Mexico’s coastline is full of fun and adventure! There’s hidden treasures wherever you go–whether you are looking for sand and sun, historical wonders, geological tours and exhibition-style attractions. Some of the most beautiful beaches and reefs can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula, and that’s why Riviera Maya is one of the top destinations around the world for people who want to bask in the beauty of Mayan-Mexican culture on the Caribbean.
Where is Riviera Maya Located
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of beautiful Caribbean coastline in the Northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s an all-inclusive kind of atmosphere with many resort-style hotels and attractions. In fact, there are over 20,000 hotel rooms in this area, perfect for travelers who are looking to explore and relax by the beach.
Where to Go in Riviera Maya
There are a variety of different attractions in this area, but the most famous places to visit include Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Puerto Morelos.
Playa del Carmen
Love diving in crystal blue waters and exploring reefs? Playa del Carmen is the place you want to be. In fact, it’s the top diving location in the world. Its vibrant sea life and amazing underwater caverns attract visitors year-round. Nearby, a hip fishing village awaits with delectable cultural eats. There’s also a huge golf community in this area and plenty of playful monkeys to visit at The Jungle Palace, a family favorite.
Tulum
Overlooking the sea, you’ll find ancient Mayan ruins dating back to centuries ago. Tulum is well-known for its archaeological sites, which are well-preserved and protected. Year-round, visitors come to this area to hike up the cliffs by the ocean and wander through amazing architecture of some amazing ancestral grounds, including El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. There’s also an underground river with gorgeous stalactite formations in the sacred caverns of LabnaHa Eco Park.
Puerto Morelos
Rest and relaxation can’t get any better than when you visit Puerto Morelos. It’s the place to go to simply enjoy Mexico’s culture while also enjoying beautiful beaches. There are all kinds of activities around this area including horseback riding on the beach, diving adventures and serene bike rides along the coast.
Best Places to Dine in Riviera Maya
Flavor and beauty come together in some of the most amazing places of the Riviera Maya. Here’s some of our top picks for dining while on your getaway.
Oh Lala!
Ranked as one of the top 10 restaurants in Riviera Maya, Oh Lala! serves up amazing dishes that are Mediterranean-inspired. Enjoy seafood like mussels and lobster cooked with international spices. However, you’ll probably need to pre-book because this fine dining experience is quite popular all year-round.
Pavo Real by the Sea
Looking for ambiance by the water? Pavo Real by the Sea doesn’t disappoint! This is the perfect place to go for a romantic evening or a special occasion with family. Enjoy dishes like foie gras, coconut flan, lobster milanese and more! It’s definitely a moment to treat yourself.
Kaxapa Factory
The spicier side of life is waiting for you at Kaxapa Factory. Delectable, exotic latin dishes with South American seasoning are the rage at this top-rated restaurant. With lots of options including incredible Venezuelan cuisine, this is a great place to go with the family as well.
Traveler’s Favorites
Where and what do people love to do in the Riviera Maya? It’s all here. There are a variety of attractions, parks, tours and adventures to take in this lush area of Mexico.
Xplor Park
Rated the top adventure park in Riviera Maya, Xplor Park is a unique place to explore with caverns, scuba diving, ziplines, ATV tours, rock climbing and so much more. Visit stalactite riviers or take a hammock ride over the jungle to experience a whole new view of the Riviera Maya!
Xcaret Eco Theme Park
Hailed as one of the top eco-archaeological parks, Xcaret offers entertainment, food and lots of cultural history about Riviera Maya. It’s the perfect place to explore and enjoy adventures through the Mayan jungle or head out to Jaguar Island. There’s also a butterfly pavilion. Xcaret also provides tours for travelers such as a snorkeling tour or underground river adventure.
Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto is another eco tour found in the Riviera Maya. This tour is exclusively for those who want to experience unbelievable underground rivers and caverns along the coast. Visitors get to explore amazing stalactite formations while swimming with sea life and a professional guide. You can also head to the Salon de la Pazi or Room of Peace, a spectacular light and sound show projected in the underground caverns.
Thinking about taking a trip to Riviera Maya? We’ve got a variety of resorts available for exchange. Head over to the SFX Resorts Directory for Mexico and start planning your next vacation.
