Archaeology.
The remains of ancient Mayan cities are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, and no trip to Cancun would be complete without a visit to these magnificent temples and pyramids covered by lush tropical vegetation. Your Tropical Incentives DMC representative can arrange either group or individual tours for you.
 Chichen Itza.
One of the largest and best preserved of the Mayan archaeological zones, the mathematical precision used in aligning its tall stone temples with the planets still amazes scientists today. Each spring and fall equinox, the great temple of Kukulcan casts a pattern of alternating triangles of light and shadow that seem to form a snake slithering down its 365 steps, a phenomenon that attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. Some of its most famous structures include the Ball Court, the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, and the Observatory.
Tulum.
Built on an extensive cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the ancient walled city of Tulum is known throughout the world for its magnificent views and more than sixty exquisitely decorated buildings and platforms. From the Castle, the great guardian of Tulum, to the faded walls in the Temple of the Frescos, the entire site reflects the Maya's close relationship to the heavens, the sea and the Earth.
Coba.
Coba is the most extensive of the ancient Mayan cities uncovered to date. It spreads over some 23 miles and contains an estimated 3500 structures, including "sacbes", or "white roads", that can still be seen from the air through the thick jungle growth. The temple of Nohoch Mul is twelve stories high and from the top there is a breath-taking 360° view of the typical tropical jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. The site is also known for the large number of stelae found in the sacred city that have yet to be translated.
Nearby Islands.
Two of Mexico's largest islands are just a stone's throw from Cancun: laid-back Isla Mujeres and the diver's paradise of Cozumel. These islands are known for their delicious Caribbean food, great snorkeling and diving, beautiful beaches, exciting night life and magnificent nature parks.
Isla Mujeres.
This wonderful island is located right in front of Cancun. In olden days, it was a stronghold for Caribbean pirates, but today it has the air of a quiet fishing village. Just visiting the small town is quite an adventure, but there are many other activities to enjoy on the island.
Garrafon Park.
Located at the southern tip of the island, Garrafón, a natural underwater park, extends into Isla Mujeres Bay. The Park offers some spectacular reefs to snorkel or dive, kayaking and other non- motorized water sports and on land, zip lining and many other activities. The facilities are truly wonderful, with hammocks strung under thatched roof umbrellas, open-air restaurants, and shops with everything from handcrafts to clothing. Relax in this natural tropical paradise steeped in the special warmth of Isla Mujeres.
Caribbean Funday.
A lovely boat ride to Isla Mujeres. Enjoy the crystal- clear, turquoise water at our beach club or snorkel the coral reef located around the island (optional). Visit the old fishing village to do some shopping and meet the friendly islanders. Delight in the live music, open domestic bar, delicious buffet and more onboard.
Cozumel.
The divers' paradise. This is Mexico's largest island, which also sits on top of the second largest barrier reef in the world, so you can just imagine the huge variety of diving and other underwater activities available here. Landlubbers don't need to worry, though, because there are lots of things to do topside: museums, horseback riding, duty free shopping, etc. Cozumel is one of the Caribbean's largest cruise ship ports-of-call.
Isla de la Pasion.
Passion Island: An island within an island, Passion Island is the perfect combination of adventure tourism and relaxation. Walk along a jungle trail until you reach a beautiful deserted beach. This is one of the few places in the Mexican Caribbean that is still isolated from civilization.
Chankanaab.
This nature reserve and underwater park is one of the best places to spend a day on Cozumel. Although the most popular activity here is snorkeling, you can also swim with the dolphins, enjoy the sea wolf show, and stroll through the park's botanical gardens. Facilities include restaurants and bathrooms, souvenir shops, equipment rental, etc.
Punta Sur.
The Punta Sur Park Ecological Reserve is located at kilometer marker 27 on Cozumel's coastal highway. The park encloses a rich array of ecosystems and beautiful landscapes in it's over 1000 hectares (approximately 2500 acres) of lagoons, coastal wetlands, and mangrove forests. Besides the enormous biodiversity of plant and animal wildlife, the park also boasts some lovely white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear water, and numerous coral formations teaming with multicolored tropical fish and other marine species.
City and Shopping
One of the activities that also includes a touch of culture is a visit to El Embarcadero (or Boardwalk) to explore the wonderful, unique museum of Mexican Folk Art. Get a bird's eye view of Cancun from on top of the 230-foot tall Scenic Tower, then tour the market places and modern malls for some great shopping. If you plan on staying in one of the hotels on the Riviera Maya, you should really visit Playa del Carmen. 'Playa', as it's known by locals, was once a typical, small fishing village that has seen phenomenal growth over the last ten years but has still retained its laid-back, bohemian air. Its famous 5th Avenue is filled with tourists from all over the world shopping in quaint boutiques, eating at a huge variety of restaurants, or watching people go by from the sidewalk cafés. Whether to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, let Tropical Incentives customize a package to meet your needs. This is a great excursion for group spouses.
Parks.
If there's one thing the Mexican Caribbean has, it is eco-archaeological parks. These tours are a great way to immerse yourself in nature and interact with the sea, natural deep wells ('cenotes') and rivers. Most also include the ruins of fascinating ancient Mayan cities and have restaurants, bathrooms, showers, and special needs access and facilities.
Xcaret.
Meaning "small inlet" in the Mayan language, for over a thousand years was one of the most important ceremonial centers and ports on the extensive Mayan trade routes. Today, Xcaret is an incredible eco-archaeological park where you'll spend a wonderful day enjoying its underground rivers, beach, lagoon and inlet, artificial reef aquarium, museum, botanical gardens, archaeological zones, and the recently inaugurated "Paradise River" and "Paradise Bridge" (a unique exhibit of a Mexican Cemetery.)
Xel-Ha.
Explore one of nature's wonders. Snorkel in the clear blue water of a natural inlet filled with friendly, multicolored tropical fish. Ride a giant inner tube downriver on the gentle current as you float through the green mangroves towards the inlet and the sea. Xel - Ha has all the services and facilities for your comfort besides other optional activities, such as swimming with the dolphins or enjoying a relaxing massage. This is a great place to spend the day.
Aktun Chen.
Located about 63 miles from Cancun, Aktun Chen ("cave with a deep well inside") is a wonderful park with three large caves enclosing some beautiful cenotes. One of these caves has been fully illuminated to highlight the thousands of stalactites, stalagmites, and phantasmagorical sculptures formed over a period of five million years.
Spouse's Activities
We have designed a multitude of activities for spouses accompanying convention or group participants: cooking lessons, seminars on the Mayan culture, fashion shows of native dress, etc. Or if you'd like, your Tropical Incentives representative will be happy to help you create a special program for your groups' spouses. |
