Experiencia
EXPERIENCING
THE RIVIERA MAYA
The Maroma Guide to Exploring
Our Piece of the Yucatan
Helpful hints and insights into one of the most
remarkable regions of coastal Mexico
Maroma Resort and Spa is a seven-year old gem nestled
at the edge of the most spectacular beach of the Mexican
Caribbean on the historical Yucatan Peninsula. Just a
30-minute drive from Cancún International Airport,
yet light years away from the clamor of civilization.
Maroma was built by hand in the tradition of the
Mexican haciendas, with love and ecological conscience
on a 500-acre tract of virgin jungle teeming with exotic
birds, plants and animals. At Maroma, one feels like a
privileged guest in a luxurious private home, pampered
with the warmest of personal service, welcoming Mayan
hospitality and privacy as desired.
The unspoiled beach, lush jungle and cultural richness
lure sophisticated travelers from all over the world.
Recognized by celebrated authors, publications and travel
experts worldwide, the area also boasts a number of
renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
So come, explore …
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The Maya
Within the deep jungles of Mexico await many mysterious temples and pyramids of
the Maya. Existing as early as 1500 B.C., the Mayan culture did not consist of a single empire, but rather was a collection of independent city-states stretching across
the peninsula. While Europe was still in the Dark Ages, these amazing people had
already developed astronomy, calendrical systems and hieroglyphic writing, as well as a tiered
government ruled by nobles and kings. They constructed vast cities with extensive trading zones
across a huge jungle landscape of over 400,000 square kilometers, with an amazing degree of
architectural perfection and variety — all without any metal tools, wheels, or beasts of burden.
The historical development of the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization is divided into three
broad periods:
THE PRE-CLASSIC 1800-900 B.C. Distinguishing features of the Maya culture took shape; agriculture became the basis of economy, the first villages and ceremonial centers were built and various
cultural activities evolved around religion.
THE CLASSIC A.D. 250-600 In this time period, all fields thrived. Important events in history
were recorded. Great strides were made in agriculture, technology and trade. Political, social, priestly
and military hierarchies were consolidated. And Ceremonial centers and cities were built where science
and arts flourished. Around the 9th century, culture collapsed, perhaps because of an economic, and
consequently socio-political crisis. Political and cultural activities came to an end in the great classic
cities in the Central area.
THE POST-CLASSIC A.D. 900-1500 The Northern and Southern areas experienced a cultural
revival under the influence of groups arriving from the Central Plateau. The Northern area boasted
the imposing site of Chichén Itzá with its remarkable Toltec-influenced works of art; the city of
Mayapan was founded, which seems to have politically dominated all the other centers in the region.
In 1441 war destroyed Mayapan; the main cities on the Yucatan Peninsula were abandoned and new
urban centers arose. Practical and military interests overtook religious, intellectual and artistic creation; many cultural features were secularized and Maya history started on a new course, as war and
trade became the predominant activities.
Reference is often made to the disappearance of the Maya, but this is a mistake: what really disappeared
was the freedom and the imposing culture created in pre-Hispanic times. Today, Mayas with their everyday
customs and most of their religious beliefs still intact, keep to their original regions, upholding their ancestors’
concept of life and the world. Their legacy lives on in the seven million descendants of the classic Maya
civilization and the highly decorated, ceremonial architecture that still stands.
We invite you to discover this amazing land. With map in hand and a nutritious picnic lunch prepared by
the chefs of Maroma, casual, self directed exploration is the most exciting way to experience our country. Or,
the hospitality staff can arrange for a personal tour guide, as well as provide advice on the best things to see
and do. Should you prefer to speak with one of our staff prior to your journey, please call extension 145.
Our best wishes for a most remarkable journey. ¡Andalè!
Ancient Sites and
Archaeological Zones to Explore
TULUM
One hour south of Maroma, the former “City of Dawn” faces the
rising sun and offers commanding views of the Caribbean. The
walled city includes the ruins of a castle that sits on a promontory high above the sea. Nestled at the foot of the cliffs is a tiny
cove whose snow-white sand served as a landing point for trading canoes. Today, it affords weary explorers an opportunity to
take a refreshing swim, or to enjoy a seaside picnic.
