Quintana Roo may be the youngest state in Mexico (and includes resort towns like Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen), but it also has one of the historic gems of Mexico—the ancient city of Tulum. There are plenty of compelling reasons as to why this is the most visited destination in Mexico—the warm water, the white sand beaches and of course, the ancient Mayan ruins. But there’s so much more beyond the all-inclusive resorts. Here are some of my hidden gems of Quintana Roo.

El Meco

There’s El Meco with its town center, dominated by “El Castillo,” thought to have been a major commercial trading center.

Muyil

Muyil is one of the earliest sites on the Mayan Riviera, located along what had been a major trade route on the Caribbean Sea. And from Muyil, it’s just a short walk through the jungle to a place that you don’t want to miss—Sian Ka’an.

Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is a special biosphere reserve.  In fact, it’s one of Mexico’s most protected areas with 1.3 million acres of tropical rainforest, savanna, beach and wetland. But it’s not what you come to see here that matters, it’s what you come to do here.  And that means a hands-on authentic Mayan experience.

Parque de las Palapas

Another local hangout in Cancun, this place feels more like a state fair than a park with food stalls, kiddie rides, amusements and craft booths.

 

By Peter Greenberg for PeterGreenberg.com