Quintana Roo

Dive in underground lagoons, visit lavish shopping malls and stay at swanky hotels in the resorts of the Mexican Caribbean.

With pristine beaches, crystal-clear water and lavish resorts, Quintana Roo is one of Mexico’s most iconic vacation destinations. Besides its bright Caribbean shores, the region is known for Maya ruins that shed light on indigenous peoples. Stay at one of the many hotels, take daytrips to the ruins and plunge into stunning cenotes, which are sinkholes filled with underground water.

Cancun has a long narrow strip of hotels surrounded by beaches. Browse modern shopping centers in the Hotel Zone, such as Kukulcan Plaza Shopping Mall, La Isla Shopping Village and Malecón Americas Shopping Mall.

Enjoy the hot summers with afternoons at Cancun’s unspoiled beaches, including Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas and Playa Delfines. Take a ferry from Playa Linda to the idyllic Isla Mujeres.

Further south along the coast is Puerto Morelos, with the vibrant Artisans Market, Ojo de Agua Beach. Get close to crocodiles, spider monkeys and exotic birds at Crococun Zoo.

Visit nearby Playa del Carmen for Chaak Tun Cenote and Chac Mool Cenote, where you can swim in caves. Sunbathe at the Canibal Royal Beach Club, Coco Beach and Playa del Carmen Main Beach.

Take the Playa del Carmen Ferry to the island of Cozumel, which is famous for its scuba diving. See colorful fish around Villa Blanca Reef, Palancar Reef and Paseo El Cedral Reef.

Back on the mainland, bring the kids to Xcaret Eco Theme Park and Xel-Ha Water Park, which offer cave diving, dolphin rides and other aquatic activities.

Continue south along the coast to reach Tulum to discover more sinkholes, such as Dos Ojos Cenote and Gran Cenote, and check out some of the cool restaurants and cafés the town is known for. Learn about Maya culture at the Tulum Maya Ruins.

Quintana Roo is on the northeastern tip of the promontory that juts out of Mexico’s eastern coast. Fly to Cancun International Airport and drive south to reach the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Cozumel also has an airport. Take buses to get around the state.

Fascinating culture and history complement the unspoiled resort beaches of Quintana Roo.