CHICHÉN ITZA
Already a center of note when the great classic cities of the
south were at their height, the city reached its legendary apex
when the great Itza Maya took it over in the 10th century, making it the center of a unified Yucatan.
Tulum
EL REY
El Rey is the most accessible ancient Mayan site in/near the city
of Cancún. The structures include 16 buildings, two plazas and
two ceremonial walkways, all overlooking the Nichupté Lagoon.
Inside structure 3B, one can see murals and a niche which contained a deep relief carving of a figure referred to as The King—
El Rey.
EL MECO
Also in the Cancún area, El Meco is located north of downtown
near the ferry dock at Punta Sam. The civic-religious center has
14 structures, the tallest of which offers an excellent view of
Chacmochchuc Lagoon and the Caribbean.
Chichén Itzá
The Caracol (snail) Observatory is testimony to the amazing early
comprehension of astronomy. The Castillo, or Kukulcan Pyramid
may be one of the most recognized structures, with its interior staircase of 66 steps leading up to a small chamber showcasing dramatic
statues of Chaq (the rain god) and Chaq Mool (the jaguar).
(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
COBA
The oldest and at one time largest city in the Yucatan is located
inland surrounded by the dense jungle. Cobá boasts the tallest
pyramid of the Mexican Mayan world, Pyramid Nohich Mul.
Standing 42 meters high with 120 steps, the pyramid possesses
a spectacular view and is well worth the climb. This site also
includes a well-restored ball court, and dozens of stelae (stone
carvings) that have been well preserved. A two-hour tour covers several of the most impressive stone structures that soar so
high they seem heaven bound.
Cobá
Amazing Natural Wonders
SIAN KA’AN
(Natural World Heritage Site)
5th Century Maya named this incredible protected biosphere
reserve “Where the Sky is Born.” Covering over a third of a million acres of land, it is located in Southern Quintana Roo. A
wide variety of wetlands, tropical forests, savannas, mangrove
forests, coastal dunes, reef lagoons and coral reef, comprise this
home to over 360 species of animals, including birds, jaguars,
pumas, ocelots, margays, jaguarundi, monkeys, crocodiles and
more. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
BANCO CHINCHORRO
Located to the south of Sian Ka’an, Banco Chinchorro is the
largest atoll in Mexico, covering an area of close to 500 square
miles, mostly taken up by the lagoon of crystal clear water at its
center. As part of the second longest coral reef system in the
world, it is a diver’s paradise, showcasing multitudes of coral,
tropical fish and shipwrecks.
CENOTES
Ancient Mayans called these steep-walled natural springs leading
to vast subterranean chambers “dznot” which was mispronounced
“cenote” by Spanish conquistadors. The Mayans regarded
cenotes as sacred and believed they were magical windows to
the underworld. Apart from providing a stable source of fresh
water, some cenotes were specifically used by the Mayans for
human sacrifices to Chaq, their rain god. There are several of
the best cenotes located within a short drive from Maroma,
where you can enjoy a truly unique swimming experience.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Named after Alfredo Barera, this beautiful spot is minutes from
Puerto Morelos and features many different exotic species of
plants and flowers displayed in the natural surroundings of the
tropical jungle and rainforest.
Xel-Ha
XAMAN-HA
Carved from a beautiful piece of the jungle with limestone outcroppings and caves, this aviary offers a wondrous display of
exotic native birds in their natural habitats. Flamingos, red
guacamayas, toucans, ibis, green parrots, oscillated turkeys,
pelicans, chachalacas and many vocal songbirds populate the
area and all are free to come and go at their will.
XEL-HA
Mayan for “Where the water comes in” Xel-Ha functioned as a
port and trading station from 250–1500 a.d. It is basically a network of coastal channels and lagoons, and locals claim it is the
greatest natural aquarium in the world. Visitors can enjoy one
of the most breathtaking snorkeling experiences available,
encountering an unlimited variety of tropical fish in one of the
crystal clear lagoons.
