Mexico - Highlights of the Mayan Riviera

Pretty evening highlights light up the textures on the Mexican shores of the Mayan Riviera Evening light highlights coral outcroppings on the Mayan Riviera. Seemingly growing out of solid rock, the palm tree, crisp blue sky and beautiful blue green ocean are classic characteristics fo the Mayan Riviera. Narrow channels and tunnels often provide surprising views when closely explored. A hermit crab peers around his rocky reef surroundings on the Mayan Riviera. As tides go out, look closely at the lower rock formations to see what strange creatures you can spot. The rock and coral formations are evidence of all sorts of different marine life. Seaweed glitters against a background of sparkling sand. Puffy white clouds, deep blue sky, green oceans and palm trees gently blowing in the ocean breeze. Imagine you're inhaling the softly humid salty air. The evening sun makes anything glow with beauty in this paradise. A beautiful red ti plant glows in the evening sun. Doorways with character appear in many side streets of Playa Del Carmen A prison of elegant proportions in the Xcaret Mayan Village Another doorway with character in the Mayan graveyard at Xcaret. You never know what you will find when you wander down the pretty side streets of Playa Del Carmen. Look through the alleys and windows to see courtyards teeming with flowers and bright cheerful colours. Can you spot the lizard? Go early to Tulum - it's incredibly exposed and bakes during the midday sun dehydrating even the most diehard traveler in no time. Costumes of a traditional ceremonial nature contrast sharply with the 'sign' of modern times. Colour is what Mexico is all about. These beautiful bags are casually strewn across a market stall in Playa Del Carmen Azure skies and cheerfully coloured windsocks highlight some of the modern landscape at the Grand Sirenis Mayan Riviera. The residential buildings of the Mayan Beach appear far away but are a beautiful walk through lush tropical grounds. The Grand Sirenis as very modern in appearance and these were ordinary stone balls by day, but glowing rooftop features by night. Palapas, palm trees and a setting sun. What more could a little birdy ask for? Heat, humidity and a cold front were playing with misty clouds on a deserted beach, changing the sunset moment by moment. Heat, humidity and a cold front were playing with colours on a deserted beach, changing the sunset moment by moment. A quickly ebbing sun silhouettes a forest of palms. The Mayan Village at Xcaret reveals surprises at every turn and is an amazing replica of a way of life that can still be found in the more undeveloped areas of Mexico today. The replica of a Mayan cemetary at Xcaret it a stunning display of colour with an amazing range of handcrafted individual crypts. A crypt in a Mayan exhibit at Xcaret Eco-Park in Mexico held wonders around every corner. This was a beautiful room with continuous circular channels around the base that allowed water runoff from the rains. The hundreds of 'shelves' you see all have a candle in them. Deep within the interior of the bee-hive shaped hill is a soaring stone cross. (See Mexico - Hallelujah) A crypt in a Mayan exhibit at Xcaret Eco-Park in Mexico held wonders around every corner. This was a beautiful room with continuous circular channels around the base that allowed water runoff from the rains. The hundreds of 'shelves' you see all have a candle in them. This side wasn't lit - another further back had been. The ethereal light from the top came as sun was trying to break out after a heavy tropical shower had passed through. A crypt in a Mayan exhibit at Xcaret Eco-Park in Mexico held wonders around every corner. This was a beautiful hallway with religious statues in every niche. Pretty stonework has a glossy sheen after a tropical shower passed by, washing away the dust and bringing out a rich array of colour and texture. Warm colours and welcoming tables greet the weary explorer at one of the many local cafe to be found throughout the Mayan Riviera. The vibrant colours of a Mexican cafe in Puerto Aventuras. Pickles and salsas - a wide array of flavours and colours on Mexican night. Beautiful arrangements highlight fresh baked bread. Small schools of fish keep everyone fascinated just off the shore. Nothing like azure skies, green seas, warm sunshine and fishies nibbling your toes to make you take a deep breath and take in the scenery. This is what a vacation is all about.