Page 48 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – November 2019

St Thomas,USVI
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than two hours from the port, these ruins are known for the Temple of the Masks. Built in approximately 500 A.D., this pyramidlike structure features stucco masks portraying the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau.
Just a short journey up the coast from Costa Maya and across the strait from Playa del Carmen is the island and municipality of Cozumel. Here you will find San Gervasio, a Mayan archaeological site. With some ruins dating back more than 1,000 years, the area was thought to be abandoned by the 17th century. You can continue your history lesson at Discover Mexico Park, with its museum showcasing a variety of Mexican art, both historical and regional, and gardens with dioramas of Mexico’s landmarks and pyramids.
Other excursion options include the Tulum ruins and Xcaret Park, a self-described eco-archaeological theme park with natural, historical and cultural attractions. You also could go river tubing at Xel-Ha Park, zip line at Xplor Park, or snorkel in some of Playa del Carmen’s cenotes, natural wells cut out of fragile limestone.
THE UNSPOILED VIRGIN ISLANDS
The U.S. Virgin Islands, located in the vast crescent chain of the Eastern Caribbean, are made up of many small cays and islets, but it is St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix that are most often visited.
St. Thomas boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, and visitors can enjoy stunning views from 1,500 feet above sea level. Charlotte Amalie, the island capital, bustles with activity, with duty-free shoppers looking for bargains and dining opportunities. The U.S. Virgin Islands have some of the most famous white-sand beaches in the West Indies, so naturally, Magens Bay is a perfect escape for beach lovers.
Southwest of St. Thomas is the charming Danish- influenced island of St. Croix. The historic towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted offer quaint shops, lovely pastel buildings and refreshing cultural diversity. Pristine St. John has been referred to as “the Virgin Islands’ most virgin” isle as two-thirds of the island is a national park. Romantic and quiet, there are few distractions from its natural allure, and the laid-back pace is perfect for enjoying the island’s world-renowned beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Salt Pond Bay.
Northeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands lie the 50-plus British Virgin Islands, 16 of which are inhabited. Because these islands are somewhat remote, one can still find an empty beach, undiscovered reef and bountiful fishing.
Tortola, the hub of the BVI, has mountain peaks covered with tropical green plant life dotted with wildflowers of every striking color. Virgin Gorda, the second most popular island in the BVI, is famous for the Baths, a massive tumble of boulders and amazing caves, which provide an exceptional place to swim and snorkel.
While your decision might be harder to make now on which portion of the Caribbean to visit, you will be on vacation, and that was the right decision.
46 | AAA MAGAZINE
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The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Spenser Barnes is a freelance writer based in California.
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