32 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 

E

scape the chill this winter 
and discover the signature 
paradise of the Mexican 
Caribbean. This stunning region 
boasts endless experiences to suit 
every type of traveler in 12 distinct 
destinations, from popular spots 
like Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera 
Maya, to hidden gems like Holbox, 
Bacalar and Playa Mujeres.
With powder-soft beaches, 
turquoise seas, verdant jungles and 
world-class resorts, the Mexican 
Caribbean is the perfect destination 
for a wide range of travel 
experiences, from solo wellness 

retreats to couples’ getaways, family 
vacations and more.
Here are the top five reasons to 
book a getaway in the Mexican 
Caribbean:

1. EASILY ACCESSIBLE 
TROPICAL WEATHER 
YEAR-ROUND
Get ready to shake off the cold in 
the Mexican Caribbean’s balmy 
tropical climate where average 
daily winter temperatures hover in 
the mid-80°s F and nights rarely 
dip below 60° F. Sunshine is just a 
short trip away, with direct flights 

available from more than 40 U.S. 
cities to international airports in 
Cancun, Tulum and Cozumel, most 
of which are five hours or less.

2. RICH CULTURAL 
EXPERIENCES
The foundation of the Mexican 
Caribbean’s culture centers around 
the ancient Mayan civilization and 
the magnificent archaeological sites 
that draw visitors from around the 
world. For an authentic experience 
off the beaten path, explore Maya 
Ka’an, located two and a half hours 
south of Cancun. This enchanting 

region showcases the enduring 
legacy of the Mayan people, with 
the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve 
— a UNESCO World Heritage 
Site — as its centerpiece. Here, 
visitors can engage with local 
artisans and discover lesser-known 
archaeological sites like Muyil, 
which is situated on the Sian Ka’an 
lagoon, a name meaning “Where 
the Sky is Born.” Once a key stop 
on a Mayan trade route, Muyil’s 
canals now offer visitors the 
opportunity to swim and float in 
natural lazy rivers.

3. ENDLESS ACTIVITIES 
Nature enthusiasts will love the 
variety of outdoor activities 
available in the Mexican Caribbean. 
With its diverse geography, 
visitors can explore jungles, nature 
reserves and protected marine 
environments, all while unplugging 
from daily stress. Swimming, 
snorkeling and diving in cenotes is 
one of the most unique experiences 
in the Mexican Caribbean. These 
limestone sinkholes dotting the 
landscape have crystal clear waters, 
regional fauna and more to explore. 
Ancient Mayans considered them to 
be the entrance to the underworld. 
In Puerto Morelos, the Cenotes 
Route boasts 60 cenotes over a 
span of 21 miles, accompanied by 
other adventure activities including 
mountain biking, ATVing, 
ziplining, rappelling, horseback 
riding, bird watching and more.

4. UNPARALLELED WELLNESS 
EXPERIENCES
The Mexican Caribbean is 
one of the world’s top wellness 
destinations, offering luxury spas, 
holistic mind-body practices and 
traditional healing rituals. For a 
truly restorative winter getaway, 
Tulum and Holbox offer distinctive 
experiences. Tulum is celebrated for 
its spiritual ambiance and laid-back 
atmosphere, offering a range of 

5 Reasons 
to Escape to the 
Mexican Caribbean 
This Winter

(BPT) 

BOOM | TRAVEL