Top Things to do in Riviera Maya
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Riviera Maya That You Shouldn't Miss
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Restaurants in Riviera Maya
1. Cenotes Sac Actun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,633 reviews
Underground water paradise in the Riviera Maya, this visit will certainly be a unique experience like no other, mystical and extreme, you can snorkel or dive in the cavern full of formations.
Reviewed By StefR - Brooklyn, United States
After reading about so many cenotes, I was a bit overwhelmed as to which to choose. So we let our tour guide make this recommendation. It just so happened he had worked as a guide at this cenote for several years before becoming a tour guide so we just got lucky. This cenote is amazing! After parking and picking up lifejackets, we headed down the stairs and into the mouth of the cave. Our guide didn't really describe what we were about to do so it was a bit of a surprise to find such a huge cave system before us as we swam around. He knew his way around and we had such a great time seeing this natural wonder. We were there for 2 hours before seeing another soul. We had the whole place to ourselves for almost the entire time. There seemed to be endless tunnels and caves to explore so we were very happy to have a guide as we would have gotten lost very easily. Can't recommend this site enough! Definitely get a guide, bring a waterproof camera (or waterproof case for your phone) and enjoy!
2. Cenote Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 693 reviews
Friends, if you are calling us and we don't answer your calls it is because we don't have good reception. We work only with previous reservations that can be made on our website or direct to our E-mail. We will answer you as soon as possible, we apologize for the inconvenience. Eco-friendly tours. Our excursions are groupal, private and personalized. “We invite you to live an awesome and fun adventure, enjoying the wonders that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer, its heavenly beaches, Cenotes, Natural Reserves and archaeological sites. We are focused on sustainable, educational and recreational tourism in order to get the maximum and closest experience with the local communities, getting to know the flora, fauna and regional culture.”
Reviewed By jlwilm - Madison, United States
We were told that the Cenote Santa Cruz is a “must see” and we were not disappointed. We were 4 people picked up at our condo by Juan Pablo (JP) and it was immediately obvious that he has a passion for Mexico and the natural beauty. He made us very comfortable and alleviated any apprehensions. He explained everything and told us so much history of the surrounding area. JP kept insisting that this was “our” tour and we could take as much or as little of his time as we needed. The Cenote is breathtakingly beautiful with cool, clear water and we felt like we were in another world. This was not my first visit to a Cenote in Mexico but this was by far, the best, most informative and most beautiful one. I highly recommend Cenote Santa Cruz.
3. EcoRanchoMayamar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By olympiaruiz - Mexico, null
My favorite part of the experience was the amazing and truly awesome caves with cenotes inside of them, they were unique and special because are 100% natural, and located in middle of the jungle. The tour consist in 4 caves, each one has something different, and Roberto in every moment takes care of you. Also, if you want he gives you time alone inside of the place. Since de first moment you arrived Roberto gives you an exclusive treatment, he will receive you with some lunch at the house, and then he personally gives you the tour. The place it’s pet friendly, and exclusive. It’s an experience you can’t miss if you are around Playa Del Carmen or Tulum, you won’t regret it. It’s perfect to have an adventure, because you explore and swim at the same time. CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK! PD: each tour is exclusive because you reserve and you will not find more people.
4. Akumal Natura Rescue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Wild animals and cenotes environmentalist tour. A guided tour of four hours in which you will meet more than 80 animals of 23 different species plant a tree, know the flora with its medicinal plants of the jungle and at the end you can swim in a magnificent illuminated underground cenote. To get there you have to go first to the meeting point at Akumal Natura Glamping (googleMaps). From there we will take our vehicle to the ranch with the animals, plants and cenotes. All togheter 4 hours experience.
