Riviera Maya, Mexico Things to Do and Attractions
Located in the heart of Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal means "place of the turtles" in Mayan. The name is a fitting description for the coastal area where turtles still lay their eggs in the sand from April to October.
In
Located in the heart of Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal means "place of the turtles" in Mayan. The name is a fitting description for the coastal area where turtles still lay their eggs in the sand from April to October.
In addition to the wildlife, Akumal draws visitors with its unique "secret getaway" atmosphere. A protected bay area, Akumal boasts powder white sand and clear, calm waters make it a haven for snorkelers, divers and sun worshippers in general. Visitors can explore the coral reef in Half Moon Bay, Akumel Bay and Aventuras Akumel Bay, then hit the town's casual beach bars and local shops.
On the Yucatan Peninsula, 188 kilometers west of Cancun, lies Chichen Itza, an awe-inspiring Pre-Colombian archeological site built by the Mayans. In more recent times, Chichen Itza has been recognized as a World Heritage Site and as one of the new
On the Yucatan Peninsula, 188 kilometers west of Cancun, lies Chichen Itza, an awe-inspiring Pre-Colombian archeological site built by the Mayans. In more recent times, Chichen Itza has been recognized as a World Heritage Site and as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Temple Kukulcan is considered by many to be the main attraction, providing countless visitors with postcard-worthy photos. However, the significance of this magnificent structure does not stem solely from its striking appearance, but also from a rare phenomenon that occurs here. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow of a serpent mysteriously appears and slowly slithers down the pyramid in tandem with the sun's movements. Other notable points of interest are the remains of the Great Ball Court and Temple of the Warriors, as well as the Cenote Sagrado.
Chichen Itza is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Admission is MXN 182. There are several companies in Cancun that offer group tours to Chichen Itza, including Amstar Destination Management and Excursiones Turimex. Prices vary by company and the type of tour.
Located 40 kilometers northwest of Tulum, Coba is a large ruined city of pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Situated around two lagoons, Coba is comprised of a series of elevated stone and plaster roads, large temple pyramids and structures still
Located 40 kilometers northwest of Tulum, Coba is a large ruined city of pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Situated around two lagoons, Coba is comprised of a series of elevated stone and plaster roads, large temple pyramids and structures still covered by the jungle. The mystical, natural ruins housed 50,000 inhabitants at one time and is believed to have once contained up to 6,500 structures, with only a small fraction of which are uncovered today.
Visitors can explore the ruins and the surrounding jungle atmosphere on foot or by rented bicycle. Notable sights include Nohoch Mul, the tallest of the temple pyramids, which, at 42 meters, is also the tallest in the Yucatan.
The site is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is MXN 38 per person and parking is MXN 10 per vehicle. English-speaking guides are located at the entrance of the ruins; a 45-minute-long tour is MXN 250, while an hour-and-a-half-long tour is MXN 350. Children under 13 receive free admission.
It's no wonder that hundreds of years ago, Mayan kings made Tulum one of the Yucatan Peninsula's first resorts. Its towers and temples were built on one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, and it's this seaside location that sets Tulum apart
It's no wonder that hundreds of years ago, Mayan kings made Tulum one of the Yucatan Peninsula's first resorts. Its towers and temples were built on one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, and it's this seaside location that sets Tulum apart from other the region's other ruins.
Tulum is one of the Yucatan's youngest archeological sites, built around 1200 A.D., not long before the Spanish conquest. Up until 40 years ago, the ruins were only accessible by boat. Now they are just a 128-kilometer drive away from Cancún.
Tulum's distinguishing structure is El Castillo, a temple built on a cliff that doubled as a watchtower. The nearby Temple of the Descending God features a remarkable stucco relief of a winged god, and in the Temple of the Frescoes, images still remain that tell the story of the waning days of the Mayan civilization. After climbing up and down the ancient steps at Tulum, visitors can cool off at the beach and swim out to view the magnificent ruins from the sea.
Tulum is open to the public from 8 AM to 5 PM. Admission is MXN 50. Several companies specialize in group tours to Tulum, including Grayline and Maritur.
Located just 40 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen, Aktun Chen Natural Park is most known for its beautiful five-million-year-old, 585-meter-long dry cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and a crystal clear natural well. Guests can explore the
Located just 40 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen, Aktun Chen Natural Park is most known for its beautiful five-million-year-old, 585-meter-long dry cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and a crystal clear natural well. Guests can explore the cave with a knowledgeable guide, who will explain how the formations came to be.
