Maya Riviera area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the beaches have been manicured and have fine white sand. The water is a turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea and its corals are breath taking. Playa del Carmen and Tulum have an exceptional variety of attractions and activities from the Mayan ruins to the nightlife. You will love your Mexico vacation. If you live in Florida, it is a fast and cheap round airfare ticket or a cruise trip. Here is a listing of some of the popular attractions and things to do:
The Mayan Ruins
Tulum Ruins
Tulum is the smallest Mayan ruin site among the big three, however, the most beautiful one of all. They are ruins on a cliff, with a breath taking view of the beach. Since these ruins overlook the ocean and are right on a beautiful beach, it is a perfect spot for a picnic, a short swim and sun bathing. Don’t forget your camera!
Coba Ruins
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and prepare for an hour and a half drive into the jungle before reaching these ruins. Well worth the drive and the walk as there are beautiful temples and pyramids to see. You can climb on top of the main pyramid. It looks scary at first but a challenge that everyone should take as the view from the top is breathtaking – literally (even more if you are out of shape).
Chichen Itza Ruins
This is the most famous and grandiose pyramid of them all. According to Wikipedia, it’s is the one of the new 7 wonders of the World. I didn’t have a chance to check it out because it is a far ride and it should be plan for a day excursion. Two times in Mexico and still haven’t seen it – what a shame!
Cenotes
Mexico is known for its beautiful cenotes = a natural pit, or sinkhole. The most famous one is the cenote Ik Kil, located close distance to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. It is arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes of Mexico. There are 26 meters you have to climb down to reach the water which is 40 meters deep.
The Grand Cenote is also a beautiful and popular one. Right of Tulum you can find Cenote dos Ojos which is smaller but worth checking out as well. There are many cenotes every where you go in Mexico. Loving to be in the water, even more in springs, my next trip to Mexico will be with the main goal of cenote hunting.
Playa Del Carmen Eco-Parks
X-plor
The most fun part (if you are an adventure seeker) if definitely the swamp buggy ride. They call it amphibious vehicles because it goes through the water – for me it is a buggy. Anyways, I managed to hit a tree and dent the bumper of the car. It was fun until the park security came after me and told me I could’t drive anymore. 🙁 Perhaps, was the best decision for everyone. My little adrenaline junkie little secret apart, this is a great park to go to enjoy the day. You can go underground rafting, swim in the cave river, go zip lining over a cenote and be splashed into its waters. Don’t skip the all you can eat buffet which is included on your ticket. You might need some good amounts of calories for all of those activities. They also have an option to go to the park at night – it’s the XPLOR fire.
Xcaret
An eco-Mayan theme park for the whole family. A must see if you visit the Mayan Riviera. Prepare to spend your entire day here as there are a million and one things to do and see. You can swim with the dolphins, snorkel, tour underground rivers, do sea trekking, visit a butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much more. The is also an excellent light and sound show in the evening.
Xel-Ha
Xel Ha is an eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. It is a great place for first time snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. There is an amazing cave system, cenotes, lagoon, and great snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish.
Tulum Downtown & Burrito Amor
The downtown of Tulum is a great place for getting away from the touristic parts and is an alternative for cheaper souvenirs shopping. The main street is lined with little boutiques and craft goods from all over Mexico and some authentic Mayan handicrafts. You can find from fine silver jewelry to hammocks shops that cater to every budget.
Here you will also find more authentic cuisine and local restaurants. I had one of the best burritos in my life on this place called Burrito Amor.
I need to be honest and acknowledge that was catered more for tourists (they even had a menu in English) but the taste was something memorable of a Mexican trip. It comes wrapped in a banana leave, “healthy” and cute. What I liked the most was the 4 different sauces they have on the tables. Guacamole, big burrito, lots of sauces, plus a bottle of Mexican beer – that’s your dinner! A quick nap will follow… haha.
Just by walking on the side streets you can get all types of local food places, some that you might not want to get in, but if you are looking for a true Mexican food experience, in any of the back streets of this little town, you will surely find it. (More about the Mexican food coming soon in a new article. Keep tune!)
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Just off the coast is the world’s fifth-longest barrier reef. The reef, home to hundreds of species of marine life, is perfect for snorkeling. Scuba dive and snorkel in the magnificent Caribbean waters. Most resorts offer scuba and snorkel tours and/or lessons and the ecological parks have great areas for snorkeling.
Cozumel – Only 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen by ferry, this diver’s haven is well worth the trip across the ocean. Considered among the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, Cozumel offers magnificent coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks sites to explore. There are over 30 kilometres of coral reef, including the world’s second largest reef called the Gama Reef. You can also scuba dive in some cenotes.
Mayan Jungle
Lastly, you can take a trip out of the ordinary and explore the wild exotic jungles of the Mexican Riviera. Located right next to Playa del Carmen and Playacar, it is just an hour south of Cancun. They have ATV explorer tours that are fun for everyone, from young kids to adults.
