Prime Issues to Do in Riviera Maya & Greatest Locations to Go to

A Riviera Maya trip is a lot greater than attractive white sand seashores and margaritas! There are various enjoyable issues to do in Riviera Maya and locations to go to.

Riviera Maya is a coastal vacation spot in Mexico the place vacationers will discover white sandy seashores and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is usually certainly one of our favourite locations on the planet. We beforehand lived right here and now go to yearly for a month.

Tens of millions of vacationers come to the Mayan Riviera yearly to calm down on seashores, repel into caves, swim in cenotes, hike by way of lush jungles or take a buggy tour, scuba dive amongst improbable coral reefs, and be taught extra concerning the Mayans by exploring their historic civilizations and Ruins.

You’ll be able to get pleasure from world-renowned Mexican delicacies at many native eating places within the vibrant cities situated alongside the jap coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

If you’re searching for a steadiness of historic websites, pure wonders, and trendy facilities reminiscent of superb eating, then Riviera Maya is the proper vacation spot to get pleasure from a tropical paradise.

We’ve traveled to Mexico over 40 instances up to now 15+ years and lived in Playa del Carmen; listed below are a few of our favourite issues to do in Riviera Maya and the most effective locations to go to.

Greatest Issues to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico

1. Discover the Seashores

House to a number of the finest seashores within the Caribbean, they’re the proper place to get pleasure from swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoyable with the coastal surroundings. Some Riviera Maya seaside cities it would be best to go to embrace Tulum, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen.

2. Go to Mayan Ruins

The creation of the Riviera Maya is deeply rooted in historic Mayan historical past and, due to this fact, is residence to many necessary ruins and distinctive archaeological websites to go to.

Some websites it would be best to discover embrace the temples, pyramids, and buildings of Tulum that overlook the Caribbean Sea, the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio in Cozumel, the tallest pyramid Nohoch Mul in Coba, or lastly, the Acropolis pyramid in Ek Balam.

Some of the well-liked websites tour Chichen Itza, which is a brief day journey tour from the Riviera Maya. We expect Chichen Itza is probably the most spectacular ruins and a should go to, make a day journey out of it and add a couple of close by cenotes.

3. Swimming in Cenotes

There are over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico! These pure sinkholes have contemporary water, good for diving, swimming, and snorkeling. Some of the epic issues to do is soar right into a cenote.

There are a ton of cenotes across the Tulum and Valladolid areas. You’ll be able to simply add in a couple of cenote stops when visiting Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, or Chichen Itza. A couple of of our favourite cenotes are Cenote Suytun, Cenote Calavera, Casa Cenote, and Cenote Ik Kil (pictured above).

If you’re an authorized diver, a bucket checklist dive ought to embrace diving in a cenote. Most dive outlets in Tulum and Playa del Carmen provide cenote diving with two tanks and go to two cenotes. Adam is open-water dive licensed and loves cenote diving; it’s means totally different than some other dive.

Listed below are a couple of of his favourite cenote dives: El Pit, Cenote Angelita, and Carwash.

For those who go to throughout the correct time of yr, you’ll be able to go swimming with whale sharks or diving with the bull sharks. We have now at all times liked going to Akumal and swimming with the ocean turtles.

5. Go to Xcaret Eco-Parks

There are many distinctive eco-parks that permit guests to discover pure landscapes, work together with wildlife, and expertise cultural experiences by way of a wide range of out of doors actions reminiscent of climbing and snorkeling.

Some eco-parks you don’t need to miss embrace Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Xplo Ecoparks, which train vacationers about Mexico’s numerous ecosystems by way of sustainable tourism practices.

• Xcaret: Actions embrace snorkeling, swimming in cenotes (underground rivers), Mayan ruins, and conventional Mexican performances.
• Xel-Ha: This can be a pure aquatic park that gives snorkeling in an inlet, cliff leaping, and swimming in cenotes and lagoons whereas being surrounded by a lush jungle.
• Xplor: That is the proper place for many who like journey tourism, as they’ll expertise ziplining, discover historic caverns, or take a guided tour by way of the Mexican Jungle.

6. Eat Tacos

For those who had been to ask me what my final meal can be, it will be the above! Al Pastor tacos with cilantro & onions, chorizo taco, queso fundito con chorizo, chips & guacamole, and a margarita on the rocks from El Fogon.

