A Riviera Maya trip is a lot greater than attractive white sand seashores and margaritas! There are numerous 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 considered 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 lush jungles or take a buggy tour, scuba dive amongst implausible coral reefs, and study extra in regards to the Mayans by exploring their historic civilizations and Ruins.
You’ll be able to take pleasure in world-renowned Mexican delicacies at many native eating places within the vibrant cities situated alongside the japanese coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
In case you are searching for a stability of historic websites, pure wonders, and fashionable facilities comparable to fantastic eating, then Riviera Maya is the proper vacation spot to take pleasure in a tropical paradise.
We’ve traveled to Mexico over 40 instances prior to now 15+ years and lived in Playa del Carmen; listed here are a few of our favourite issues to do in Riviera Maya and one of the best locations to go to.
Finest Issues to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico
1. Discover the Seashores
House to a few of the finest seashores within the Caribbean, they’re the proper place to take pleasure in swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and stress-free with the coastal surroundings. Some Riviera Maya seaside cities you’ll want 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 vital ruins and distinctive archaeological websites to go to.
Some websites you’ll want 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.
One of the crucial widespread websites tour Chichen Itza, which is a brief day journey tour from the Riviera Maya. We predict Chichen Itza is probably the most spectacular ruins and a should go to, make a day journey out of it and add just a few 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. One of the crucial epic issues to do is leap right into a cenote.
There are a ton of cenotes across the Tulum and Valladolid areas. You’ll be able to simply add in just a few cenote stops when visiting Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, or Chichen Itza. A number of of our favourite cenotes are Cenote Suytun, Cenote Calavera, Casa Cenote, and Cenote Ik Kil (pictured above).
In case you are an authorized diver, a bucket listing 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 manner totally different than every other dive.
Listed below are just a few of his favourite cenote dives: El Pit, Cenote Angelita, and Carwash.
4. Discover the Reef
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest reef on the planet and runs parallel to the coast, making the Riviera Maya a perfect location for water-based actions comparable to deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
In the event you go to throughout the precise time of 12 months, you’ll be able to go swimming with whale sharks or diving with the bull sharks. We now have 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 enable guests to discover pure landscapes, work together with wildlife, and expertise cultural experiences by a wide range of out of doors actions comparable to mountaineering and snorkeling.
Some eco-parks you don’t wish to miss embrace Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Xplo Ecoparks, which train vacationers about Mexico’s numerous ecosystems by sustainable tourism practices.
- Xcaret: Actions embrace snorkeling, swimming in cenotes (underground rivers), Mayan ruins, and conventional Mexican performances.
- Xel-Ha: It is 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 will expertise ziplining, discover historic caverns, or take a guided tour by the Mexican Jungle.
6. Eat Tacos
In the event you had been to ask me what my final meal can be, it could 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, be certain to go to native taco eating places and taco vans/carts. you’re in the precise spot if there’s a lengthy line of locals. Don’t anticipate white linens; almost definitely, will probably be plastic chairs and plastic forks.
The finest tacos in Playa del Carmen might be discovered at El Fogon. They now have 4 places, however we frequent the Calle 30 & Constituents location probably the most. Listed below are extra of the finest eating places in Playa del Carmen.
Tipping is a standard apply in Mexico. We’ve put collectively a tipping in Mexico information to assist clarify who to tip and instructed tip quantities.
In the event you’ve by no means been to a few of the well-known Mayan ruins, you need to take into account a cenote tour that mixes Coba Ruins, Tulum Ruins, or Chichen Itza.
#1 – Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid
There is no such thing as a higher strategy to go to Chichen Itza, a cenote, and Valladolid (considered one of our favourite cities).
#2 – 3-in-1 Discovery Combo: Tulum Ruins, Snorkeling, and Cenote & Caves
Go to Tulum Ruins, go snorkeling, consists of lunch buffet, swim in a cenote, and go to Xtun Cave. That is an action-packed day!
#3 – ATV Tour, Ziplines, and Cenote Swim
Discover the Mayan jungle by ATV, then leap in a cenote for a bit of swim earlier than heading off to the zipline!
Riviera Maya FAQ
The place is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a 120km (75 miles) widespread vacationer vacation spot situated on the japanese 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?
In case you are uncertain what to pack, learn our Riviera Maya packing listing. Right here, I cowl what to pack based mostly on the season, actions, and the place you’re staying within the Riviera Maya.
