The Riviera Maya is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and is the nation's most visited place. It is believed that the Riviera Maya — This is the area south of Kanun and up to the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve. The main guest government centers located here, — Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and Tulum. This coastal area, approximately 140 kilometers long, with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters typical of the Caribbean, welcomes millions of visitors every year. Always warm and sunny weather and an average water temperature of 25 °C make holidays in the Riviera Maya possible all year round. But it’s not enough to have a launch in a small place, no matter how luxurious it may be. In addition to relaxing on the beach and exploring fantastic coral reefs, the Riviera Maya offers a wide range of different travel attractions, such as the ancient cities of the Mayan civilization, underground cities with crystal clear waters or numerous areas with pristine nature.
Here is a list of the ten best places you must visit in the Riviera Maya. Read more about each of them in other publications on our website. In fact, there are many more interesting places, but start with these.
Tulum
Tulum is considered one of the most favorite places to relax and visit in the entire Riviera Maya. The first — You must visit the archaeological site of the Mayan city, located on the top of a cliff, from where you can observe the intense turquoise color of the Caribbean Sea. The complex of Tulum ruins can be explored in about two hours, and the visit is worth ending by going down to the beach at the foot of the cliff. Definitely one of the most spectacular places in the world.
Tulum is also famous for its organic food, endless noisy parties and restaurants with excellent cuisine. This place is appreciated by lovers of yoga and all kinds of shamanic ceremonies.
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Senfromy
Senfroms are found only on the Yucatan Peninsula. These natural formations, hollows in karst rocks filled with water, are an ideal place for a relaxing break on a hot day or snorkeling for beginner divers. There are a lot of saints on the Riviera Maya. Some of them, such as Chac Mul or Dos Ojos, are even several caves connected by underground rivers. Diving is only permitted with a guide. Other saints are worth visiting because of their beauty. The most interesting — Samula, Shkeken, Palomitas, Agua Dulce, Xkanahaltun, Hubiku, Suitun and Ik-Kil, located next to Chichen Itza.
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Chichen Itza
A visit to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most emblematic places in Mexico, is a must if you are visiting the Mayan Riviera. This impressive city of the ancient Mayan civilization still holds many mysteries of its former inhabitants. The most important buildings, such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan or the ball court, are perfectly preserved. The duration of a visit to the entire complex is about 4 hours. Then stop by Saint from Ik-Kil — located five kilometers away. Refresh yourself and admire the beauty and strangeness of this natural wonder.
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Beaches Xcacel, Xpu-Há and Akumal
These beaches of the Mayan Riviera, located 100 kilometers between Puerto Morelos and the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve, are considered among the most beautiful in the world. But the most famous and sought after — Akumal beach, where from April to October there is an opportunity to observe the mass arrival of sea turtles for breeding. Swimming with turtles — popular entertainment. In Akumal there are several hotels with hammocks right on the shore, and everything is conducive to relaxed communication with nature.
Xpu Ha is another beautiful beach in the Caribbean with shallow waters where you can go snorkeling. And in Xcasell you will find a paradise with pristine beaches, surrounded by lush vegetation. There are no fir trees here, but there are many sea turtles.
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Holbox
Holbox Island is located just over two hours' drive from the major cities of the Caribbean coast. On this small island, which you can explore on foot or by golf cart, nature has been preserved as it was a long time ago. There are no cars here. The tranquility of its white sand beaches and turquoise waters attracts more and more travelers every day. The best things to do in Holbox include watching the incredible sunsets at Punta Coco, strolling along the beach to Punta Mosquitos or cycling through the town center in search of the fantastic graffiti that litters the walls of many of the local buildings.
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Koba
The ruins of Coba are considered one of the most extensive archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization in Mexico, with several pyramids and buildings scattered throughout the jungle over a large area. However, it is quite possible to explore the entire territory on foot. You can rent a bicycle to have time to see all the most interesting monuments, such as the Nohuch Mul pyramid, the tallest on the Yucatan Peninsula, over 40 meters high. It is allowed to climb the pyramid using support ropes due to its steep slope. From the top you will have breathtaking panoramic views of other ruins and the surrounding jungle.
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Lagoon Bacalar
Lagoon Bacalar, which in the Mayan language means "the place where the sky is born", lives up to its name thanks to the different shades of blue that the water acquires throughout the day. It is believed that the water here has 7 main shades. Underwater caves located in different parts of the lagoon create different depths. The color of the water changes depending on the depth and intensity of sunlight. It's kind of an optical illusion. Bacalar is located more than two hours from Tulum, and is a place for those who prefer to be one with nature. Xfromya boat stations offer boat trips; it would be better to choose a secluded beach — Watching the water overflow from the shore is no less interesting.
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Izamal
The ancient Spanish city of Izamal is located between Merida and Valladolid and is one of the most beautiful settlements in Mexico, perfectly conveying the spirit of the era of colonization. This from «magic town» It is full of ancient buildings of yellow or ocher color, the most famous of which are the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the monastery of San Antonio de Padua, built on a pre-Hispanic platform. Best time in Izamal — calm walks in the center, between colonial-era houses. The city is very phfromogenic! There is even a Mayan pyramid here.
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Island of Women
Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and located 13 kilometers from Cancúna, Isla Mujeres is another must-see destination on the Riviera Maya. Ferries go to the island, and the local beaches are considered the cleanest and most beautiful on the entire coast. The coastal waters are ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling thanks to the coral reef located here. It is possible to rent a motorcycle or a golf cart to visit the El Garrafon Marine Park or one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico — Playa Norte. In the evening it is worth taking a walk along the main street and visiting some fish restaurant.
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Sian Ka'an
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area in the Caribbean. This area has pristine beaches with the purest white sand, endless mangroves, and freshwater springs gushing out of the ground. There is even a half-submerged Mayan temple. The variety of fauna is amazing: the inhabitants of the reserve are birds of many species, crocodiles, manatees, turtles, dolphins, spider monkeys, pumas and even jaguars.
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