No matter you do, make certain to go to native taco eating places and taco vehicles/carts. You already know you’re in the correct spot if there’s a lengthy line of locals. Don’t count on white linens; probably, will probably be plastic chairs and plastic forks.

Tipping is a standard apply in Mexico. We’ve put collectively a tipping in Mexico information to assist clarify who to tip and prompt tip quantities.

For those who’ve by no means been to a number of the well-known Mayan ruins, it is best to think about a cenote tour that mixes Coba Ruins, Tulum Ruins, or Chichen Itza.

Riviera Maya FAQ

The place is the Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya is a 120km (75 miles) well-liked vacationer vacation spot situated on the jap coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

The Mayan Riviera stretches from simply south of Cancún to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Main cities and cities within the Riviera Maya embrace Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Akumal.

What to put on in Mexico?

If you’re not sure what to pack, learn our Riviera Maya packing checklist. Right here, I cowl what to pack primarily based on the season, actions, and the place you’re staying within the Riviera Maya.

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When is the Greatest Time to Go to?

The perfect time to go to the Riviera Maya is between the months of December and March, when it’s the dry season, so the climate is heat, with low humidity and little to no rainfall.

The dry season brings heat, sunny climate with common temperatures of mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius), which is right for out of doors actions however not too scorching to get pleasure from.

Nevertheless, if you wish to snorkel and see whale sharks, it would be best to go to between Might and September after they migrate by way of the realm.

Sadly, the most effective time of yr can also be the height vacationer season for Caribbean journey, so resorts, eating places, and points of interest are sometimes very crowded and may be very costly presently of yr. For those who can journey throughout shoulder season (barely earlier than/after) peak season, you’ll discover extra budget-friendly lodging.

What’s the Largest Airport in Riviera Maya?

Most vacationers to the Riviera Maya fly into the key airport in Cancun, Mexico. Cancun is the key residential space, the place the Mayan Riviera to the south is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.

Friends both take a shared or non-public switch from the airport to their resort or hire a automotive in Cancun to begin their journey. We even have used and advocate this firm for airport transfers. If you’re on a funds, the ADO bus leaves from the airport and stops at a lot of the finest locations within the Riviera Maya; see how-to guides under for extra particulars.

The Tulum Worldwide Airport opened in late 2023. There nonetheless usually are not many worldwide flights to Tulum from the USA. We’re but to fly into Tulum airport. The Tulum airport code is TQO.

What’s the Greatest Technique to discover the Riviera Maya?

Renting a automotive in Cancun and driving your self offers you a lot freedom to discover! You’ll be able to go the place you need to go if you need to go. Renting a automotive in Mexico can sound intimidating, however within the Riviera Maya, it’s simple.

We have now an entire information to stroll you thru the method. Our Mexico Rental Automobile Information may be discovered right here. For the most effective costs and free cancelation, we at all times guide on-line right here with Discovercars.com

Greatest Locations to Go to in Riviera Maya

Cancun and Tulum

The 2 hottest locations within the Riviera Maya are Cancun and Tulum, and every gives distinctive experiences. If you’re searching for a high-energy get together, then Cancun is the situation to go to, as Tulum is a tranquil place to be taught extra about Mayan tradition however is changing into an increasing number of well-liked by the day.

Cancun is the entry level to the Riviera Maya for many guests to Mexico. Cancun attracts guests searching for a mixture of rest and journey. For those who choose all inclusive resorts, right here you’ll discover many choices and the most effective costs.

Cancun is a crowded, busy vacation spot with a full of life get together scene recognized for its nightlife, busy markets, and wonderful eating places that function a wide range of flavors.

Cancun gives a lot of journey actions, together with snorkeling, underwater museums, swimming in cenotes, exploring ruins, visiting eco-parks, and way more! Tons of excursions and excursions are simple day journeys from Cancun.

Tulum is a seaside city that appeals to each funds and luxurious vacationers and is a well-liked vacation spot for yoga, wellness, meditation, and therapeutic therapies. It’s situated on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea and is thought for its historic Mayan ruins and delightful seashores.

We first visited Tulum in 2012 and liked the whole lot about it. Nevertheless, it is best to know that Tulum is not a small seaside city it was. It’s nonetheless attractive; it simply isn’t what it as soon as was.

