The Riviera Maya is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s full of amazing beaches, caves, cenotes, and an eco-archeological park. The best part about visiting this area is there are so many cool things to do in the Riviera Maya. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico soon, consider spending some time in this paradise on earth!
The Riviera Maya – a Heaven on Earth
The Riviera Maya is a traveler’s paradise that spans 80 miles along the Mexican Caribbean coastline. It encompasses many small towns, each with fabulous views and outdoor activities for those in search of adventure. The Riviera Maya is a great place to vacation, especially if you’re looking for a destination with friendly people, exotic wildlife, beaches, and underwater caves galore!
Where to Stay in the Riviera Maya
When choosing where to stay in the Riviera Maya, consider these popular spots: Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. Each of these locations has its own resort hotels, restaurants, and shops nearby.
If you want to be located close to the beach and outdoor fun, Playa Del Carmen and Akumal both have vacation rentals with all the comforts of home, including a jacuzzi, rooftop patio, and ocean views. Check our availability for both locations.
Visit Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a beach town located in the Riviera Maya region. The word “playa” is Spanish for “beach.” Originally a fishing village, Playa del Carmen offers plenty of outdoor activities including swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and horseback riding along with shopping and dining at local restaurants and cafes.
Things to do in Playa del Carmen
- See the sunrise over the ocean
- Snorkel and swim with dolphins
- Go cliff diving in Cenote Azul
- Take an eco-tour of Xcaret Park
- Stop in for lunch at Tiki Tacos—they’re just a short walk from the beachl!
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is an open cenote where you can dive and swim with the fishes. A cenote is an open underground cave system that is partially filled with water. There are several of these in the Riviera Maya region. Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote) is 25 miles from Playa Del Carmen along the Penninsula.
Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is an eco-archeological theme park between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. You can explore nature, and visit the Coral Reef Aquarium, the Butterfly Garden, the bat cave, the Mayan ruins, an underground river, ceynotes, and lagoon.
Akumal
Akumal is a small town in Quintana Roo, Mexico, about 25 miles south of Playa del Carmen. It has been called “the pearl of the Riviera Maya” because it is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is the world’s second-largest coral reef. It attracts both divers and snorkelers from all over the world. Popular dive sites include Shark Island, Fish Bowl Reef, and Shark Reef.
Things to do in Akumal
The name Akumal comes from a Mayan word meaning “land of turtles.” Akumal is home to seven species of sea turtles, that live and breed in its sheltered coves from May to November. Swim with the turtles and aquatic life including stingrays, moray eels, octopuses, reef sharks, marlin, and giant grouper, to name a few.
If you’re in the mood for a great meal, try hitting up the Jungle Fish Beach Club! They have delicious resort-style meals in a welcoming environment. “Happy Hour” is on Thursdays from 4 – 5 p.m.
The Riviera Maya is a beautiful place. There are so many things to do, you’ll wish you had come long ago. Whether it’s exploring the natural wonders of the area or relaxing at one of the many resorts, there is something for everyone in this incredible paradise!