When is the Finest Time to Go to?
The most effective 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 good for out of doors actions however not too scorching to take pleasure in.
Nonetheless, if you wish to snorkel and see whale sharks, you’ll want to go to between Could and September after they migrate by the realm.
Sadly, one of the best time of 12 months can be the height vacationer season for Caribbean journey, so resorts, eating places, and sights are sometimes very crowded and might be very costly right now of 12 months. In the event you can journey throughout shoulder season (barely earlier than/after) peak season, you can find extra budget-friendly lodging.
What’s the Greatest Airport in Riviera Maya?
Most vacationers to the Riviera Maya fly into the most important airport in Cancun, Mexico. Cancun is the most important residential space, the place the Mayan Riviera to the south is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.
Visitors both take a shared or non-public switch from the airport to their resort or lease a automobile in Cancun to begin their journey. We even have used and advocate this firm for airport transfers. In case you are 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 beneath for extra particulars.
The Tulum Worldwide Airport opened in late 2023. There nonetheless are usually 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 Finest Approach to discover the Riviera Maya?
Renting a automobile in Cancun and driving your self offers you a lot freedom to discover! You’ll be able to go the place you wish to go while you wish to go. Renting a automobile in Mexico can sound intimidating, however within the Riviera Maya, it’s straightforward.
We now have a whole information to stroll you thru the method. Our Mexico Rental Automobile Information might be discovered right here. For one of the best costs and free cancelation, we at all times e book on-line right here with Discovercars.com
#1 Tip – Lease a automobile in Mexico
Have final freedom and save tons of cash on excursions with your individual rental automobile! Don’t fear – It’s protected (we’ve rented 20+ instances), the roads are good, and it’s simpler than you suppose! We at all times lease from Uncover Vehicles, it’s straightforward & they’ve one of the best costs.
Finest Locations to Go to in Riviera Maya
Cancun and Tulum
The 2 hottest locations within the Riviera Maya are Cancun and Tulum, and every affords distinctive experiences. In case you are searching for a high-energy celebration, then Cancun is the placement to go to, as Tulum is a tranquil place to study extra about Mayan tradition however is changing into an increasing number of widespread by the day.
Cancun is the entry level to the Riviera Maya for many guests to Mexico. Cancun attracts guests searching for a mix of leisure and journey. In the event you desire all inclusive resorts, right here you can find many choices and one of the best costs.
Cancun is a crowded, busy vacation spot with a energetic celebration scene identified for its nightlife, busy markets, and superb eating places that function a wide range of flavors.
Cancun affords numerous journey actions, together with snorkeling, underwater museums, swimming in cenotes, exploring ruins, visiting eco-parks, and far more! Tons of excursions and excursions are straightforward 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 understood for its historic Mayan ruins and exquisite seashores.
We first visited Tulum in 2012 and liked the whole lot about it. Nonetheless, you need 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 grow to be more and more costly over the past 5 years. All of the Tulum beachfront lodges and eating places are luxurious with excessive worth tags. There is no such thing as a public transportation from Tulum City to Tulum Seashore, so that you both must take a taxi ($25+ USD a technique) or lease a automobile/bike, however parking might be powerful and costly.
In case you are on the hunt for one of the best seaside in Riviera Maya, the attractive white sand seashores of Tulum are the place you wish to go. No different seaside within the space compares.
Make certain to learn our The place to Keep in Tulum information to know the distinction between staying in Tulum City and Tulum Seashore. In case you are touring with kids, listed here 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 implausible culinary scene, and pristine seashores like Playa Paraíso which can be good for sunbathing and water sports activities.
You would simply go to each locations on a one-week journey by splitting your time. This may be the proper journey, and you can get a style of each locations in Riviera Maya.
We’d recommend renting a automobile in Cancun (airport or downtown) and drive from Cancun to Tulum. That manner, 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.
In case you are staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you’ll be able to take a day tour to Tulum. We advise 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 japanese 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 take pleasure in 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 lots of cenotes for distinctive diving experiences. Visitors may also take pleasure in 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 glorious high quality and reasonably priced, in addition to the placement may be very accessible permitting company 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 reside and the place we come for the month each February to flee winter in Wisconsin. We lease a automobile in Playa del Carmen and a apartment on the seaside for a month, however listed here are a few of the finest household resorts in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen has a vibrant nightlife that enables company to take pleasure in 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 company the chance to sunbathe, swim, or simply calm down on loungers.
