Things to Do in Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen, located about an hour from Cancun, offers pristine beaches, lively cantinas and restaurants, water sports, and an extensive shopping zone for finding the perfect vacation souvenir. Commonly referred to as Playa, this seaside town is a fun day trip from Cancun and offers a taste of authentic Yucatan culture. Visit www.playadelcarmen.com.

Cozumel.With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together.
Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Cozumel's mostly undeveloped land at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons, which are home to many indiginous mammals and birds. Noteworthy is the Chankanaab National Park, a Cozumel icon, and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve.  With its beautiful beaches and exotic locale, Cozumel is an ideal destination where you can enjoy colorful and breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks on secluded beaches, swim through crystal clear blue waters and romantic candlelight dinners.  You can get to Cozumel by ferry in 20 minutes. Ferry stations are located in downtown Playa del Carmen. Visit http://www.travelyucatan.com/playa_del_carmen_cozumel_ferry.php for mor information.  Visit www.islacozumel.com.   [Top]

Chichen Itza. A day trip to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza is a must for any visitor to Cancun. Named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is among the most visited attractions in the Yucatan. Although much of the Mayan civilization is shrouded in mystery, excavations and restoration projects reveal that an extensive community prospered at Chichen Itza between 700AD and 900AD. The ruins, including the famous Temple of the Warriors and Pyramid of Kukulkan comprise four square miles. Visit http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-chichen-itza.php.

Tulum. The tiny pueblo of Tulum is located 80 miles south from Cancun on the Punta Allen Peninsula. Tulum is best known for white sand beaches, Mayan ruins that overlook the Caribbean, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The Tulum ruins indicate a walled city that served as an important seaport in the 13th century for trade between Honduras and the Yucatan. The Temple of the Frescoes and Castillo are two of the most famous ruins in this region. Visit www.travelyucatan.com.  [Top]

Coba. Located west of Tulum in the dense Yucatan jungle, Coba is a fascinating experience in archeological discovery. Coba is believed to be the largest ancient Mayan city, and features the second tallest pyramid of the Mayan world. Much of the Coba’s area that spans roughly 50km is currently under excavation. Tours here are primitive, yet offer the perk of watching archeologists at work. Visit http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/areas/caribbean-coast/coba/guide.htm.  

Uxmal. Is one of the most well known of the Maya cities, and rated by many archaeologists as the finest. The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple over an existing one, and in this case five stages of construction have actually been found. Allow yourself at least half a day for a first visit.  [Top]

Xcaret Eco Theme Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of Mexico at Xcaret Eco Theme Park in Playa del Carmen. Xcaret offers a variety of exciting attractions and activities including archeological sites, underground river exploration, Mayan village, Caribbean aquarium, and a Swim with Dolphins programs. Visit www.xcaret.com. 

Xel-Ha. Hidden 30 miles south of Playa del Carmen, is a sanctuary of amazing biological wealth within Riviera Maya - Xel-Ha. Known for its rich underwater life and luscious jungle, Xel-Ha has an endless array of life, landmarks, and monuments to offer each with a fascinating story to tell. So whether on a bicycle through the jungle, jumping off cliffs into the limpid blue, making friends with dolphins, or walking through stingrays on the bottom of the sea – Xel-Ha offers an experience you will never forget.  Visit www.xelha.com.

Canopy Adventure Tours. A variety of recreation outfitters offers exciting adventure tours that have guests zipping high above the Yucatan Mayan jungle canopy. Guests experience the thrill of being harnessed to a series of zip lines that traverse for more than two miles over a series of 24 platforms. The Mayan jungle canopy zip lines structure is the longest in Mexico. Visit www.cancunvista.com.

Water Sports.With miles of coastline and white sand beaches, Riviera Maya presents limitless activities. From secluded, pristine beaches to rocky cliffs that end at the sea or tropical forests with palm trees that reach the shoreline, the beaches of Riviera Maya offer a diversity of activity and scenery. Ride a jet ski over the waves, paddle a sea kayak or try wind surfing and parasailing. The hotel can arrange activities, including waterskiing, wind surfing, deep sea and fly fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, regattas, and catamaran and yacht excursions.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling. Riviera Maya offers world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. The crystal clear Caribbean sea thrives with vibrant marine life. Some of the best diving and snorkeling is located off the shores of Cozumel. Riviera Maya also offers the unique experience of diving in cenotes, or fresh-water underground caverns found few places on earth. Visit http://www.cancun-discounts.com/cancun-scuba-diving.htm. 

Horseback Riding. Explore the beaches and jungle of Riviera Maya on an exciting horseback riding tour. Guided tours are offered through a variety of qualified adventure companies that include hotel transfers, horse rental, and refreshments. Experienced equestrians are often permitted to gallop their horses on the beach. Visit http://www.cancun-discounts.com/tours/cancun/horseback-riding-loma-bonita.htm.  [Top]

Golf Courses at Riviera Maya. The Playa del Carmen area is dotted with world-class championship golf courses designed by renowned golf course architects. Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club, Golf Club Playacar or Grupo Mayan Golf Riviera Maya are among the best courses in Mexico and each is located minutes from Grand Velas.  Many of these courses boast limestone canals winding through mangrown forests, vast stretches of caribbean beach and other stunning natural hazards, making the course as beautiful as it is challenging. 

La Casa del Arte Popular Mexicano. La Casa del Arte Popular Mexicano museum, located at the El Embarcadero marina in Cancun, celebrates the arts and culture of Mexico’s many different regions. The museum’s collection features original works of art by acclaimed Mexican artists, folk art, artifacts, and life-size displays that depict Mexican daily life and customs.   
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