Cozumel’s location near the eastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula positions the island as a haven for eco-adventures both above and beneath the sea. The destination is also home to several nature preserves as Cozumel Reefs National Park, Chankanaab Park and Lagoon and Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. Visitors to these preserves can enjoy the island’s native flora and fauna.

Travelers vacationing in Cozumel will find it relatively easy to connect with the Mexican island’s wild side thanks to a host of tours and attractions.

Landlubbers can explore the jungles of Cozumel with ATV and jeep tours to discover the island’s interiors. Or, saddle up for a horseback trip to connect with Mother Nature with Buena Vista Ranch. Guided trail rides provide the opportunity to ride through tropical terrain and to admire flora and it’s possible to see wildlife as iguanas, herons and other birdlife.

Those with interest in adventures below and above the sea will want to hitch a ride with Explora Tours for the Punta Sur Eco-Park Mayan Ruin and Snorkel adventure. Learn about Cozumel’s history and culture during a guided tour through Punta Sur Ecological Park while enjoying the tropical vistas. Visits to a Maya site, lighthouse and nautical museum, and jungle lagoon are included. Keep the eyes open as crocodiles and flamingos have been spotted. The trip ends with a trip to explore the underwater environment.

Thrill-seekers will be flying high with Fly High Adventures Zip Line Park, an eco-park attraction with a zip line. Take in views of the jungle on way side and ocean views on the other while gliding through the air, almost like a bird. Following the trip, take a short walk to the beach for a snorkeling trip.

The Great Maya Reef is the Western Hemisphere’s largest reef network so a vacation to Cozumel isn’t complete unless this underwater adventure is included in the itinerary. Enjoy first- class scuba diving and snorkeling at this amazing wonder.

An alternative to scuba is Snuba where visitors are almost transformed into underwater astronauts. They don an oxygen-supplying helmet (almost like the astronauts) so they can enjoy extended periods of time underwater and experience the reefs. Search for Nemo and other colorful fish under the sea. Try it out with SeaTrek at Chankanaab Park, an environmentally protected marine park.

Those who don’t want to get wet can join Atlantis Adventures for a submarine ride to see the fab reefs. The sub dives to 100 feet and explores the treasures of Chankanaab including the coral reef and a host of marine animals.

Eco-adventures are endless in Cozumel and with an average temperature of 80 degrees, it’s a great escape anytime of the year and especially a great place to retreat when winter calls.

Visit the Isla Cozumel website for additional eco-adventures and check out affordable Cozumel accommodations offered by Resort Rentals Intl.

Here’s an uplifting museum to visit when traveling to Cancun, The Tequila Herradura Sensory Museum located in the famed Cancun Hotel Area. The museum opened earlier this year at the Casa Herradura.

The Tequila Museum’s focus is to feature the history and legacy of Hacienda San José del Refugio in the town of Amatitán, located in the state of Jalisco, where tequila originated. The tradition of tequila will be promoted along with the quality and value of the Hacienda San José del Refugio products.

While swallowing the worm is not required, visitors will be able to smell and taste different tequilas and learn about the original and modern-day process of tequila making. They will also learn the history surrounding Agave (juice from this plant is used to make tequila), and the four types of Mexico’s signature drink.

Here’s a tequila fun fact to share with other adults: in order to be considered an authentic tequila, the liquor must contain at least 51 percent of Agave sugars. When 100 percent of the liquor’s sugars are from Agave, it is pure tequila and considered the best quality.

Thirsty for a tequila-based drink now? Check out this recipe by Food Network’s celebrity chef, Marcela Valladolid. She mixed up this delish cocktail during the SoBe Wine & Food Festival earlier this year.

Marcela’s Mango Margarita
1 part Hornitos Reposado Tequila
2 tablespoons DeKuyper Triple Sec
2 tablespoons Funkin Mango Puree
1 tablespoon Fresh Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Funkin Lime Juice
1 tsp Simple syrup

Shake all ingredients in an iced martini shaker and strain into margarita glass. Garnish with mango slices, if desired.

Easy, peasy, right? If you’d prefer to have your margaritas or other tequila beverages in Mexico, let Resort Rentals help you find the perfect and affordable accommodations in Cancun. We make it easy for you to save some dinero during your Mexican vacation.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited or perhaps you’re contemplating a vacation to Mexico, take note of new attractions and additions to amazing attractions in Riviera Maya, located on Mexico’s eastern Yucatan Peninsula.

Hidden Worlds – A vacation to Riviera Maya should include a visit to Hidden Worlds to capture bragging rights on the world’s first rollercoaster zip line called Avatar One. The course opened in April 2010 and zips through the jungle then plunges into the water providing an adventurous thrill not to be forgotten. Sound insane? You’ll have to be the judge. (www.hiddenworlds.com)

Aktun-Chen – National Geographic says this natural cave with cenote offers one of the top 10 best underground walks. It also offers a walk through a jungle where visitors can admire fauna and flora. The attraction now offers a zip line and hanging bridge where adventurers can get a bird’s-eye-view of the lush jungle. (www.aktunchen.com)

Coba Sunset – Gain some understanding of the local culture during a vacation to Riviera Maya with this tour offered by The Mayan Express. It begins in the afternoon and includes a guided visit of the archaeological site of Coba which can be done walking or by bicycle. The tour also stops at a Maya Ceramic Workshop, where experts teach visitors secrets of Mayan handcrafts and their ancient techniques to make their own pottery. Visitors are invited to dinner with regional dishes on the men which includes a sunset. The tour finishes with a theater show presented by actors of the Maya Community with live autochthonic music. This spectacle is done at the side of a natural cenote which makes it a unique experience. (www.themayanexpress.com)

Xcaret – Fairly new attractions at this eco-archaeological park include a swim with dolphins and their young program, an opportunity to swim with sharks, the Hacienda Henequenera and Mexican Folk Art Museum which celebrates the craftsmanship and creativity of Mexican artisans, and Capilla de la Virgen de Guadalupe, ideal for special events including weddings.

Xcaret, along with Xel-Ha, home to the largest natural aquarium in the world, were awarded as GEM (Great Experience for Members) and distinguished as “Must See” number one attraction in Mexico by AAA. (www.xcaret.com.mx)

Xplor – for fun above and beneath the earth’s surface, this is the park for you. Adventure park planning began about 65 million years ago in an underground world and visitors can paddle in a raft or swim through caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. For a breathtaking above the earth adventure, check out the zip lines for that flying over the jungle feeling. The All Inclusive Adventure entrance is prepared with everything needed for the best experience: life jacket, helmet, harness, raft and paddles to paddle; amphibious vehicle for two people, a buffet lunch, unlimited fresh water, lockers, hot chocolate at the exit of the rivers, and unlimited adventure. ( www.xplor.travel)

The beauty of vacationing in Riviera Maya is the abundance of activities and opportunity to do everything or to do nothing but reconnect and relax. Visit the Riviera Maya tourism site for additional things to do (www.rivieramaya.com) and let Resort Rentals find the perfect Riviera Maya to meet your vacation needs.

Image Source: Riviera Maya