It\\\'s a steep climb to the top of the Pyramid of Kukulkan, also called The Castillo or Castle, at Chichen Itza. (SUN/Diane Rinne)

Forty-five minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Cancun, on a highway that will eventually lead you to Belize, lies the flipside of the Yucatan Peninsula -- the Riviera Maya.

Playa Del Carmen is a popular destination for Canadians who enjoy a laid-back style. The town itself has about 60,000 people. You can wander the markets of Fifth Avenue (not like its New York namesake) to barter for goods such as the traditional Mayan dress (huipils) and hammocks, or you can wile away a week on the beach without too much difficulty.

Playa Del Carmen is also close to many must-see tourist attractions including:

XCARET: This privately owned park is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Yucatan, Mexico. Xcaret succeeds in preserving the past, educating the present and investing in the future of Mexico\'s tourist industry.

There is a fanatical dedication to preserving and perpetuating the natural flora and fauna, and education programs with school children and farmers are designed so everyone shares in the development.

If you go, make sure you take the underground river swim to the sea. It\'s an easy ride in the therapeutic mix of salt and freshwater, and park attendants lock up your valuables and transport them to the end of the run so they are there when you arrive.

Other must sees are the Mariposa (butterfly) farm, the vast array of orchids, domestic zeta (oyster) mushroom farms and the underground aquarium where you can actually touch sea creatures. You can swim with the dolphins, too.

A great day is capped by an evening show about Mayan Mexico complete with live traditional sports.

CHiCHEN ITZA: Two-and-a-half hours into the Yucatan jungle from the coast, one of the Mayan culture\'s most hallowed sites gives us a brief glimpse at the civilizations that imploded shortly before the imperial Spaniards arrived in the 1500s.

A virtual city site, the centre ground boasts the world famous main temple, the Pyramid of Kukulkan. A word of warning: If you are scared of heights or claustrophobic, resist the temptation to climb. The pitch and breadth of the stairs is nothing you are used to and it\'s a lot easier getting up than it is getting down. Still, the view atop is magnificent.

On site are a variety of archeological marvels including a quarry where sacrifices -- human included -- were done. The court where the traditional ball game was played and a commercial centre where trade between Mayans and other empires was established is also breathtaking.

It\'s worth seeing but a long, hot trip so bring water, comfy shoes, a hat and a pack. You will invariably be inundated with people selling their wares. Most tours stop for a meal at a local hotel where you can experience authentic Mayan hospitality.

TULUM: Tulum is a coastal Mayan ruin that was \"an all-inclusive resort for rich Mayans\" jokes our guide, Best Day\'s Luis Garcia. On the craggy cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea, you can see why Spanish conquistadors did not land here: The coral reef a few miles off shore is visible as waves break over it constantly.

A walled city that exemplified class differences, the interior of the city hosted 500, while thousands toiled outside the carefully crafted ramparts.

The difference between high and low tide here is less than 20 cm. After seeing the sites and learning of the mathematical accuracy of the Mayans, you can soak up the sun on a pristine beach and reflect upon the fact that 500 years ago, this civilization had the heavens pretty well figured out to the second without the aid of computers. It\'s a journey through, the human spirit of accomplishment.

XEL HA: This natural park is great for the whole family. There is plenty to do and see, mostly in and around the pristine coastal waters.

After renting snorkelling gear and a locker, you can swim in crystal-clear water with millions of fish of various shapes, colours and sizes -- parrotfish, sergeant majors, wrasses, even the odd stingray or barracuda. The finned ones are used to humans and go about their business as you lounge in their midst.

Also a must see is the Path of Consciousness, a 45-minute stroll around the park. You\'ll find some secluded pools in which to swim and wild jungle all around.

When swimming here and at Xcaret remember that most commercial sunscreen is not allowed. The chemicals are not nature-friendly. Use biodegradable sunscreen or wear a shirt while in the water.

PACKAGES: Air Canada Vacations offers many all-inclusive packages in the Playa del Carmen area, including:

Xpu-Ha Palace, a wilderness park with villas sprawled across the property offers every type of leisure activity without having to leave the property. From wildlife to snorkelling, this is a great place for families with teens.

Barcelo Maya Beach Resort is a beautiful property, reasonably priced and popular with Canadians.

Akumal Beach Resort offers a European flavour, a relaxed beachfront atmosphere and good value.

Copacabana Riviera Maya is set on a long strip of land that culminates with a great beach with bar, restaurant and pearl-white sand. Great value, but not for seniors, generally.

Gran Porto Real is another in the Real family that offers good value. It\'s close to the shopping district of Playa Del Carmen, but with a private beach and amenities of an all-inclusive.
MORE INFO: Visit www.aircanadavacations.com.