Aktun Chen also features snorkeling in the five million-year-old cenote, or well, into which guests can dive. Also on the grounds are a one-kilometer-long zip line circuit through the jungle with 10 platforms and two suspended bridges and a six-acre wildlife zoo dedicated to the preservation of Quintana Roo's natural species. Zoo residents include whitetail deer, parrots and toucans.
Aktun Chen Natural Park is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The cave walk, which includes admission to the zoo, is USD $14 for children ages 6-10 and USD $26 for adults. The zip line circuit is USD $38 per person, while the cenote snorkeling is USD $21 per person. Each activity runs about an hour and a half long. Children under age 6 receive free admission.
Alltournative specializes in day expeditions that combine eco-adventure, nature and Mayan culture. Tours include the Maya Encounter Tour in the Mayan ruins at Coba, during which participants zip line over the jungle, rappel over the cenotes and canoe
Alltournative specializes in day expeditions that combine eco-adventure, nature and Mayan culture. Tours include the Maya Encounter Tour in the Mayan ruins at Coba, during which participants zip line over the jungle, rappel over the cenotes and canoe in a secluded lagoon, followed with a club up the Nohoch Mul temple, the largest pyramid in the state of Quintana Roo. The tour also includes a traditional Mayan lunch.
Another popular option is the half-day New Jungle Crossing Tour, which features a 4 x 4 Unimog ride into the jungle, as well as snorkeling in the underground river system. Finally, the half-day Maya Zip Line Tour takes participants on an above ground excursion over jungle foliage, biking through jungle paths, snorkeling in cenotes and then to a traditional Mayan purification ceremony.
Alltournative also offers team building and corporate training activities, as well as private tours for 10 or more people. Tour price varies based on type.
One of the newest clubs to hit the club scene in Riviera Maya, Alux is set in the middle of spacious cave. Discovered in 1994 and restored with the help of a local conservancy group, the cave is now a majestic setting for late night party-goers to
One of the newest clubs to hit the club scene in Riviera Maya, Alux is set in the middle of spacious cave. Discovered in 1994 and restored with the help of a local conservancy group, the cave is now a majestic setting for late night party-goers to dine and dance among stalactites and stalagmites, set aglow with strategically-placed, colorful lights and candles. Chic high-backed chairs, stone tables and retro stools add to the quintessentially hip atmosphere.
With a total capacity of 170 people, Alux has several spaces for large groups and events, from the six VIP areas to the sizeable Bar Lounge.
Part of the hip Blue Parrot Hotel in Playa del Carmen, the Blue Parrot Beach Club is located directly on the white sand beaches. Once named one of the ten best bars in the world by Newsweek, Blue Parrot Beach Club is a Playa tradition.
During the
Part of the hip Blue Parrot Hotel in Playa del Carmen, the Blue Parrot Beach Club is located directly on the white sand beaches. Once named one of the ten best bars in the world by Newsweek, Blue Parrot Beach Club is a Playa tradition.
During the day, the club is a serene beach lounge complete with a daytime DJ and delicious food. When the sun sets, it transforms into a lively nightclub separated into three after-dark areas: the beach dance floor, featuring pop and retro dance music; the Palapa Lounge, featuring progressive dance mixes; and the relaxed palapa-covered Sky Bar. The club is also known for its legendary nightly fire show at 10:30 PM.
As high energy as it is popular, Diablito Cha Cha Cha is a Playa del Carmen hotspot known for its hip-hop music and dancing. Popular among locals and tourists alike, Diablito Cha Cha Cha serves spicy Mexican-Asian tapas in a peaked palapa bar and
As high energy as it is popular, Diablito Cha Cha Cha is a Playa del Carmen hotspot known for its hip-hop music and dancing. Popular among locals and tourists alike, Diablito Cha Cha Cha serves spicy Mexican-Asian tapas in a peaked palapa bar and upscale tiki lounge, which is outfitted with glowing pendant lights, bold red seating and tropical greenery. One of the best people watching spots in Riviera Maya, Diablito Cha Cha Cha is open daily from 1 PM to 3 AM.
