About Quintana Roo
The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is a beautiful resort area that evokes memories of spring breakers and partying in Cancun. However, the magical state has a great deal of culture and great food. Cancun is part of the popular vacation destination called the Mexican Caribbean on the country’s Yucatan Peninsula, is comprised of fourteen miles of pristine white beaches along Mayan archaeological wonders, beautiful waters, and world class vacation amenities. Due to Mayan rituals and temples being everywhere, the city is still referred to as the gateway to the Mayan World. Along the coastline to the south, particularly in Tulum, there are many relics of the Ancient Mayas that are interesting to see.
Things to do in Quintana Roo
There is more to Quintana Roo than just Cancun. If you plan to visit Cancun, though, you can expect the Cancun Hotel Zone to be characterized by all-inclusive resort hotels, world class dining establishments, and healthy nightlife. Here you will find not only English-speaking visitors from North America but also Europeans and Mexicans from other parts of the country that visit the popular destination. Other highlights of Cancun include the Interactive Aquarium of Cancun (small but modern aquarium which lets you get up close to aquatic life), Museo Maya de Cancun (largest structure built by the National Institute of Anthropology and History), Parque de las Palapas (a square in downtown Cancun), and MUSA Museo Subacuatico de Arte (underwater contemporary museum of art that was formed in the waters surrounding Cancun). Of course, visitors can also opt for taking it easy and laying on the beautiful beaches as well as scuba diving, golfing, jeep safari adventures. You can do this in so many parts of Quintana Roo, like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Punta Allen, Mahahual, and smaller cities with more of a local feel.
Day Trips from Quintana Roo
There are a variety of beautiful destinations in Quintana Roo. You can take day trips from one small beach town to the next. Isla Mujeres is a tiny Caribbean island which is only a 20 minute ferry ride away from Cancun. While on the island, visitors can tour the island via golf cart as well as swim with the baby turtles of the Caribbean. Playa del Carmen is a great place for swimming, dining, and walking along Mexico’s 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida). Tulum, is an ancient city (once an important Mayan city) which consists of breathtaking stone temples perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There is also a great beach nestled at the bottom of the cliff in Tulum.
Accommodations while in Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo has a large range of sleeping establishments ranging from gorgeous vacation rentals on secluded beaches to expensive all-inclusive resorts to room rentals in downtown Cancun. Visitors will find more establishments like hotels and vacation rentals closer to the hotel zone but there are a variety of options in Cancun as well. For a less touristy vibe, head to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mahahual, or Chetumal. These places make it easier to get a taste of local life if you are interested in experiencing the culture.
Transportation in Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo, especially in Cancun, is very easy to navigate. Visitors can opt for taking the bus, walking, taking taxis, or renting their own personal vehicle. The bus system is very extensive in Quintana Roo and there is a large network of buses. These buses do differ from those in the United States as they are cheap and don’t have air conditioning, so most visitors opt for walking around or taking taxis since they are very inexpensive.
