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intervalworld.com
INTERVAL WORLD
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Issue 2, 2018
47
The shimmering Caribbean Sea gently laps iviera Maya’s Tulum coastline.
My husband, Benjamin, and I
have always chased Mexico —
from the windswept dunes of
Baja to the blue agave fields
of Tequila. We make it a prior-
ity to head south at least once
a year, crossing the border for a
dose of culture and customs far
removed from our own.
Our latest quest takes us to RivieraMaya,
the Caribbean coastline that stretches 100
miles south of boisterous Cancún, to Punta
Allen in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Our route launches from Bahía Petempich,
where the party atmosphere fades and tran-
quility begins.
From here, we follow the course along
Carretera 307, the main thoroughfare that
cuts all the way to the border of Belize. With
a map and a plan, we wonder when we’ll
catch a glimpse of the pristine beaches
we have heard so much about. As we
head east — past dirt roads and thick
mangroves — it’s not long until we reach
powdery white sands, turquoise waters,
and bottle-green lagoons. Vibrant marine
life darts beneath the surface, bridged by
an underground network of rivers, caves,
and freshwater sinkholes known as
ceno-
tes
. Tucked into the jungle landscapes are
Mayan ruins dating to around A.D. 500.
We have been on the ground less than
24 hours, and already, Riviera Maya is hum-
ming our tune.
PUERTO MORELOS AND THE MESOAMERICAN REEF
At the gateway to Riviera Maya is Puerto Morelos, a quaint fishing town where the sea-
food and margaritas are sensational. Despite its proximity to Cancún, this salty seaside
pueblo has retained its authenticity and lure, drawing expat artists and poets who have
fallen in love with its slower pace.
Just past a mangrove shrubland lies the town square, etched by restaurants, cafes,
and fisherman’s shacks beckoning the next tourist out to sea. Near the infamous
faro inclinado
, or leaning lighthouse, is the town’s true treasure, the Mesoamerican Reef.
Located 1,800 feet offshore, this protected national park is home to a thriving 600-mile-
long barrier reef — the second longest after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia — and
neighboring mangrove, with nearly 40 species of birds.
We snorkel by day and dine by night, sinking our toes into the sand and eating whole
fried fish with our hands. We have our pick from hole-in-the-wall taco shops to finer
restaurants like La Sirena and John Gray’s Kitchen.
MEXICO LINDO COOKING
Just across from Puerto Morelos, Mexico Lindo Cooking school brings traditional reci-
pes to the table with one of the best culinary experiences on the coast. Run by Alejandra
Kauachi and Tomas Medina, these master chefs proudly share Mexico’s rich gastronomy
and family recipes handed down from generations.
Their kitchen secrets are revealed through classes, workshops, and chef’s-table
dinners. They even host immersive tours where you can explore markets and catch your own
soon-to-be ceviche. Whether you choose to work for your food or not, you’ll still get to partake
of gourmet dishes in a jungle setting. Come hungry and pace yourself for salsas, tamales,
pozole
(stew), tortillas, and
mucho más
.
BONANZA RANCH
If you’ve ever dreamed of galloping along the beaches of Mexico, Bonanza Ranch on
Rosarito Beach is the place to go. Saddle up for a tour through the Mayan jungle to take
a dip in two cenotes and sample bubble gum in a
zapote
(sapodilla) orchard.
MISCELLANEOUSTOCK/Alamy Stock Photo