EcoColors provides a variety of eco-adventure activities in the Mayan world. Most notable is the day-long Whale Shark Adventure, during which participants are picked up from area hotels and then take a boat from Contoy Island to dive, swim and
EcoColors provides a variety of eco-adventure activities in the Mayan world. Most notable is the day-long Whale Shark Adventure, during which participants are picked up from area hotels and then take a boat from Contoy Island to dive, swim and snorkel among enormous – some measuring up to 15 meters in length – and harmless whale sharks, as well as the occasional dolphin, manta and sea turtle.
The Crocodile Adventure allows participants to engage in a nighttime crocodile research and conservation project in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Other tours include biking, bird watching, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and archaeological site visits.
Private tour scan be arranged for groups. Tour prices vary based on type.
The award-winning Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park is situated on the most extensive system of underwater caves and caverns in the world. The adventure park is famous for its many cenotes, a type of freshwater-filled, limestone sinkhole found in the
The award-winning Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park is situated on the most extensive system of underwater caves and caverns in the world. The adventure park is famous for its many cenotes, a type of freshwater-filled, limestone sinkhole found in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes' clear waters make them a great place for swimming as well as cave dining, as many cenotes are entrances to underlying flooded cave systems.
Hidden Worlds pays great attention to preservation in its many adventure activities, which include cenote snorkeling, cave diving, treetop zip lining and rappelling. The park's famous SkyCycle – the only of its kind in existence – invites guests to pedal a cable bicycle suspended at treetop level over the Mayan rainforest and down and through caverns lined by stalagmites.
Thrill seekers can opt for the park's Ultimate Adventure Package. Offering a bit of everything, the package includes unlimited access to the SkyCycle, snorkeling, zip lining, rappelling and diving.
Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Prices vary by adventure package. The park can also accommodate groups for private adventure activities and outings.
Dos Palmas' Mayan Ceremonial Night Tour takes participants to an ancient purification ritual in the Dos Palmas village in order to teach tourists about ancient Mayan traditions and customs. During the ceremony, the Shaman, or Mayan priest, explains
Dos Palmas' Mayan Ceremonial Night Tour takes participants to an ancient purification ritual in the Dos Palmas village in order to teach tourists about ancient Mayan traditions and customs. During the ceremony, the Shaman, or Mayan priest, explains the importance of living in harmony with nature and invites participants to the Temascal, an ancient Mayan sauna bath where guests are believed to enter as people and emerge as warriors. Participants take a jungle walk and swim in a refreshing cenote, then cap the evening off with an authentic Mayan dinner and tour of the active Mayan community.
Once a sleepy fishing town, Playa del Carmen is now a cosmopolitan town rich in shopping, nightlife, boutique hotels and fine dining. Though it's the largest city in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen – or "Playa" as it's called by locals – is still
Once a sleepy fishing town, Playa del Carmen is now a cosmopolitan town rich in shopping, nightlife, boutique hotels and fine dining. Though it's the largest city in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen – or "Playa" as it's called by locals – is still small enough to get around on foot.
Just an hour from the airport, the bustling beach town is well-known for its Quinto Avenido, or Fifth Avenue. This main pedestrian walkway runs parallel top the ocean and is home to many vibrant shops and restaurants, as well as such street fair sights as fire breathers, mariachi bands and giant boa constrictors.
Specializing in authentic Mayan and Mexican cuisine, Ajua Maya is a five-star restaurant located off Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. The restaurant features a beautiful cantina setting with a lush tropical garden, open-air palapa seating and live
Specializing in authentic Mayan and Mexican cuisine, Ajua Maya is a five-star restaurant located off Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. The restaurant features a beautiful cantina setting with a lush tropical garden, open-air palapa seating and live Latin jazz and dance music nightly. Entrees include roasted Cornish game hen marinated in sour orange, traditional chicken mole, and lobster tail stuffed with spinach and corn truffles. Ajuan Maya also specializes in flambé entrees, such as fresh wild Mayan lobster flambéed with tequila.
The restaurant can accommodate groups of up to 100 people in the second story Palapa Hacienda Maya private dining room. Ajua Maya also offers private Mayan cuisine demonstrations for groups of up to 50 people.
Ajua Maya is open daily from 11 to 1 AM.
Award-winning La Casa del Agua in Playa del Carmen features "European cuisine with a Caribbean touch," complemented by more than 140 wine selections from 12 countries. True to the restaurant's name, which means "The House of Water," the restaurant
Award-winning La Casa del Agua in Playa del Carmen features "European cuisine with a Caribbean touch," complemented by more than 140 wine selections from 12 countries. True to the restaurant's name, which means "The House of Water," the restaurant even has a water menu that highlights waters from Italy and France.
