations. Great care has been taken to ensure that the resorts in the area peacefully coexist with nature. Cobblestone streets lead into neighboring Zihuatanejo, a charming fishing village bustling with local charm!

Recommended Sightseeing Tours:
CITY TOUR - Explore the markets, shops and plazas of Zihuatanejo on a 3-hour guided tour, as your guide weaves the colorful tales of this small 500-year-old port, once a major trading center.
MEXICAN FIESTA - An unforgettable evening of great food, Mariachi music and traditional dances.
HORSEBACK TRIP - A fun combination, ride on horseback along scenic trails from the bay of Zihuatanejo to Las Gatas reef for terrific snorkeling.

Loreto
Loreto lies on the southern Baja peninsula at the sprawling beaches and warm waters of Mar de Contes. Sportfishing in the Sea of Cortez is world-famous, Loreto is known as the Dorado (mahi-mahi) capital. Scuba diving in Loreto is a unique and exciting experience. The wide variety of marine fish and aquatic life in the Gulf of California is astonishing. A few miles offshore are three islands for divers to explore. Spend a day exploring the colonial town of Loreto. Visit the Misiуn Nuestra Seсora de Loreto and local museum in the center of town.   Explore the local shops or enjoy snorkeling excursions and day trips to the outer islands. Loreto even has its own 18-hole, par 72 golf course.

Los Cabos
Towering natural arches carved by the wind and waves . . . .seals basking on powdery sands. . . endangered whales finding a safe home. Here at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the land ends and the Gulf of California mingles with the Pacific. An uninterrupted string of gorgeous beaches line the charming towns of lively Cabo San Lucas and laid-back San Jose del Cabo. Fabulous fishing, challenging golf and an active nightlife combine to make "Cabo" an ideal vacation spot for every sun and sports enthusiast!

Recommended Sightseeing Tours:
LANDS END - Glide through the Sea of Cortez on a glass-bottom boat as a breathtaking underwater world unfolds beneath you, then stop for a refreshing dip at Lover's Beach.
DEEP SEA FISHING
SNORKELING TOUR - Head by boat to Santa Maria Beach for two hours of the best snorkeling in Cabo.

Puerto Vallarta
Cobblestone streets. . . majestic mountains. . . intimate villages. . . luxurious resort hotels. This lively yet quaint resort area lies on the northern coast of Mexico's Riviera, where the temperature rarely varies from a comfortable 85°. Playful whales are abundant in Banderas Bay from December through April.  Ever growing in popularity among sun seekers worldwide, Puerto Vallarta offers exceptional nightlife and some of the most luxurious accommodations in all of Mexico, yet still maintains its old-world charm.

Recommended Sightseeing Tours:
TROPICAL TOUR - Combining the city and the jungle, this tour takes you through a typical Mexican village with it's bustling downtown area and continues south to the beautiful beaches, including the world renowned Mismaloya Beach.
BULLFIGHT - This demonstration of style, art and courage is one of Mexico's oldest and most popular traditions.
VALLARTA ADVENTURES - Discover rare tranquility on an isolated beach caressed by crystal waters and surrounded by impressive reefs on this Marietas Island Day Cruise and Diving Tour.
SANTA MARIA - Snorkel through the wondrous Los Arkos National Marine Park, horseback ride in Quimixto and sail to Las Animas Beach for watersports and other activities on this fun-filled tour.