Photo Highlights of Things to Do and See in Mexico’s Riviera Maya Region
Experience Mayan Culture
Set along the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is named after the Maya, a group of indigenous people who lived in the region for many centuries. Visitors to the Riviera Maya can experience cultural performances at parks such as Xcaret.
Indulge In A Riviera Maya Resort
Over the last three decades, extensive development along the Riviera Maya coast has brought numerous all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and smaller boutique lodges to the area. Many are built along the ocean, where the warm Caribbean water just steps away.
Climb An Ancient Pyramid
Rising 137 feet above the savannah jungle, Nohoch Mul Pyramid is the tallest structure at the ancient Mayan city of Coba. Visitors climb 130 steps to the top for expansive views of savannah jungle in all directions. The narrow, uneven stone steps are steeper than they look and the thick rope from the top to base of the pyramid adds a degree of safety to the ascent and descent.
Receive A Shaman’s Blessing
A visitor to Riviera Maya receives a spiritual blessing from a Maya shaman. As more tourists come to Riviera Maya, traditional shaman practices have become popular as a means of relaxing, finding time for personal reflection, and understanding indigenous cultural practices.
Explore An Underground Yucatan Cave
Aktun-Chen cave is an underground, five-million-year-old dry cave with a subterranean cenote, or water-filled sinkhole. Stalactites, stalagmites, and weird limestone formations delight visitors who take the short stroll through the cave.
Ride a Tropical Ferry
The 45-minute ferry ride between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel runs nearly every hour. Tourists staying along the Riviera Maya can take the ferry on a day trip to enjoy the beaches, diving, and other activities of Cozumel.
See A Historical Extravaganza
The Mexico Espectacular show at Xcaret takes guests on a 500-year history of Mexico through historical reenactments, dance, music, song, art, games, and much more. Sit back in the Grand Tlachco Theater and watch it all unfold as more than 300 performers bring you along on a colorful, action-packed odyssey of sight and sound.
Find A Mayan Beach
Riviera Maya lies within the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. While the inland landscape is mostly low tropical jungle, the coastline offers mile after mile of powdery, white sand beaches, punctuated every so often by rocky headlands. The pre-Columbian Mayan ruins of Tulum sit on a cliff overlooking a small crescent of white-sand beach protected for nesting sea turtles. The Temple of the God of Wind seen here is the largest structure at Tulum.
Play At A Seaside Theme Park
At Xcaret in Playa el Carmen, guests can swim with captive dolphins, snorkel in calm settings, swim in underground rivers, and explore more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. This theme park can feel kitschy in places but it’s also a lot of fun, especially for families. On the cultural side, explore a Mayan village with artisans, an open church, bird and butterfly pavilions, a coral reef aquarium, and a variety of Mexican cuisine dining options.
Wander Through A Limestone Cave
A raised board walk allows visitors to walk over the 40-feet deep underground cenote during the tour of Aktun-Chen dry cave. With crystal-clear water and dramatic lighting, the cenote is a highlight of this short walk.
Feel Tropical Ocean Bliss
With a mean annual temperature of 75-77 degrees, and ocean water temperature ranging between 79-84 degrees, Riviera Maya is a year-round tropical escape from northern climates. A wide variety of accommodations ranging from high-end resorts and boutique hotels to small lodges cater to every budget.
Swim In A Freshwater Cenote
Thousands of cenotes lie scattered across the Yucatan Peninsula, with a number of nice ones clustered around the Tulum area. These sinkholes, created by the collapse of limestone, were used by ancient Mayans as a freshwater supply and for sacrificial offerings. Today these cool, freshwater swimming holes are a popular way to cool off on a hot tropical day.
Play Indiana Jones At An Ancient Mayan Ruin
Sprawling over approximately ten square miles, the Mayan ruins of Coba are a working archaeological site and only a small percentage of the site’s estimated 6000 structures have been excavated and restored. Located 28 miles from the coast, it was once a prominent Yucatan city and home to an estimated 50,000 or more people. Today it’s an easy day trip for visitors staying along the Riviera Maya coast.
Walk A Tropical Beach During Blue Hour
At night the beaches along Riviera May empty out as guests return to their room to rinse off the sand and dress for an evening at the resort. This blue hour of the day is a perfect time to stroll the quiet beach and drop into the rhythm of a tropical seascape. If you choose an evening stroll, stay on the safe side by not walking alone and remaining close to well-lit hotel beach areas.
Get Cleansed In A Temazcal
A visitor receives a ritual cleansing with sage after participating in a temazcal, a traditional Mayan sweat lodge healing ceremony. Typically the ceremony involves a sweat in a small heated structure and blends ancient practices, a purification ritual, and meditation or introspection. Popular among Mexicans, the temazcal is relatively unknown among tourists. They can be found by asking around at resorts or hotels.
Find An Empty Beach At Sunrise
Sunrise along the Maya Riviera is a surefire way to leave the crowds behind and have the beach to yourself. Quiet beaches go hand in hand with a variety of activities that have made Tulum a popular destination over the last 20 years: yoga, meditation, massage, and natural healing practices.