Top Things to do in Riviera Maya
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The 10 Best Things to do in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
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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. Xcaret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43,097 reviews
Xcaret (pronounced eesh - carette )is a must-see destination while visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya, situated only 37 miles from Cancun International. Xcaret," Mexico ’s sacred paradise" was opened in December 1990 as an eco-archeological park where visitors from all over the world can enjoy the splendor of Mexico’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Attractions: Underground Rivers, Beach, lagoon & pools, Tropical Jungle Trail, Rotating Scenic Tower.
Reviewed By vnicholls84 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
We got the plus passes and included lunch - the Buffett was excellent! We added on the sea trek (absolutely awesome) and the adrenaline speed boat (also excellent) Stay for the show at the end!!! (We upgraded and got the vip seats with the meal too, also excellent) The rivers were outstanding. The only thing I didn’t like and would stop me returning is the captive dolphins. I don’t like seeing this at all. It’s 2019! People need to stop swimming with them and these parks need to let them go. One of the dolphins dorsal fins was ripped in half from constantly having people holding on to it. For an eco park is was shocked at the use of the animals for entertainment. (The sting rays appeared to have had their tails cut off too) It is a beautiful park, transfers were excellent.
3. Akumal Beach
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Croco Cun Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,019 reviews
A totally awesome conservationist interactive adventure zoo. Touch, hold or feed wild local species.
Reviewed By Pathfinder802877
Only a short distance from our hotel bit it would be worth a trip if staying in Cancun. Small zoo/sanctuary which is visited in around 1 hour with a guide, you get to hold many of the animals and walk in the crocodile enclosure which is for me, a unique experience. Finally get to feed the deer and meet Mexican hairless dogs - a bit of everything for animal lovers. Value for money for the experience and all proceeds go into maintaining this small operation.
8. Rio Secreto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,530 reviews
Mexico reveals its newly-discovered underground river: Very few places in the world boast conditions that make it possible to witness the extraordinary beauty of an underground river. Rio Secreto is a fantastic journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Come and experience this magical journey with us on your next vacations in Mexico.
Reviewed By Matina28 - Laval, Canada
Secret River My husband and I visited Río Secreto on November 4. For me, enter to those caves was something magical, what a beautiful place, I hope they keep it as it is, a natural jewel. Our guide Joshua was excellent, he gave us a lot of information about the place, besides being patient, kind and attentive to each one of the group. Eduardo (the little one) our photographer is an excellent professional. The photos were beautiful. I liked everything, the rappel, the visit to the river on the Alegria road, and the visit to the dry route. It is a trip to wonderful place. Visiting these caves with stalactites, stalagmites and swimming in that crystal clear water is something we should experience even once in a lifetime. The buffet at the end was very good. I congratulate the staff of Rio Secreto for taking care of this place and for making the visitor aware of how important it is to keep this place in its natural state.
9. Cenotes Dos Ojos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,271 reviews
Reviewed By vinnietrip32
You haven’t discovered the true wonders of Tulum or Playa del Carmen until you explore one of the Cenotes (caves). We explored the “Dos Ojos”, and chose to tour the Los Monos Cenote, discovered less than 12 months ago - an underwater Haven. The water is crystal clear, tranquil beauty, the rock formation is incredible, with all the natural formations of the Stalagmites and Stalactites leaving you breathless - unique experience that you will cherish forever - I promise you that. When you arrive, ask for “Eddy”, one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered, he was absolutely amazing, his passionate for the Cenotes is like no other, he does whatever it takes to make your experience one to remember. He took so many photos for us, swimming through the bends and Stalagmites and Stalactites of the Cenote and for a very small fee, sent us all the photos in high res so we can print them off when we get home.
10. Ecopark Kantun Chi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,783 reviews
KANTUN CHI is an exotic and relaxing paradise situated in the jungle of the Riviera Maya, this ecopark captivates its visitors with its impressive cenotes ( water-caves) and the soft whisper of its flora. The travelers that visit the underground rivers are amazed by the crystal clear water and the millenarian rocks that create a unique atmosphere. Dive into your senses and really enjoy the Eco- Cultural tours MAGICAL WATERS, following trails through the jungle you will reach 5 unbeatable crystal clear water caves ( cenotes) full of life, that still retain the natural charm and mysticism the ancient Mayans saw in them. Five cenotes in one place! AGUAS MAGICAS / MAGIC WATERS Schedule / Horarios: 9 am - 10 am- 12 pm- 1 pm. •Recorrido guiado por 5 cenotes./ Guided tours to 5 cenotes. •Visita a un adoratorio Maya / Visit to a Mayan Shrine. •Areas de descanso ( hamacas y camastros) / Rest areas ( hammocks and lounge chairs). •Alimentos ( platillo tipico y bebidas no alcoholicas) •Regaderas, lockers y vestidores •Chalecos salvavidas, mascara( visor), snorkel •Transporte por truck ( opcional) •Bicicleta y casco de seguridad •Kayak GRUTAVENTURA Horarios: cada hora. •Incluye el Tour AGUAS MAGICAS ( con guia) •Entrada a excursion por el rio subterraneo ( con guia ) Horario del parque : Abierto de 9 am a 5 pm todos los dias
Reviewed By tlcrn5 - Edmonton, Canada
Beautiful eco park with 5 crystal clear cenotes & underground river. We booked the tour thru the concierge at our condo. We chose the all inclusive tour which included a lunch, tour of all 5 cenotes & the underground river. We had a wonderful guide, Clemente who was friendly, knowledgeable & passionate about his country, the eco park & the incredible cenotes & underground river.The tour was well organized with adequate time spent at each of the cenotes, the tour of the underground river was spectacular. The waters of the cenotes were crystal clear, jumping off the cliff into one of the cenotes was tons of fun even for us older tourists. The outdoor atrium where lunch was served was peaceful & relaxing ... a fitting end to a wonderful adventure!
