Vacation Activities in Riviera Maya

Tulum

For a bunch of old stone buildings, Tulum is a particularly impressive site, perched as it is high on top of limestone cliffs that spill down to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean below. The first time you enter the modest walled city, it will take your breath away. El Castillo, a large temple, is the site's biggest structure. Regrettably, it was off limits to climb this last time we were there. But the nearby Temple of the Descending God is accessible. If there are not too many people around it's a wonderful feeling to sit in the sun on the temple's platform with the waves crashing below and imagine what it must have been like years ago. If you time your visit for early morning or late afternoon you'll be blessed with fewer crowds.

Puerto Morelos

At this small and serene fishing village, the multicolored tropical fish, dolphins and unique coral formations make the area the perfect place for a family vacation. Conscious of the magnificient eco-systems that surrounds the town, the community is determined to protect their environment. Puerto Morelos offers coral reefs, mangroves, jungle and Mayan culture. The town offers a variety of restaurants with fresh fish and native dishes.

There are many amenities in Puerto Morelos: a small medical center, pharmacy, church, grocery stores, bookstore, travel agency, bicycle and car rental. More exotic are the other interesting and amazing services found in Puerto Morelos: alligator farm, jungle tours, cenotes, diving, fishing and snorkeling trips, and a magnificent botanical garden with Mayan ruins and medicinal plants.

Xcaret

If you are going to Xcaret, plan to stay all day to get your money's worth. Entrance into the eco-archaeological park is pricey (49 USD adult, 25 USD kids), and the park is often crowded. But if you want to do one big spending activity, Xcaret is a good choice. Buses run from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, and there is free parking for your car. Xcaret is open from 8:30am to 10:00pm every day.

Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is the only gated community resort on the Mexican Caribbean coast. Low density residential areas are clearly separated by expansive green belts from those of higher density strategically located in the heart of the resort where all commercial activities take place. Few destinations in the world have as many direct flights as Cancun's international airport, and from there Puerto Aventuras is just a 45-minute drive. Here the reef is only a hundred yards from the beach, not a two hour boat ride to a dive site.

Day Trips

Tulum

Xel-Ha

A lagoon/aquatic theme park that offers a wonderful diving opportunity for those with less experience. Types of attractions: ancient ruins, aquarium, amusement/theme park, waterway, geological formation, nature reserve and water park.

Mayan Ruins

The only existing Mayan ruin built on the seashore. Types of attractions: ancient ruins, historic site (Las Pinturas, an ancient Mayan pyramid).

Amigos de Sian Ka'an

Biosphere reserve that preserves the flora, fauna and ecosystems of a variety of wetlands and coastal habitats in Mexico's Yucatan.

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