Cancún lies on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula on a stunning stretch of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico along with Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel (the Mayan Riviera). The riviera is known for gorgeous white sand beaches and endless azure waters that sparkle all the way to the horizon. It’s a good spot for wildlife lovers with opportunities to swim with dolphins and stingrays and snorkel atop a delightfully colourful reef. If you want something a little more involved then go scuba diving in the world’s largest underwater museum, which has a remarkable collection of almost 500 sculptures. When you feel like straying away from the beach, you should head out to explore the region’s many ancient Mayan ruins, such as the magnificent Chichén Itzá – home to the fabulous stepped pyramid the Temple of Kukulcan – and the ruins of the walled city of Tulum.