The multi-leveled restaurant features a first-floor bistro, a second-floor main room and terrace, and an open-air roof garden that overlooks the ocean. Entrees include handmade ravioli filled with fish and octopus; filet topped with Roquefort sauce, baby potatoes, and vegetable ratatouille; and grilled grouper with goat cheese, potato and arugula puree. In addition to the food, guests can enjoy live music in the main room on the weekends.
The restaurant welcomes private events and groups. The main room can accommodate up to 150 people, the terrace, 100 people; the roof garden, 50 people; and the bistro, 50 people.
La Casa del Agua serves lunch daily from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM and dinner daily from 6 PM to midnight. Entrees range from MXN 80 to MXN 1,050.
Part of the sleek Blue Parrot Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, Playasia Restaurant and Wine Bar's cuisine and ambiance are not to be missed. Keeping with the exotic getaway theme of the hotel, Playasia guests dines in an open-air courtyard
Part of the sleek Blue Parrot Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, Playasia Restaurant and Wine Bar's cuisine and ambiance are not to be missed. Keeping with the exotic getaway theme of the hotel, Playasia guests dines in an open-air courtyard filled with lush foliage, a waterfall, Moroccan glass lanterns and other jungle chic decor. Tables are set amongst multi-level tree houses built over a glowing koi pond.
Playasia specializes in contemporary Asian specialties, including ceviche, sushi, fresh seafood and specialty pastas. Entrees include locally-caught sea bass with cilantro and white wine, Taiwanese jumbo shrimp sauteed with fresh chili and basil leaf, and spaghetti topped with fresh tomato sauce, shrimp, mussels and crab.
The restaurant gladly accommodates private events and groups. Playasia is open nightly from 5 PM to 1 AM. Entrees range from MXN 95 to MXN 290.
Located in Puerto Aventuras, Dolphin Discovery is a family-friendly, fun and educational experience focused on Riviera Maya's marine life. Visitors to Dolphin Discovery can swim with manatees, dolphins and sea lions or snorkel with stingrays in the
Located in Puerto Aventuras, Dolphin Discovery is a family-friendly, fun and educational experience focused on Riviera Maya's marine life. Visitors to Dolphin Discovery can swim with manatees, dolphins and sea lions or snorkel with stingrays in the park's private lagoons. Dolphin Discovery is surrounded by restaurants, shops and a nearby beach, making the area a perfect place for an entire day of family fun.
Dolphin Discovery is open daily. Prices vary by experience and include transportation from many area hotels to the Puerto Aventuras Marina. Dolphin Discovery also specializes in group outings and events.
Located inside the Playacar complex in Playa del Carmen, the vast Xaman Ha Aviary is home to more than 200 animals of 45 different species, including butterflies, iguanas, turtles and such colorful birds as the yellow-lored parrot, toucan and red
Located inside the Playacar complex in Playa del Carmen, the vast Xaman Ha Aviary is home to more than 200 animals of 45 different species, including butterflies, iguanas, turtles and such colorful birds as the yellow-lored parrot, toucan and red macaw. The aviary is the perfect place to relax and observe Mexican wildlife and nature.
Xaman Ha is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is MXN 20 per person.
Visitors can experience the secrets of Mexico at Xcaret, an ecological theme park just six kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. Featuring hands-on exhibits found nowhere else in the region, Xcaret offers patrons a chance to swim with mother and baby
Visitors can experience the secrets of Mexico at Xcaret, an ecological theme park just six kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. Featuring hands-on exhibits found nowhere else in the region, Xcaret offers patrons a chance to swim with mother and baby dolphins or, for the more daring, take an interactive swim with sharks. Children marvel at regional species such as flamingoes, macaws, jaguars and turtles, or immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of colors at the butterfly pavilion. Meanwhile, adults can relax in the Wine Cellar, where they can sample from over 160 Mexican labels.
Additionally, Mexico's exciting cultural traditions take to the stage at Xcaret through live performances including dances, theater shows, concerts and performance art. To take it all in, visitors can ascend the Scenic Tower, which rises 80 meters above ground and gives 360-degree views of the Caribbean coast.