5. Tulum Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29,609 reviews
Tulum (Spanish pronunciation: [tu'lum], Yucatec: Tulu'um) is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city serving as a major port for Coba.[1] The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.[1] Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned.[citation needed] One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.[1]
Reviewed By discoveringdest - Montreal, Canada
Oh yeah guys, we were in Tulum last week! We were blessed with a perfect sunny week in Riviera Maya. Our idea was to spend a week relaxing on the beach. Then we saw pictures of Tulum and found out it was 20 minutes away. So... “Why not” ?!? We never know the next time we'll be in Mexico. Tulum for a 1/2 day tour with guide was $69usd per person. Expensive we thought, but we got a nice van, with a good driver and a really knowledgeable guide Jazmin. She studied history in Mexico and was clearly passionate about that. In Tulum are ruins of an ancient Mayan port city just next to wonderful Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Some go to visit the remaining structures and others to enjoy the beach. The tour was 4 hours in total. That includes the drive to Tulum, the guided tour and 1h30 of free time to spend walking around. With this time, we could go around, take pictures, swim and shop around in one of the local shops. We decided to walk around to enjoy the astonishing views of the coastline. We were mesmerized by the turquoise green and blue water and multicolour iguanas that gaze at the sun as though they were kings of the Mayan city! According our guide and in Wikipedia, Tulum is one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites and is really famous touristic point. The important part of Tulum is its history, since the city has access land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub. It was really cool to hear our guide speak about the Mayan history. She described a mystical place on a beautiful sunny day just like the one we were experiencing. We took the tour from the hotel so everything was pre arranged for us. Alternatively, you can always rent a car and drive over. Our Ratings Serge: 5 Eli: 5 Recommend: Absolutely. Tulum is a very unique historical Mayan ruin, feel free to view the grounds or go for a swim. Important Tips: 1. Tulum in a sunny day is really “Hot”, so get your sunblock ready and if possible, an umbrella. 2. Please, “Do NOT forget” an insect repellent because Tulum is a mix of Beach & Jungle, we are the bite marks to prove it. 3. Bring water and if you decide to go swimming, make sure have some protection (sun block and repellent). 4. If you have a professional or semi professional camera (GoPro counts), you will need to pay a extra tax. The tax is calculated per camera.
6. Akumal Beach
7. Yal-ku Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,044 reviews
Reviewed By MinnesotanTraveler
Yal-ku lagoon is an estuary where fresh and salt water meet, so the biodiversity in the lagoon is incredible. The water is teeming with fish. You can rent a snorkel or bring your own. The park around the lagoon features interesting art statues. There is a small snack bar, clean restrooms, and lockers.
8. Xpu-ha Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,051 reviews
One of the Yucatan's most beautiful beaches.
Reviewed By LeslieD751
Fabulous beautiful beach with fun restaurants and 2 beach clubs. Had a relaxing day with wonderful ceviche and guacamole. Service and prices are highly recomend.
9. Aktun Chen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,063 reviews
An underground cave with spectacular rock formations.
Reviewed By jordyguth - Logan, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at this unique and authentic site. It was fun to be off the beaten path in a relaxed setting that hasn't been overrun by tourists. It is a very well run establishment, and the entire staff was friendly and accommodating. The guides were upbeat and patient with us, as well as being very knowledgeable about the caves and the ecology. The prices were very reasonable, and we got a package deal when we went to the Tulum ruins that included a guided tour of the Tulum ruins plus the Aktun Chen cave tour and cenote swim for around $54/each (3 adults, two teens, and two 12 year olds). We tacked on the zipline for a discounted price. We spent all day and enjoyed every aspect of the experience, including the restaurant (reasonable prices and good local fare) and the animals (mostly animal rescues in a semi natural enclosures). We also saw several native butterflies (blue morphos and black/orange longwings) in their natural jungle setting. The absolute highlight was swimming in the underground cenote among the cave formations, fish, and the clearest water I have ever seen. It is incredibly dramatic with the natural light from above through holes in the limestone ceiling. All of the guides we had were wonderful and seemed to love their "office" setting. I would definitely rank our day at Aktun Chen as one of the main highlights of our trip! Thank you for a wonderful experience.
10. Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 477 reviews
Punta Laguna is part of a 5000-hectare nature reserve called Ma'ax Yetel Kooh.
Reviewed By GIPSY201 - New York City, United States
We visited Punta laguna with a Private Guide her name is Marisa costa ( Facebook: costa Private tour guide & wassap :+521-984-144-5722 ) Punta laguna its an unique Reserve & our guide Made this Journey so Excepcional . She have important information about monkeys,plants ,Maya’s & Reserve . She pick us at our Airbnb with her personal car & Drive us to Punta Laguna . We saw monkeys ,crocodiles & many birds . We did zip line over the lagoon & rappel in a sacred cenote . She was so Fun and also give us some delicious food & drinks during our visit .We receive a warm welcome by a mayan Shaman and get purified by him upon arrival . This is not a very touristic place but it’s a definitely an Unique experience .we found Marisa Costa Online and we would like to recommend her if you visit Punta Laguna Price was 150 Usd per person
