Top 5 Things to Do in Riviera Maya, Mexico

This is the land of amazing white sandy beaches and gorgeously blue waters. It is home to rich ancient civilizations. It is also the go to place for lots of adventure, theme parks, fantastic nightlife and a gourmet experience. Located along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, this land is called ‘Riviera Maya’ and is one of Mexico’s top tourism destinations.



Whether you are planning a romantic getaway to the Mexican Caribbean coast or luxury Riviera Maya Vacation Rentals, whether you are planning a family vacation to its famous theme parks or simply wish to enjoy a relaxed holiday full of adventure, history and delicious food, Mexico’s Riviera Maya provides interesting holiday options for all kinds of travelers. Here are 5 top things to do on your next holiday to Riviera Maya.

1) Discover the Magical Subterranean World of Rio Secreto



Stalactites, Stalagmites and a myriad of geological formations amidst a clear subterranean river is how one can explain Rio Secreto at a a high level. At a deeper level, it is one of mother nature’s best natural wonders that is millions of years old and that has quietly existed below pristine nature reserves of this vibrant part of Mexico. Apart from exploring this stunning piece of nature from deep inside the bowels of mother Earth, one can indulge in caving, cycling through the nature reserve, bird watching and other adventure activities.

2) Be Mesmerized by the Ancient Mayan Ruins



Yucatan Maya is full of ancient archaeological sites that are bound to captivate the imagination of every history lover. From one of the new seven wonders of the world in Chichen Itza to the only Mayan city built on the coast in Tulum, their mythical Mayan culture is bound to fascinate one and all. Tulum is located on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, Chichen Itza is possibly the best restored site, Coba is an ancient city that is known for its immense size and the list keeps going on. If you wish for an off-beat experience, you can go deeper into the traditional villages and get a first-hand experience of the local culture, traditions and food. For those who seek a bit of comfort, check out the eco-archaeological theme parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha that shelter some great Mayan ruins and offer a variety of other attractions and activities that range from swimming with dolphins, swimming at safe private beaches, a regional wildlife farm, a marine turtle conservation program and so much more.

3) Dive into Belize Barrier Reef



The second-longest barrier reef system, the Belize Barrier Reef begins at Cancun and extends all the way to Guatemala. Like the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, it offers an opportunity to get closer to the rich marine life that it supports. From sea turtles to colorful schools of fishes and from sharks to creepies and crawlies, the turquoise waters and rich coral ecosystem is perfect for all those scuba divers and snorkelers. Cave diving, swimming in cenotes (or sink holes), deserted white powdery beaches and virgin islands in the nearabouts are just an icing on the cake.

4) Explore the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve



An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an area of natural beauty that is home to many unique flora and fauna and about 23 known archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. From coastal wetlands to shimmering lagoons, from stunning brain corals to rare species of animals and from mangrove forests to fascinating Mayan history, Sian Ka’an is a heady mix of pristine nature, a rare ecosystem and rich Mayan culture that exists right in heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

5) Indulge in Adventure and Relax in the Mexican Caribbean



Riviera Maya is home to 80 miles of white powdery beaches and turquoise waters. Throw in stunning limestone cliffs, pristine jungles, amazing cenotes or sinkholes that are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, a great dining scene and fabulous nightlife and you have an amazing beach holiday destination. During the day, the adventure lovers choose from a myriad of activities that include cave diving, sink hole swimming, scuba diving, zip lining, sailing, horse riding, cycling, snorkeling, jungle trekking and/or kite surfing, while the ones who wish to relax find solace in a book, a relaxed swim and sun bathing session, a pampering spa and lots and lots of rest. During the night, there is quite an active party scene that is coupled with an amazing dining experience that specializes in both local and international cuisines.

Note: The photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikimedia under the Creative Commons License. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.