Xcaret can assist in hosting weddings, graduations, anniversaries and other special events everywhere from underwater to inside of a cave. Venues include the Wine Cellar for up to 88 guests; Dos Playas for up to 200 guests; and La Laguna for up to 510 guests. The Xcaret Plus package features four restaurants to choose from and buffet service for over 2,000 people.
Xcaret is open during the winter from 8:30 AM to 9 PM and during the summer from 8:30 AM to 10 PM. General admission is MXN 440 for children and MXN 879 for adults.
Xel-Ha is one of the Riviera Maya's eco theme parks, an experiential open sea aquarium just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. A popular afternoon stop after a morning visit to the ruins at Tulum, Xel-Ha offers visitors the chance to swim with the
Xel-Ha is one of the Riviera Maya's eco theme parks, an experiential open sea aquarium just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. A popular afternoon stop after a morning visit to the ruins at Tulum, Xel-Ha offers visitors the chance to swim with the dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish in a protected lagoon, or even feed a rescued manatee.
From bike trails to an over-water rope crossing to some mild cliff diving, there's plenty to fill the day at Xel-Ha after checking out the marine life. Those who just want to take it easy can take a rowboat ride out to Xel-Ha's Xpa, where they can get a rejuvenating treatment in a secluded natural locale and then relax on the beach until the sun sets.
Xel-Ha is open daily year-round from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. All-inclusive admission to the park is MXN 511 for children and MXN 1,035 for adults. Activities, including snorkeling and the manatee encounter, require an extra fee.
The Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an, or the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 23 archeological points of interest as well as diverse wildlife that includes 336 bird species, sea turtles and other animals. The area
The Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an, or the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 23 archeological points of interest as well as diverse wildlife that includes 336 bird species, sea turtles and other animals. The area also has a glorious past, with some experts saying the chieftainships of Cohuah and Uaymil lived here during the Pre-Classic and Classic Periods.
Spanning 1.3 million acres and considered the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, Sian Ka'an, which means "gift from the sky" in Mayan, attracts upwards of 36,000 visitors a year because of its natural beauty and fascinating ecological tours. The Canal Tour, for example, is a sightseeing excursion aboard a boat during which guests will visit unexcavated Mayan ruins and retrace the Mayan trade route used 1,200 years ago.
Admission to the Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an is MXN 51 per person per day. The Canal Tour, which includes lunch, is offered daily from 8:10 AM to 4:30 PM. Hours vary seasonally.
Located on Tankah Tres Beach just 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Lucky Fish Dive Center offers a full range of diving services, including daily dives, night diving, cenote/cavern diving and cave diving. The center also offers snorkeling tours to
Located on Tankah Tres Beach just 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Lucky Fish Dive Center offers a full range of diving services, including daily dives, night diving, cenote/cavern diving and cave diving. The center also offers snorkeling tours to the shallow, protected Tankah Tres Bay, followed by swimming among mangroves in the Cenote Manatee. Lucky Fish also offers snorkeling trips through the spacious caverns and ancient fossils at Hidden Worlds Cenote Park.
Lucky Fish Dive Center's daytime dives are offered at 9 AM, noon and 2:30 PM; all other dives and snorkeling trips are scheduled upon request. Ocean scuba diving rates are USD $40 for one dive, USD $70 for two dives, USD $190 for five dives and USD $360 for 10 dives. Cavern diving rates are USD $70 for one dive, USD $120 for two dives, USD $285 for five dives and USD $525 for 10 dives. Snorkel tours to Tankah Tres Bay are USD $30 per person. Snorkel tours to Hidden Worlds Cenote Park are USD $40 per person.
The gorgeous landscape of the Riviera Maya is the perfect setting to enjoy a day on the links. Thanks to a gorgeous landscape and year-round warm climate, Riviera Maya lends itself well to golfing adventures. Guests can find a number of world-class
The gorgeous landscape of the Riviera Maya is the perfect setting to enjoy a day on the links. Thanks to a gorgeous landscape and year-round warm climate, Riviera Maya lends itself well to golfing adventures. Guests can find a number of world-class courses spread across the region, many of which were designed by the top names in course design. Thomas Lehman crafted the 3,255-yard, par-36 Puerto Aventures Golf Course, which is surrounded by tropical foliage and a gathering spot for wildlife such as iguanas and birds. Meanwhile, the Playacar Golf Club in Playa del Carmen features an 18-hole course designed by Robert Von Hagge.
Course schedules and green fees vary.