X-CARET
X-Caret is a Nature and Mexican Culture theme park offering
many diversions. X-Caret by Night is a worthwhile venture. It
includes a walk through a recreated Mayan village, a full scale
model of the famous Mayan ball game—Pelotas des Juegos—
and a wonderful folkloric ballet with beautiful costumes.
AKTUN CHEN
Aktun comprises spectacular underground caverns and a
cenote, which until recently were only known to the local chicle
tree workers who used the caves for shelter in bad weather.
Now visitors can take a one-hour guided walking tour, featuring
incredible stalactites and stalagmites, and wind up at an amazingly
beautiful deep green cenote, which is 12 meters deep.
DOLPHIN DISCOVERY
Sian Ka’an
Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures. Prefaced by an orientation/introduction on
land, participants will then have delightful in-water contact with
the dolphins and their playful antics for about 30 minutes.
Interesting Towns and Cities to Visit
PUERTO MORELOS
This quiet fishing town is one of the oldest settlements on the
coast, known best for low-key seafood restaurants and
uncrowded beaches, The town square is lined with various craft
shops and sports a small-scale fair on Sundays. Slightly to the
south of the square is a string of craftsmen selling everything
from huipiles (brightly embroidered dresses) to ebony and
silver jewelry. Bargaining is expected and there are many good
buys to be had.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Also settled by fisherman, this town is a lively community with
perfect beaches, offshore reefs and a bohemian ambience.
Quinta Avenida is the center of town with pedestrian-only traffic
for much of its length. A colorful enclave of restaurants, cafes,
dive shops, unique boutiques, and craft shops, it is the heart of
the area’s nightlife and the center of business and social dealings.
MÉRIDA
Mérida is the capital of Yucatan, founded in 1542 by Francisco
Montejo, conqueror of the peninsula. Known as the White City,
much of the architecture remains, including the oldest Cathedral
in the Americas, Casa Montejo and the Tercera Orden, La
Mejorada and Las Monjas churches. City Hall and the
Government House date from the late 19th century. Local residents still wear the typical huipiles (dresses) and guayaberas (light,
button-down jackets).
PUNTA LAGUNA
This small, traditional Mayan community (complete with thatched
huts) is located near Cobá along the Nuevo Xcan-Cobá road. The
eponymous lake, for which the town is named, is a short drive from
the road and offers visitors the opportunity to take guided boat
tours. Dawn or dusk is the best time to spot spider and howler
monkeys, deer, peccary, margay, jaguarundi and ocelots, along
with lake inhabitants such as turtles and crocodiles. There are also
some small ruins in the area.
PAC CHEN
A small community, Pac Chen still adheres to the traditional Mayan
way of life. Pedro Poot who harvested gum from the surrounding
jungle originally developed the village. Don Pedro loved the
beautiful lagoons and cenotes here in the middle of the jungle,
and decided to move to the location with his family and brothers.
Don Pedro still lives in the village, and is 85 years old.
VALLADOLID
Built by the Spanish conquerors in 1543, this city became the
colonial capital of eastern Yucatan, a center of power that was
then sacked by Maya insurgents at the start of the Caste War.
Today the city looks every bit the colonial capital it once was,
with the beautiful Cathedral, San Bernadino Church and
Convent of the Sisal still intact.
UXMAL
A late classic, this Puuc-style city with superb architecture, lies
about 78 miles south of Mérida. Principal structures include the
rare, oval-shaped Sorcerer’s Pyramid, the Nun’s Quadrangle and
the Governor’s Palace and feature unique finely curved facades
and magnificent stucco. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
CHETUMALVALLEY OF THE MASKS
About 150km south of Maroma is Chetumal, the capital of
Quintana Roo and home to the Museum of Mayan Culture.
