The Riviera Maya captivates its visitors with a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, culture and relaxation. It offers a wide diversity of experiences for different travel styles, interests, tastes and budgets. The Riviera Maya has white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, as well as archaeological sites, cenotes, underwater caverns, eco-archaeological parks, and natural spas with ancestral wellness treatments. The area also has some of the best cuisine in the world.
WHAT CAN I DO?
NATURE AND ADVENTURE
The Riviera Maya is a paradise of abundant nature. Its rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as lush jungle surround the entire destination, making it perfect for many eco-tourism activities for the whole family:
- Zip lines, snorkeling and diving in cenotes, rappelling, parachuting, diving in caves and caves, kayak rides, swimming with turtles, quad biking through the jungle, tours to archaeological sites and Mayan communities.
- Nesting season for sea turtles from May to September.
- Natural and eco-archaeological parks.
- Unique natural sites: Caleta Tankah, Xcacel-Xcacelito, Cenote Dos Ojos, Laguna Kaan Luum.
MAYAN CULTURE
The Riviera Maya has many historical and cultural sites along its entire length, the most outstanding being:
- Tulum, located 115 km (70 miles) from the Cancun International Airport, is the only archaeological site in the Caribbean built right by the sea.
- Coba, located approximately 140 km (86 miles) from the Cancun International Airport, has the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula.
WATER ACTIVITIES
In the Riviera Maya, activities and excursions can be enjoyed in nature, including:
- Catamaran rides, snorkeling, windsurfing, tours through the mangroves, waverunners, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, parasailing, sport fishing, diving and much more.
SPA AND WELLNESS
In Riviera Maya there are many spa treatments available for health, beauty or relaxation. The spas use the latest advances and techniques in aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy which are fused with the millennial wisdom of the Mayas on natural ingredients. Riviera Maya has a large variety of modern and luxurious spas on the seashore, or in the middle of nature, which involve all the senses to achieve a unique wellness experience. The Temazcal treatment is recommended for first time visitors. The treatment is a kind of sauna of pre-Hispanic origin. Other treatments include:
- Acupuncture, crystal therapies, reflexology, hydrotherapy, meso-lift, body remodeling, Shiatsu, Hamam and Watsu, Eastern rituals of purification of all kinds.
ENTERTAINMENT
Riviera Maya has a wide variety of recreational options that make it one of the most complete tourist destinations in the world, including:
- The 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen has many restaurants, art galleries, bars and nightclubs.
- Tulum, a small beach town, has a more bohemian lifestyle, which is reflected in small gastronomic establishments.
- Shows like Joyá from Cirque Du Soleil, and Rauxa’s Sweet Dementia Dinner & Show.
SHOPPING
Playa del Carmen has shopping centers with local and international brands such as La Quinta Alegría, Calle Corazón and Paseo del Carmen all on the 5th Avenue –or "La 5ta." There is also a variety of art galleries and local handicraft establishments from different parts of Mexico.
WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS
The Riviera Maya is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world thanks to the unique variety of natural settings, including:
- Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, perfect for weddings, ceremonies or renewal of vows.
- Mayan ceremonies in cenotes.
- Original locations for dream weddings in: Beaches, natural parks, on board a ship on the high seas, docks, gazebos, gardens and terraces overlooking the sea and in addition to the lounges in hotels.
- Certified wedding coordinators and professional banquet providers, florists, musicians, haute couture designers, hair and makeup, audiovisual equipment, photography and decoration.
- LGBTQ weddings.