International destinations: Check out the beautiful sites of Mexico

Most people have heard of Cancun and its talc powdered beaches. Most have seen images of the turquoise blue waters that line the coast for hundreds of miles. Many have also been very fortunate to go there and experience this wonderful piece of paradise for themselves. Few, however, have ventured off the main strip that is Cancun to other less visited places along the Riviera Maya. I myself was one of those people.

 

For most, a trip to Cancun means a week or two at an all-inclusive resort with a private beach and an endless bar at the pool. My last trip the Mexican peninsula, however, consisted of the exact opposite as we decided to venture along the coast in search of the jewels that the Riviera Maya has to offer.

 

Playa del Carmen sits 70 kilometers south of Cancun along the coast and is a perfect place to set up camp to explore more of the peninsula. Find a well priced AirBnB or guesthouse and find yourself a car to rent and you’re well on your way to a great time. Stop by La Cueva del Chango in town to tantalize your senses with an authentic Mexican meal. From Playa del Carmen, you have options in literally every direction. Head south and see the Mayan ruins of Tulum along the coast. Continue south and discover the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve —  a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with life and natural beauty. Push towards the Belize border and find pristine beauty in Lake Bacalar and its seven different tones of blue crystal clear water.