You received’t wish to miss visiting Quinta Avenida, which is a pedestrian-only avenue with buying, eating places, and avenue performances. Playa del Carmen has a big choice of eco-parks to select from, together with Xcaret and Xel-Ha, which provide eco-adventures comparable to snorkeling and cultural experiences.
Akumal
This coastal city is finest identified for superb snorkeling alternatives that enable company to stand up shut and swim with inexperienced sea turtles of their pure habitat. Akumal has a number of ecotours to show guests in regards to the totally different ecosystems beneath the Caribbean Sea.
Referred to as 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 Web site is over 1.3 million acres of numerous ecosystems that enable guests to stand up near marine life, observe over 300 chook species, quite a few reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, and study extra about Mayan tradition at a small fishing village known as Punta-Allen.
Sian Ka’an is a superb location to take a ship tour by 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 lease a golf cart that lets you transfer at your individual tempo to take a look at all of the superb sights.
The downtown space generally known as El Centro is a implausible 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 Garrafon Pure Reef Park or take pleasure in 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.
In the event you take pleasure in marine life, then you’ll be able to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery or study extra about turtles on the sanctuary.
Cozumel
Cozumel is an island finest identified for world-class diving and snorkeling; fortuitously, it’s only a brief ferry trip away from Playa del Carmen. Click on right here to study extra in regards to the Cozumel Ferry from Playa del Carmen.
Divers will take pleasure in watching fish, sting rays, turtles, and typically 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 take pleasure in swimming with dolphins and exploring the Mayan ruins and botanical gardens, making it a full-day journey.
In case you are searching for a special kind of tour, chances are you’ll take into account 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. In the event you take pleasure in historical past, then you should definitely go to the traditional archaeological web site of San Gervasio to study extra about Cozumel’s historical past.
Cozumel can get busy as it’s a widespread port on many cruise ship itineraries. If you wish to discover the island by yourself, e book your automobile far upfront. Renting a automobile in Cozumel is widespread, and automobiles promote out day by day.
Two Different Nice Locations to Go to Close to the Riviera Maya
Whereas these two places are usually not technically within the Riviera Maya, they’re value contemplating in your subsequent Mexico trip.
Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox, located on the Northern Shoreline of Mexico, affords a tranquil and laid-back environment. The island has miles of pristine white sandy seashores and clear Caribbean turquoise waters, making it a perfect vacation spot to unwind and luxuriate in nature’s magnificence.
The realm has no paved roads or automobiles, so it’s positively 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 take pleasure in varied boat excursions that mean you can witness unbelievable wildlife, comparable to whale sharks, and discover gorgeous landscapes, together with stunning cenotes good for swimming.
Strolling across the city affords an opportunity to admire distinctive avenue artwork, stunning murals, monuments, and the colourful colours that give Isla Holbox its distinct attraction. Take pleasure in genuine Mexican delicacies on the glorious native eating places with out of doors patios steps away from the gorgeous seashores.
One of the crucial interesting features of Isla Holbox is its relative lack of vacationers in comparison with the Riviera Maya. This makes it an exquisite place to discover on foot with out the effort of automobiles, and it maintains a extra genuine and fewer developed environment than different elements 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 called 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 generally 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 the lagoon, the place you’ll be able to see the seven shades of water up shut and consider cenotes and mangroves. On the lagoon, you could have the choice of a guided boat tour, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
It’s also possible to take pleasure in swimming within the pure sinkhole generally known as Cenote Azul, which has deep contemporary water and is a couple of minutes from the city heart. Float down the rapids at Los Rapidos. Lastly, if you happen to take pleasure in vegetation, then you’ll be able to go to the Botanical Backyard to see native vegetation and fruit timber in Mexico.
Whether or not you’re searching for relaxation and leisure, out of doors actions, or to study extra in regards to the historical past of the realm, you’re positive to take pleasure in Bacalar as it’s a nice possibility for the touristy Mayan Riviera.
Now that we now have proven you all of the enjoyable issues to do in Riviera Maya and one of the best locations, what might be your first exercise, and the place will you go to? Go away a remark beneath, we’d love hear about your journey to Mexico!
