Things to Do in Riviera Maya

For four days Riviera Maya again becomes the host of the best national and international Jazz performers of all time! The Riviera Maya 2009 Jazz Festival is a gathering of amazing and talented musicians in one of the most beautiful areas of the Riviera Maya. As is now the custom in Playa del Carmen, the most important Jazz Festival of the Mexican Southeast will take place from November 25th to 28th, 2009. What a fantastic opportunity to see Jazz superstars perform in paradise!

This year’s schedule will feature:

The Royal Band, Aguamala, Colin Hunter and Sacbe on November 25th
Na’rimbo, Juan Alzate, Mark Aanderud, and Enrique Nery on November 26th
Jim Beard, Spyro Gyra and Sergio Mendes on November 27th
Pat Martino, Al Jarreau, and Herbie Hancock on November 28th

And the best of all, entrance is free for all jazz lovers!

All concerts will take place at Mamita’s Beach starting at 7pm.

The United Mexican States President Mr Felipe Calderon gaves us the honor to come and inaugurate officially Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
Take a look at how it all went. Enjoy!

Gino Vannelli is the talented artist responsible for the hits “People Gotta Move”, “Crazy Life,” “Mama Coco,” “Powerful People”, “Lady”, and many more.

A classy, elegant and impassioned artist, Vannelli’s contemporary songs, inspired by R&B and Jazz, developed a significant cross- over audience. With his records climbing the charts, Vannelli toured as the opening act for Stevie Wonder, was the first white artist to appear on Soul Train, was nominated for a handful of Grammy Awards and soon headlined his own concerts at major venues in key US cities. In his native Canada, his talents were recognized with a plethora of Juno Awards.

Gino’s international recognition continues to grow as he continues to explore new boundaries of popular music. Whether he is performing with his jazz combo at venues across Europe or playing with his full band to throngs of enthusiastic fans in such diverse locales as Las Vegas, New Orleans, Indonesia, and South Africa, Gino Vannelli’s reputation as a high quality performer and brilliant music creator along with his engaging personality keep his career soaring to greater and greater heights.

On June 13th, 2009 Gino Vannelli will grace us with his presence at Mamita’s Beach Club during the Riviera Maya 2009 Jazz Festival, located in Playa del Carmen. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see this talented performer!

Located west of Tulum in the dense Quintana Roo jungle, Coba is a fascinating experience in archeological discovery. Coba is believed to be the largest ancient Mayan city, and features the second tallest pyramid of the Mayan world. Much of the Coba’s area that spans approximately 30 miles is currently under excavation. Tours here are primitive, yet offer the perk of watching archeologists at work. For more information, visit http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/areas/caribbean-coast/coba/guide.htm.   

Uxmal is one of the most well known of the Maya cities, and rated by many archaeologists as the finest. The name Uxmal means ‘thrice-built’ in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple over an existing one, and in this case five stages of construction have actually been found. Allow yourself at least half a day for a first visit. For more information, visit http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/areas/yucatan-and-campeche/uxmal/guide.htm.

Explore the natural and cultural history of Mexico at Xcaret Eco Park in Playa del Carmen. Xcaret offers a variety of exciting attractions and activities including archeological sites, underground river exploration, Mayan village, Caribbean aquarium, and a Swim with Dolphins programs. For more information, visit www.xcaret.com.

Hidden 30 miles south of Playa del Carmen, is a sanctuary of amazing biological wealth within Riviera Maya - Xel-Ha. Known for its rich underwater life and luscious jungle, Xel-Ha has an endless array of life, landmarks, and monuments to offer each with a fascinating story to tell. So whether on a bicycle through the jungle, jumping off cliffs into the limpid blue, making friends with dolphins, or walking through stingrays on the bottom of the sea – Xel-Ha offers an experience you will never forget.  For more information, visit www.xelha.com.

A variety of recreation outfitters offers exciting adventure tours that have guests zipping high above the Quintana Roo Mayan jungle canopy. Guests experience the thrill of being harnessed to a series of zip lines that traverse for more than two miles over a series of 24 platforms. The Mayan jungle canopy zip lines structure is the longest in Mexico. For more information, visit www.cancunvista.com.

With miles of coastline and white sand beaches, Riviera Maya presents limitless activities. From secluded, pristine beaches to rocky cliffs that end at the sea or tropical forests with palm trees that reach the shoreline, the beaches of Riviera Maya offer a diversity of activity and scenery. Ride a jet ski over the waves, paddle a sea kayak or try wind surfing and parasailing. The hotel can arrange activities, including waterskiing, wind surfing, deep sea and fly fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, regattas, and catamaran and yacht excursions.

Riviera Maya offers world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. The crystal clear Caribbean Sea thrives with vibrant marine life. Some of the best diving and snorkeling is located off the shores of Cozumel. Riviera Maya also offers the unique experience of diving in cenotes, or fresh-water underground caverns, which are very unique to Mexico. For more information, visit http://www.cancun-discounts.com/cancun-scuba-diving.htm.