The Mexican Riviera Maya

Probably the most outstanding feature of the Riviera Maya is the Caribbean Sea with its various turquoise shades and white sandy beaches. If you like snorkeling or diving, you will love it here: The world’s second-largest barrier reef runs right along the coast.  But also the numerous cenotes (freshwater lakes and underground river systems) are great for snorkeling and diving.

The variety of things you can experience here is almost unbeatable: From archaeological sites and rich history, charming Mayan villages, nature & wildlife, and culinary diversity to the warm and accommodating people of today.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is a paradise for ornithologists. The Bacalar Lagoon is known for its seven different shades of blue and is a popular place for geologists to study the rare rock formations formed by photosynthesis.

Or are you ready for the island? Visit Cozumel – one of the five best dive sites in the world, or Isla Mujeres with its Caribbean charm, or the quieter islands of Contoy and Holbox.

The most famous archaeological site of the Yucatan Peninsula is Chichen Itza. It is considered one of the Seven Modern World Wonders and is a pilgrimage place for thousands of visitors at the equinoxes. The ancient city of Cobá, once an important trade hub, is situated in the middle of the jungle. The Tulum Temple was built right by the ocean and served as a calendar to indicate important dates.  The ruins of Ek Balam are lesser known, but you will be surprised by the excellent condition of some of the murals. A hot insider tip!

Project Mayan Encounter

When I arrived in the Riviera Maya first in 2003, there was not much offered for older folks or people with physical challenges who want to spend some quality leisure time. I found there was a definite need to work on inclusion, and launched Project Mayan Encounter in 2008. Having been on the road as a tour guide myself, I know how tight itineraries are usually scheduled, especially with large groups of 50 or 60 travelers.

Sometimes you may be wondering whether you are on vacation or in a race. I also thought it must be intimidating for someone with physical limitations to watch others zooming across a cenote on a zip line or enjoy other adventure activities. So in collaboration with some environmentally passionate, multilingual guides in the Riviera Maya, I decided to fill the need and designed relaxed adventure trips for environmentally-conscious people.

In the process, we have added other meaningful activities, such as alternative medicinal treatments, or curriculum-based itineraries to accompany studies of language, history, geography, or social sciences. It is also refreshing to see that in recent years it has become much easier to rent assistive technology for mobility-impaired travelers, such as electric scooters or beach wheelchairs.

In 2012, we added holistic retreats to the program that are co-created with professional healers. They combine wellness & eco-tourism, to add to the already healing effect that Mother Nature has on us.

Or compose your own itinerary:

Coba – Sian Ka’an – Felipe Carillo Puerto – Bacalar – Kohunlich – Dzibanche – Chacchoben – Chichen Itza – Valladolid – Tulum – Muyil – Yal Ku – Playa del Carmen – Cozumel – Puerto Morelos – Ruta de los Cenotes – Isla Mujeres – Holbox

Pick your theme:

Archaeology – Culture – History – Aquatics – Culinary – Language Study – Voluntourism – Fauna & Flora – Geology, or a blend of everything!