Tulum has turn into more and more costly during the last 5 years. All of the Tulum beachfront lodges and eating places are luxurious with excessive value tags. There isn’t any public transportation from Tulum City to Tulum Seashore, so that you both have to take a taxi ($25+ USD a technique) or hire a automotive/bike, however parking may be powerful and costly.

If you’re on the hunt for the most effective seaside in Riviera Maya, the attractive white sand seashores of Tulum are the place you need to go. No different seaside within the space compares.

Be sure to learn our The place to Keep in Tulum information to know the distinction between staying in Tulum City and Tulum Seashore. If you’re touring with youngsters, listed below are our favourite Tulum household resorts.

The Tulum ruins are one of many distinctive Mayan websites to go to, because the walled ruins embrace a fort and watch tower. Tulum has many boutique lodges, a improbable culinary scene, and pristine seashores like Playa Paraíso which are good for sunbathing and water sports activities.

You could possibly simply go to each locations on a one-week journey by splitting your time. This may be the proper journey, and you may get a style of each locations in Riviera Maya.

We’d counsel renting a automotive in Cancun (airport or downtown) and drive from Cancun to Tulum. That means, you’ll be able to discover the Tulum Ruins and cenotes in Tulum in your schedule and see many extra issues to do in Riviera Maya.

If you’re staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you’ll be able to take a day tour to Tulum. We recommend this Tulum full day tour. Which visits the archaeological ruins, seaside, and a cenote.

Xpu Ha

Xpu Ha (pronounced as “shpoo-ha”) is a secluded seaside vacation spot situated on the jap coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Xpu Ha is situated between two different well-known locations: Playa del Carmen to the north and Tulum to the south.

Vacationers get pleasure from visiting the Riviera Maya for its sandy white seashores with clear water and plenty of marine life, making it the proper place to sunbathe, swim, and snorkel. The seaside and water actions are much less crowded right here than in Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

For individuals who love journey, Xpu Ha has kayaking, paddleboarding, and plenty of cenotes for distinctive diving experiences. Friends can even get pleasure from unwinding at one of many many seaside golf equipment that supply solar loungers, eating places, and beachside bars.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is among the hottest places to remain within the Mayan Riviera because the lodge and eating places are wonderful high quality and reasonably priced, in addition to the situation may be very accessible permitting visitors to take a wide range of day journeys to additional discover the area.

We love the whole lot about Playa del Carmen. That is the place we used to stay and the place we come for the month each February to flee winter in Wisconsin. We hire a automotive in Playa del Carmen and a rental on the seaside for a month, however listed below are a number of the finest household resorts in Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen has a vibrant nightlife that enables visitors to get pleasure from dancing and socializing at a wide range of bars, music venues, and golf equipment.

Playa Mamitas is among the hottest seaside golf equipment in Playa del Carmen that gives visitors the chance to sunbathe, swim, or simply calm down on loungers.

You received’t need to miss visiting Quinta Avenida, which is a pedestrian-only road with purchasing, eating places, and road performances. Playa del Carmen has a big choice of eco-parks to select from, together with Xcaret and Xel-Ha, which supply eco-adventures reminiscent of snorkeling and cultural experiences.

Often called the “Place of Turtles” within the Mayan language, Akumal has a lot pure magnificence below the ocean because the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is residence to a colourful array of tropical fish, sting rays, and sea turtles.

Sian Ka’an

This UNESCO World Heritage Website is over 1.3 million acres of numerous ecosystems that permit guests to rise up near marine life, observe over 300 chook species, quite a few reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, and be taught extra about Mayan tradition at a small fishing village known as Punta-Allen.

Sian Ka’an is a good location to take a ship tour by way of mangroves and lagoons to watch wildlife and the pure landscapes of the reserve. The Sian Ka’an is over 120 kilometers (75 miles) of gorgeous ocean water that acts as a nesting space for loggerheads, inexperienced turtles, and sea turtles.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a a lot quieter location to discover the neighboring Cancun. One of the best ways to discover is to hire a golf cart that means that you can transfer at your individual tempo to take a look at all of the wonderful points of interest.

The downtown space often known as El Centro is a improbable space to walk in and take a look at the colourful buildings, outlets, eating places, and native environment.

Soar throughout the ocean, you zipline by way of Garrafon Pure Reef Park or get pleasure from swimming within the infinity swimming pools with stunning views of the ocean. Head to Panta Sur on the cliffs to discover the lighthouse, sculpture backyard, and breathtaking views.

