The 16 must-sees of the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a destination of choice for travelers seeking sun, beach and Mayan culture.
Located in the Quintana Roo region of southeastern Mexico, it is full of natural, cultural and historical sites to discover.
With its fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and rich cultural history, Mexico offers a multitude of activities for all travelers. Between nature, entertainment and traditions, this destination is the best choice for your vacation.
Discover the 16 must-sees of the Riviera Maya in Mexico, so that you can plan your stay with peace of mind.
Cozumel, one of the richest reefs in the world
Cozumel is an island off the Caribbean coast of Mexico, famous for its crystal clear waters and coral reefs. One of the most popular activities in Cozumel is snorkeling at El Cielo, where you can swim with starfish and discover a multitude of marine species like manta rays and turtles. For an idyllic day!
You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the island, with its white sandy beaches and spectacular scenery.
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Akumal, come swim with turtles
Akumal is known to be a great place to swim with sea turtles. The calm, shallow waters of Akumal Bay, on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, are home to a large population of sea turtles.
You can snorkel and observe the turtles up close and personal, as well as other marine life such as rays and tropical fish. It is important to note that it is necessary to respect the rules of environmental protection and not to touch or disturb the turtles or their habitat.
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Chichen Itza, visit one of the wonders of the world
Chichen Itza is indeed considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world and is a popular tourist destination in Mexico. It is an archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula in the region of the city of Valladolid. Chichen Itza was an ancient Mayan city that was at its peak between the 9th and 12th centuries and today is preserved for tourism.
The archaeological site is notable for its impressive pyramidal structures, such as the famous pyramid of Kukulcan (or El Castillo) and also for its ball fields, temples, palaces and cenotes. By visiting Chichen Itza, you can learn more about the history and culture of the Mayan civilization and admire the advanced architecture and engineering of their structures built in another era.
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Tulum and its Mayan ruins
Tulum is a coastal city located on the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It is famous for its well-preserved Mayan ruins, located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
You can admire the impressive structures, such as the main temple, the palace and its beautiful murals with sculptures.
In addition to the ruins, Tulum is also a popular city for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
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Sian Ka’an “the place where the sky begins”
Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico in the Quintana Roo region. Its name means “the place where the sky was born” in Mayan language. This nature reserve is a preserved natural wonder with a variety of landscapes, from white sand beaches to mangroves, salt marshes and freshwater lagoons.
Sian Ka’an is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, with a wide variety of animal species such as dolphins, also jaguars, pumas, tapirs, crocodiles, flamingos and pelicans. Visitors can also hike, kayak, snorkel and fish in the reserve’s crystal clear waters.
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Bacalar and its lagoon of 7 colors
Bacalar is a small town located in the state of Quintana Roo in southeastern Mexico, known for its beautiful freshwater lagoon called “the 7 colors laguna”. This lagoon owes its name to the variation of blue and green tones of its crystal clear waters, caused by the depth and the presence of sediments.
You can discover the natural beauty of the lagoon by kayaking, snorkeling or simply relaxing on the white sand beaches.
Popular activities in Bacalar also include visiting a Spanish fort, cenotes and local Mayan communities.
Check out our article on “What to choose between Holbox and Bacalar” to learn more.
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Xcaret go on an adventure!
Xcaret is a park built around a series of underground rivers, lagoons and beaches and with activities for visitors of all ages.
The park’s attractions include 40 activities including snorkeling in the underground rivers, visiting an aquarium, discovering local wildlife, walking a jungle trail, visiting a Mayan archeological museum and sampling traditional Mexican cuisine. Swimming with dolphins is a possible extra activity, contact us for any request. There is also the historical show of the region, which is not to be missed, presenting regional dances and music with the traditional costumes of the different regions of Mexico, very colorful!
Xcaret is also a place of nature conservation with programs to breed and preserve some of the endangered animal species in the region.
It is the perfect place for adventure and nature lovers, for families looking for an educational and fun activity.
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ATV in the jungle with zip line
Treat yourself to an unforgettable ATV bike adventure through the Mexican jungle and enjoy a thrilling moment with the zip line. In the heart of the jungle, you will be able to make an atypical walk.
In addition, it is possible during the course to stop and relax in an extraordinary cenote.
To learn more about this activity, visit our page “ATV Biking in Mexico” to learn more about this unique excursion in Mexico.
