Top Things to do in Riviera Maya
Top Hotels in Riviera Maya
Countries
Top 10 Archaeology Tours in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
[object Object]
Restaurants in Riviera Maya
1. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins with Cenote Swim and Lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The day starts with a convenient and easy pickup at your hotel or meeting point of your choice, aboard an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle, you will be shuttled to Tulum. This archeological site is a local landmark, since it served as a main port in the ancient Mayan civilization. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way on this nature-filled ride. You will priority access the archaeological site and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the temples to see and learn about the main attractions such as the astronomical observatory of the Mayan city of Tulum and cultural buildings throughout the limits of the walls. As you leave Tulum and its turquoise background waters, you will start on your way to the next leg of the journey, a scenic cenote that as expected, has cultural and traditional significance to the Mayan culture. Enjoy a tasty deli-style lunch with beautiful scenery surrounding you before a smooth-ride back.
Inclusions: Admission fees and priority access at Tulum archaeological site, Deli-Style Box lunch and bottled water, Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (If selected)
Exclusions: Natural reserve fee at Cenote for conservation efforts (15USD), Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the meeting point option, Optional snorkel gear and locker rental at Cenote, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Gratuities
Reviewed By Robert S
Had a great time. The catamaran was in great shape. The crew was fantastic on the boat and very attentive to those that went snorkeling. Always ensured you had a drink if wanted. Good party on boat. Only negative, buffet not very good. Would have liked the buffet on a sandy beach with lounges available.
2. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Visit Tulum with a private guide at the best times to avoid the crowds! Discover the unique beauty of a cenote (choose between Jaguar, Nicte Ha or Taak bi Ha) and swim with turtles in Akumal! This private tour is the perfect combination to do the best activities of the Riviera Maya. Of course with lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide, Lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer included, Beverages water, soda, beer included, Use of snorkel equipment including life jackets and wetsuits
Exclusions: Gratuities, Tulum truck shuttle
Reviewed By Swicktrip
I've been diving in Cozumel a dozen times but this was my 1st trip to Tulum and the Cenotes. Stumbled on ABSOLUTE ADVENTURES on Trip Advisor. It seemed a bit expensive but was so worth it! Dulce (what a doll!) and her driver met us just off the boat and gave us a day to remember, highlight of the week! Dulce was personable, articulate and knowledgeable of all aspects of Tulum ruins and Mayan history and the Cenotes and "their" amazing history. The tour also included a Mayan lunch at Dos Ojos and then Dulce joined us for a "snorkel with the turtles" at Playa Akumal before dropping us back off at the pier where we caught the ferry back to Cozumel. There was even a little shopping time and a quick Starbucks at the adjacent mall; all in all, a full and very satisfying day of New Adventures and lots of photos.
3. Cobá Ruins Tour (Half Day)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
This is approximately a 5 hour tour (including travel time) to the majestic Cobá ruins! Located in the Yucatán jungle, this location is one of the last remaining Mayan ruins that has a large structure you can actually climb. You will learn many interesting facts such as why different structures were designed the way they were and why they are located where they are. After entering the site, there is a short walk or bicycle ride through the jungle before reaching the main pyramid. If you choose to climb the pyramid, once at the top you can see over the beautiful Yucatán jungle tree tops! This tour includes entrance ticket, bottled water, and a snack.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By rbjknoyes
We have had this and similar tours while cruising, this is amazing place . your tour guide will help you to understand why this city was built and why it was located at the coast. when you are there you get a feeling of how old the world is and how we barley know about other places when we are just living day to day...this give a new prospective of other cultures and other times..Amazing
4. VIP Tulum Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds. - Open the Fortress & avoid the midday heat. - Admire the only Mayan ruins facing the Caribbean Sea. - Jump & refresh in an open sky Cenote. - Feel the crystalline cold water of the underground rivers in your body. - Explore a cave. - Eat the best fresh ceviche in the Riviera Maya from local fishermen restaurant. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.
Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Professional and disinfected premium snorkel equipment., Open Cenote entrance fee., Cave & Underground River entrance fee., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Cold bottled water all day.
Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included - Lunch at a Local Restaurant (optional)., Not included - Tips (optional)
Reviewed By ZestyChic
Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!
5. Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 362 reviews
WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE tour operator in all the Riviera Maya ON TRIP ADVISOR check out our reviews!!!!! • Private tour • Enjoy at your own pace • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pick up and drop off at your hotel or rental home • Enjoy Chichen Itza archaeological exploration with a "Living Dreams Mexico" private guide • Sacred Cenote swim • Colonial city Valladolid • The most talented and passionate guides in the region • Secluded Locations • No gimmicks, No upsells, No Souvenir Shops • Included: entrances, archaeological federally licensed guide, parking fees, toll road (if applicable), soft drinks, beers, water, snacks • Photos taken during your expedition are a courtesy from Living Dreams • Although we do not include lunch, you can request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgeable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer. We are sure that you will be provided with the option that best suits your tastes and interests
Inclusions: Private tour with professional archaeological licensed guide, Local taxes & National Park fees, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Beverages are provided inside your vehicle, Private transportation, Round-trip transportation from all hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Snacks, Free time if desired
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (In restaurant) * Only included on board vehicle., Feel free to request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer.
Reviewed By beachnuttylaura
I was referred to Living Dreams when I was inquiring concerns regarding a different company. I am so happy I was referred to Living Dreams! We booked 2 tours with them... The Coba Jungle Tour and Cenotes, and the Underground River Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. We had Hector as our guide and enjoyed him so such we requested him as our guide for our second tour. These are private tours so you are not rushed and they go to less crowded sites which makes each experience more memorable and pleasurable! They helped us design our tours based on our likes and desires and I must say every place they suggested and took us to exceeded our expectations! This company is very professional, honest, and have a wonderful staff working for them! I recommend you book all your tours Living Dreams you will not be disappointed :-)
6. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds & the midday heat. - Shortest travel time (Toll highway). - VIP Access (no lines). - Be one of the firsts to arrive & take the best pictures. - Stay as long as you like in the archaeological site with your certified guide. - Jump & refresh in an amazing open sky Cenote. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.
Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Toll highway (shortest travel time)., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Lunch buffet at Ex-Hacienda Mayaland., Open Cenote entrance fee., Visit to Valladolid Colonial Town., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Passenger insurance., Cold bottled water all day.
Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included – Drink at the Buffet. , Not included - Tips (optional)
Reviewed By ZestyChic
Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!
7. Private Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 37 reviews
Come to Chichenitza and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, a Mayan Pyramid right in the middle of this impressive archeological site in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It was recently discovered this pyramid was built above a huge Cenote (sinkhole) making the construction of this buliding a real feat. You can not miss visiting and knowing the history of this marvelousl Mayan city. Near Chichenitza, there are some wonderful refreshing Cenotes which are like an Oasis in the middle of this jungle, here you will be able to swim and snorkel and relax in the pristine waters of these natural swimming pools. Finally we are going to visit the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid where you will get to know more of the real Mexico, visiting old churches, markets, etc. This is also a great place for shopping pretty handicrafts or delicious chocolate.
Inclusions: BTM Tour Guide, All entrance fees, Lunch and Drinks
Exclusions:
Reviewed By petiteJuli3
When I reached out to our hotel concierge at El Pez, they hooked us up with Boutique Tours Mexico. Although we could have gone with another competitor with lower price, we are so happy to have done our tour with Boutique. Our tour guide Leo came to our hotel to pick us up round-trip. Leo was such an amazing tour guide. He was knowledgeable about the area, the things we were experiencing, and even a little history lesson. Not to mention Leo is personable. He was a champ when it came to me too. I can't swim in the ocean and Leo assured me that he "got me." He guided me in the water and I was able to snorkel along with him and my husband, rather than sit on a boat. When my motion sickness started getting to me, Leo was patient and made sure we were going at my pace and comfortablity. Luis, our boat captain, was amazing too. He would be navigating and be on the lookout for wild life for us. At the beginning, we didn't get to see any manatees where they usually feed, but on our way back, Luis asked if we wanted to go back just to check. Shoutout to Leo spending his bachelor day with us, the day before his wedding. To me, that's dedication and a love for his job! I mean, who wouldn't want to spend time with dolphins, sea turtles, and gem-like waters. My husband wants to go work with these two now haha. Leo and Luis were so wonderful and made Sian Kian experience even more memorable. We believe that if we had done a usual tour group setting, we wouldn't have the hands on experience we had received. We would 100% want to do future tours with Leo again when we return to Mexico in the Yucatan region. It was the best part of our trip. Congratulations to Leo and thank you Leo and Boutique Tours Mexico for a wonderful experience and memory!
8. Chichen Itzá, cenote and Valladolid Small groups day Trip from Tulum
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 249 reviews
Recently selected as one of the New World Wonders, Chichen Itza is without a doubt one of the most spectacular and important archeological sites of the Yucatan peninsula and Mesoamerica. The Maya-Toltec style; which can be appreciated in Chichen Itza is the result of the cultural exchange between the different cultures of Mesoamerica. The excellent restoration of this ancient city makes it an absolute “must-see” destination for any visitor to the Yucatan peninsula interested in history and culture. After visiting Chichen Itza we cool off in an impressive cenote (flooded cave) where nature and mysticism will bring you to a whole new dimension. Valladolid is a city where past and present come together to delight us with astounding sights of beautifully colored colonial architecture and tastes of an incredibly rich gastronomy. A visit to the main square of the town will absorb you in the peace and tranquility of its people while you learn about the local customs.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Lunch, Snacks and drinks
Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum). +$10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.
Reviewed By anais_lfbvr
Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.
9. Sian Ka'an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 219 reviews
The archaeological site of Muyil is located in the northern part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. This ancient Mayan trading post is the perfect place to enjoy astounding Mayan temples such as the 17 meters (57 ft) building known as El Castillo in the incredibly diverse semi-deciduous forest of Sian Ka'an. From the archaeological site you will take an interpretive trail towards the tallest observation point of Sian Ka'an to admire the exuberant vegetation of the jungle and the fresh water wetlands. Once you reach the Muyil lagoon, you will take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean ocean. You will float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads. A delicious vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits is included in the tour.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum), 10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.
Reviewed By anais_lfbvr
Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.
10. Coba, Tulum, Cho-Ha Cenote and Paradise Beach, Premium Service.
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 40 reviews
Join this small-group full-day tour to Coba, Cenote Choj Ha, Tulum and Paradise Beach. Visit the Yucatan jungle and Coba, swim in the spectacular waters of Cenote Choj ha, see the archaeological site of Tulum, and relax in Paradise beach while admiring the ruins of Tulum from the sea. There is a maximum group size of 15 for this tour.
Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Beverages, Professional art historian guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks
Reviewed By Goldfinger76
The trip was good, and the 3 stars are worth it thanks mostly to the very comptent, kind and forthcoming guide Ulysses who knows a lot about Mayan culture notably because he is of Mayan descendants. On the flip side : even though pick up at the hotel was clearly included in the deal, I was informed short before the trip that I had to take a cab (expensive in Tulum) to get to the assembly point, presumably because of dense trafic all over the region at that particular time of the morning. The same was asked of me on the way back. The consequence was I had to pay a total of $ 30.- more. Coba and Chichen Isa on the same day trip is a lot and there is not much time spent on either of the ruins. The trip started at 9:50 am. It would have been better to start much earlier.
TAGS