For those who get pleasure from marine life, then you’ll be able to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery or be taught extra about turtles on the sanctuary.

Cozumel

Cozumel is an island finest recognized for world-class diving and snorkeling; fortuitously, it is just a brief ferry journey away from Playa del Carmen. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the Cozumel Ferry from Playa del Carmen.

Divers will get pleasure from watching fish, sting rays, turtles, and generally even small sharks as they swim across the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The next places provide distinctive underwater landscapes, together with Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, Paradise Reef, and Chankanaab Seashore. At Chankanaab Seashore, you’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming with dolphins and exploring the Mayan ruins and botanical gardens, making it a full-day journey.

If you’re searching for a distinct kind of tour, you could think about visiting Panta Sur Echo Seashore Park to benefit from the stunning environment of the southern tip of Cozumel, a historic lighthouse, and even some crocodile habitats. For those who get pleasure from historical past, then you’ll want to go to the traditional archaeological website of San Gervasio to be taught extra about Cozumel’s historical past.

Cozumel can get busy as it’s a well-liked port on many cruise ship itineraries. If you wish to discover the island by yourself, guide your automotive far prematurely. Renting a automotive in Cozumel is well-liked, and vehicles promote out every day.

Two Different Nice Locations to Go to Close to the Riviera Maya

Whereas these two places usually are not technically within the Riviera Maya, they’re value contemplating to your subsequent Mexico trip.

Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox, located on the Northern Shoreline of Mexico, gives a tranquil and laid-back environment. The island has miles of pristine white sandy seashores and clear Caribbean turquoise waters, making it a really perfect vacation spot to unwind and luxuriate in nature’s magnificence.

The realm has no paved roads or vehicles, so it’s undoubtedly a hidden gem to go to. The Holbox ferry takes solely quarter-hour and runs all through the day.

Whereas exploring this charming island, you’ll be able to get pleasure from numerous boat excursions that will let you witness unbelievable wildlife, reminiscent of whale sharks, and discover beautiful landscapes, together with stunning cenotes good for swimming.

Strolling across the city gives an opportunity to admire distinctive road artwork, stunning murals, monuments, and the colourful colours that give Isla Holbox its distinct allure. Bask in genuine Mexican delicacies on the wonderful native eating places with out of doors patios steps away from the gorgeous seashores.

Some of the interesting elements of Isla Holbox is its relative lack of vacationers in comparison with the Riviera Maya. This makes it a beautiful place to discover on foot with out the trouble of vehicles, and it maintains a extra genuine and fewer developed environment than different components of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Bacalar

This small city is situated within the close by state of Quintana Roo and is legendary for its breathtaking Lagoon. Bacalar is named the “Lagoon of Seven Colours” because the calm, tranquil waters are various shades of blue and inexperienced and are a pure surprise to discover.

Bacalar is off the overwhelmed path, so it has a extra relaxed vibe to unwind and escape the crowds that flock to the resorts within the Mayan Riviera. Take pleasure in strolling down the cobblestone streets previous colourful buildings which have a wealthy historical past way back to the pre-Columbian period.

There are many enjoyable issues to do in Bacalar for guests to discover, together with the close by historic fortress often known as San Felipe Fort, which protected Bacalar city from pirates. A should go to spot is the Canal de los Pirates.

Take a Bacalar boat tour by way of the lagoon, the place you’ll be able to see the seven shades of water up shut and think about cenotes and mangroves. On the lagoon, you have got the choice of a guided boat tour, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

You may as well get pleasure from swimming within the pure sinkhole often known as Cenote Azul, which has deep contemporary water and is a couple of minutes from the city middle. Float down the rapids at Los Rapidos. Lastly, for those who get pleasure from crops, then you’ll be able to go to the Botanical Backyard to see native crops and fruit timber in Mexico.

Whether or not you’re searching for relaxation and rest, out of doors actions, or to be taught extra concerning the historical past of the realm, you’re positive to get pleasure from Bacalar as it’s a nice possibility for the touristy Mayan Riviera.

Now that we’ve got proven you all of the enjoyable issues to do in Riviera Maya and the most effective locations, what might be your first exercise, and the place will you go to? Go away a remark under, we’d love hear about your journey to Mexico!

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