What to do in the Riviera Maya!
The Riviera Maya is a 67 mile stretch of coastline that combines several cities and villages. It starts just outside of Cancun and continues to Tulum. You’ll find many things to do along the route. The most notable activities involve a Playa del Carmen Cozumel or Tulum visit. Wherever you choose to rent your Villa Experience villa, you will find beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, ecological reserves, water parks, cenotes, and wonderful cuisine. There is so much to do that you may feel overwhelmed, so we have listed out a few things you should do while on your visit.
Visit a Cenote
Most of the Yucatan is formed by limestone, which offers a unique characteristic to this area. Over thousands of years, this geological antecedent has resulted in deep sinkholes where freshwater flows through. The Mayans believed these sinkholes, known as cenotes in Spanish, were imbued with magical energy. Today visitors can explore many of them and enjoy that freshwater, and possibly, that magical energy. Some people even hire a private guide to take them snorkeling or diving deep into the underground rivers. Some of the most popular sinkholes are Cenote Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote.
Ancient Mayan Ruins
The Riviera Maya was once home to the ancient Mayan Civilization, and many archaeological sites exist along this area. These sites are open to visitors, including Tulum, Ek Balam, and Coba. There are also some small sites at Xcaret, Hel-Ha and on Conzumel. Taking a day trip to one of these sites lets you live the history and experience the legend of the ancient Mayans.
Shopping Along Quinta Avenida
It is the Mexican version of Fifth Avenue. Here you will find boutiques, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops to stroll through. A great time to go is in the evening when the lights, music, and activity will enthrall you. Plus, it is a great time to enjoy an exquisite dinner and sample some of the Mayan cuisines.
Xplor Park
If adventure is your thing, you won’t want to miss this park where you can soar high above the jungle, paddle in an underground river, enjoy a cenote or drive an amphibious vehicle down hanging bridges and explore a cavern. These are just a few of the things to enjoy at Xplor Adventure Park.
Enjoy Yucatecan Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is varied and every region has its own dishes and flavors. The Yucatan emphasizes the tangy orange, peppery achiote, and habanero pepper. It is known for its Cochinita Pibil, Sopa de Lima, and Papadzules which you might want to try. If that is not your style, though, there are also other options in the Riviera Maya.
Swim with Sea Turtles
Akumal is a beach with a crescent shape. Its white sandy beach and turquoise blue water make it an ideal place to swim, but it is even more special than that because it is a spot where you can get a glimpse of the juvenile sea turtles who come to eat a special seaweed that grows in the bay.
There’s a protected sea turtle sanctuary here, but you can get in the water and swim alongside them. It is a protected area, but you can get in the water and swim along with these beautiful creatures.
Akumal sits 23 miles south of Playa del Carmen, and there are guided tours, or you can go yourself. Just tell the taxi driver to take you to Akumal beach.
Enjoy the Nature of Sian Ka’an
In the south of the Riviera Maya is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The name means “Where the Sky is Born,” It is one of the largest protected areas of Mexico with 2500 square miles of natural beauty, freshwater streams, mangroves, lagoons, and inlets. It is the perfect place to glimpse natural wildlife and participate in a conservation project.
Learn to Scuba Dive
The Riviera Maya is a great spot to appreciate scuba diving. The water is hot and sits at about 80 degrees F year-round. Visibility is about 90 feet, and it is next to the second-largest coral reef in the world. You don’t have to be a licensed scuba diver to experience this activity in the Riviera Maya.
Enjoy Temazcal
The Temazcal is the traditional Mexican sweat lodge. The name comes from the Nahuatl language, Temaz meaning sweat, and calli house It is believed to cleanse the mind, the body, and the soul.
A shaman guides you through the experience as you release toxins and leave your everyday concerns away. Then, through the Temazcal, you are symbolically reborn. You can have a Temazcal experience at Dos Palmas Temazcal or any Temazcal healing centers.
Visit Xel-Ha Park
It is a natural aquarium located where the freshwater means the seawater creating a unique tropical habitat with many different marine species. Enjoy a day at the lagoons, mangroves, and cenotes. Use snorkeling gear (included in your visit) to see the underwater life, or grab an inner tube to mosey down the river.
These are just a few of the things you can do in the Riviera Maya. Keep in mind that guided tours take you to these areas, or you can hire a private driver for any excursion you decide to take. Be sure to contact our concierge service once you decide on the villa you wish to rent.