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Experience in a Mayan village
If you are interested in Mayan culture, you might consider visiting a Mayan village for an immersive experience of the daily life of this community. There are several Mayan villages in the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico that are accessible to tourists for guided tours.
Discover the Mayan culture through a traditional village tour where you can learn how to make bread, discover traditional weaving methods and taste typical dishes. We can organize this unique excursion, contact us.
Book your tour here.
Visit to a cenote
The cenotes are natural freshwater formations, specifically they are natural wells filled with crystalline fresh water that were created by the collapse of the ground surface exposing underground rivers. These are ideal swimming sites to refresh and relax in a calm atmosphere in the middle of the jungle.
A visit to a cenote is a unique and unforgettable experience. You will be able to discover the beauty of the Mexican nature while respecting its fragile environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters and discover the mysteries of this natural phenomenon.
A cenote not to be missed in Mexico is the cenote of Casa Tortuga, a park composed of several cenotes.
If you have time to discover others, check out our article on “what cenotes to do in the Riviera Maya?“
Book your tour here.
Puerto Morelos for snorkeling
Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village located about 30 minutes south of Cancún, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. The area is known for its beautiful coral reef, which is home to a wide variety of fish and sea creatures. It is an ideal place for snorkeling.
The Puerto Morelos reef is protected by a marine reserve that guarantees the conservation of marine life and the ecosystem.
While snorkeling in Puerto Morelos, you can observe a wide variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, rays and corals. The clear, calm waters of the area make this experience accessible to snorkeling beginners, while providing an exciting experience for experienced divers.
Puerto Morelos is a great place for those looking to snorkel and discover Mexico’s marine life.
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Isla Mujeres for its underwater museum and its playa norte
Isla Mujeres is a small island located off the coast of Cancun in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico. This island is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters and for its underwater museum.
The underwater museum of Isla Mujeres consists of more than 500 concrete sculptures, created by the British artist Jason de Caires Taylor. The sculptures are submerged in the shallow waters of the island’s coast and can be seen up close while snorkeling or scuba diving.
Beyond the underwater museum, Isla Mujeres has beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
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Holbox for its quiet paradise, far from the world
Holbox is a small island located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico. This island is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled natural environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts.
Holbox is a true paradise for those looking to relax and enjoy nature. The island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters with an ideal setting for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing.
Also check out the article on “What to choose between Holbox and Bacalar?” to learn more about this island.
Book your trip here.
Rio Largatos and Las Coloradas for the discovery of a unique fauna and flora and to experience the Mayan bath
Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas are two fishing villages located on the northwestern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. These places offer a unique experience for the discovery of the local fauna and flora, as well as for the traditional Mayan bath.
Rio Lagartos is a protected area that is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. You can take a boat trip into the reserve to see flamingos, pelicans and other migratory birds as well as crocodiles and sea turtles. You can also discover the famous “ojo de agua” fresh water springs that come from the sea bed.
Las Coloradas is a lagoon famous for its bright pink color. It will not be possible to bathe there because this salt water rich in minerals is intended for the treatment of salt suitable for consumption. Moreover, with the large amount of salt, it is not considered beneficial for the skin and health in general. The nearby lagoons are also home to a wide variety of birds and shellfish.
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Diving in one of the richest reefs in the world
Experienced and inexperienced divers alike will not miss the opportunity to discover and dive the second largest coral reef in the world after Australia’s.
This scuba diving experience will make you discover an underwater world incredibly rich in colors and marine life.
Discover a rich underwater world of corals and fish!
If you are experienced and like adventure, go diving with bulldog sharks or snorkeling with whale sharks.
Book your tours here.
Coco Bongo for a unique show
Coco Bongo is a nightclub located in the hotel zone of Cancun and Playa del Carmen in Mexico. It is known for its impressive shows and live performances with music, dance, acrobatics, special effects and extravagant costumes. If you are looking for an unforgettable night out with friends or as a couple, Coco Bongo is a unique experience not to be missed.
A little tip: the discotheque is often crowded during the high season, so it is advisable to book your seats in advance.
Please contact our travel coaches to make reservations.
Mexico is a destination of choice for travelers seeking adventure and discovery. Between nature and entertainment, the activities offered are numerous and varied to satisfy all tastes. So, don’t hesitate and plan your trip now by contacting our experts!
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