Punta Tanchacté (Bahía Petempich)

The Riviera Maya region technically starts at Punta Tanchacté (pronounced tan-chak-te), also known as Bahía Petempich, with small hotels on long stretches of beach caressed by turquoise waters. Historically a fishing village, this area has recently been overtaken by Puerto Morelos' growth, and now there are new hotels and resorts here as well. Just 20 minutes south of Cancún, Punta Tanchacté is quieter than neighboring towns but still close to the action.