Nearby, one can explore the recently opened sites of Dzibanche
and Kohunlich. Dzibanche is renowned for the Majestic temples
and symbols engraved in wood at the Temple of the Owl. Wild
palm trees surround Kohunlich, another beautiful archaeological
site, exerting a magical, attractive power that is hard to resist.
PALENQUE
In the rainforest of Chiapas, Palenque sits in a shelf sculpted into
the mountain by a precipice, facing a vast unbroken stretch of
savanna and swampland stretching north to the Gulf of Mexico.
It rose to prominence in the seventh century, under the clubfooted King Pakal. His 68 glorious years of rule are celebrated
in the Temple of Inscriptions, which also doubled as his tomb.
This was the first crypt found in Mayan pyramids, hinting at a
link between Mayan and Egyptian culture. Only 34 of the 500
main buildings have been excavated thus far, but the fluid,
graceful sculptures that are visible capture the vibrant cultural
life of Palenque, depicting dancing, esoteric ceremonies, war
preparation and sacrifices, and pomp and pageantry of the royals. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
TIKAL
The Maya metropolis of Tikal was once one of the greatest cities
in the world. Strategically located in the lowlands of Guatemala,
it boasted over 100,000 inhabitants at its peak around AD 750.
Three generations of the ruling lords of the great Jaguar clan —
Hasaw Chan K’awil, Yik’in Chan K’awil, and Yax Ain — built the
Great Temples that reflect its character and individuality. Some
of these temples served as mortuaries, and their contents give
us a glimpse of the richness of life as a lord of Tikal. (UNESCO
World Heritage Site)
Exotic Caribbean Coast Island Day Trips
ISLA MUJERES
COZUMEL
This island dates to the early 16th century when Franciscan
Hernandez de Cordoba and the Spanish Conquistadors
anchored off the island and reported the presence of feminine
idols at a shrine. The Playa Cocos features powdery white sand,
shallow calm waters and spectacular sunset views. Today, there
is also the Turtle Farm, dolphin enclosure, El Garrafon Park, an
old hacienda (a former pirate’s retreat) and a picturesque lighthouse at the southern tip of the island.
The largest island in Mexico offers a wealth of touristic diversions.
The usual array of beach/water activities is available plus extensive diving and snorkeling options. Visitors can also explore
archaeological sites. The most restored is San Gervasio in the
north central part of the island and dates back to 100 B.C. Years
later it became the favorite haunt of divers following in the footsteps of Jacques Cousteau, who filmed one of his many documentaries here. The site was declared an Underwater Nature
Reserve in 1972.
CONTOY ISLAND
BIRD SANCTUARY
This all day excursion takes you by boat to Contoy Island.
Designated as a national wildlife reserve it is the home of more
than 100 species of migrant and resident birds including a magnificent display of Pink Flamingos.
HOLBOX
The northernmost island of Quintana Roo, Holbox is populated
by fisherman and offers a tranquil refuge for nature lovers. The
village is rustic and friendly, with sandy streets, palm-thatched
huts, and several small seafood restaurants.
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Day trips can also be arranged to Cuba, to see history-laden Havana,
or San Pedro, Belize where one can enjoy more fishing,
diving, rainforest exploration and Mayan ruins.
Dolphin Discovery
Museums of Special Interest
CEDAM MUSEUM
Visit this quaint museum in Puerto Aventuras, which houses
artifacts from the Mantanceros, a Spanish merchant ship that
sunk off the coast in 1741.
MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
This is a recently opened Museum in Cancún which displays
typical native costumes and wonderful examples of arts and
crafts from all over Mexico.
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Maroma has an extensive itinerary of diversions
for those who need to be on the move.
Indigenous
Folk Arts
Endless Other Diversions
SNORKELING
ART
On the reef just off the beach, discover a tropical hued world
full of colorful fish and many varieties of living coral. There is
also a snorkeling trip to Tres Rios, where following a short bike
ride to a cenote, you don a lifebelt and float down a freshwater
river back to the ocean.
Learn how to create beautiful works of stained glass from the
resident artist Eddie Corralez, whose work decorates much of
the property. Or just commission a piece of your own design
and it may even be completed before your departure.
SCUBA
Exploring all the mysteries and beauty of the world’s second
largest reef, divers can partake of open-water, cave/cenote
dives, or night dives with our PADI certified dive master. PADI
certification is also available.
SAILING
If above-water activity is of more interest, there are Hobie-cats,
kayaks, windsurfing and kite boarding. Or go for a cruise at sunset on the lovely 27-foot Maroma catamaran, where sea turtles,
dolphins and rainbows may provide amazing entertainment.
SPA
Maroma offers a full menu of different spa treatments available
in the salon, your room or in the lovely tented palapas on the
beach. Everyone should try the Temazcal at least once during
his or her visit. Based upon an ancient Mayan ritual, this is a
therapeutic steam treatment inside a replica of an authentic
Mayan pyramid, complete with mystical chanting and ritual
cleansing tea.
WELLNESS CENTER
Featuring state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, the 560
square foot center includes two treadmills, a computerized stationary bike, multiple spinning bikes, a step machine/elliptical
runner, cable, lat and leg extension machines and free weights.
Yoga, spinning classes and personal trainers, and a Spa Café
assure total fitness while at Maroma.
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Other activities off-site can be arranged
through Maroma Hospitality.
DEEP SEA FISHING
The Yucatan Channel, which runs just offshore of Maroma, is
renowned as a paradise for sport fishing enthusiasts. Marlin,
sailfish, tuna, dorado, wahoo and barracuda abound in these
extremely deep and rich waters.
Sailing off Maroma’s beach
HORSEBACK RIDING
Enjoy an exciting journey riding through the jungle, mangroves,
by lakes and private beaches, and even go swimming with
your horse! Or take a horse-drawn carriage ride and just relish
the view.
ECO-JUNGLE TOUR
Venture into the mangroves and then the jungle, where wild
orchids cavort amidst huge termite nests, which later become
homes to baby green parrots. And along the way you may meet
local Mayans who might offer you a fresh corn tortilla off the
fire, weave you a hammock, or create a beautiful huipileinspired garment for you to take home as a memento.
GOLF
Nearby Playacar offers an 18-hole golf course designed by
Robert Von Hagge that is carved out of the jungle. It includes
cenotes in addition to the usual water hazards, and is considered
one of the most challenging courses in the state, if not the world.
Other golf options are just a short drive away.
SKY DIVING
Playa del Carmen offers almost every sport activity one can
imagine, including the opportunity to experience human flight!
CANCUN TOURS/SHOPPING
Cancún certainly offers all that a resort-based city can provide
with a wide range of shopping, dining and beach-related activities.
If you need a dose of mass civilization, it’s under an hour away.
Map of the Yucatan Peninsula
See
detail
below
Additional Sources of Information
The Mayas 3000 Years of Civilization—Mercedes de la Garza
(EB Bonechi)
Yucatan Before and After the Conquest—Friar Diego de
Landa (translated by William Gates) (Ediciones Alducin)
The Maya—Michael D. Coe (Thames & Hudson)
Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer—Rosita
Arvigo (Harper San Francisco)
http://www.civilization.ca/civil/maya/mmc10eng.html
http://www.civilization.ca/civil/maya/mminteng.html
http://www.rivieramaya.com
http://www.mayan-world.com/people.htm
http://www.crystalinks.com/mayanhistory.html
http://www.mysteriousplaces.com
http://www.concentric.net/~yohon/maya.html
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7830/palenque.htm
Top 10 Latin/Atlantic Hotels, Top 100 Best in the World - Conde Nast Traveler, 2002
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Highway 307 Kilometer 51, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710
Tel (011) 52 998 87 28200
www.orient-express.com
Top 20 International Resort Hideaways - Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, 2002
The Best Beach of The World, The Best Caribbean Resort - The Travel Channel, 2002
Hideaway of the Year - Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, 1997 and 2000