Choose from 73 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya The Yucatan
ShowingFilter 61-73 of 73 listings.
Celestun
If you're looking for guaranteed pink flamingo sightings, a trip out to Celustun is your best bet. There's a pleasant enough beach where you can spread out a blanket, look for shells, or go swimming, but the main reason to visit is to hire a boat captain to take your party out on a flamingo tour. You head into a lagoon area where the big pink birds hang out each day, flying around and settling down in shallow areas in large groups to look for food. It's rare to come here and not see a few dozen flamingoes in bunches as you troll around on the boat.
The tour also usually includes a "petrified forest" with mangrove stumps sticking out of the mud and a visit to a swimming hole on land filled by cool, clear spring water. It's a great place to cool off from the viewing time in the hot sun. Afterwards there are a variety of inexpensive seafood restaurants near the beach and town square, all serving shrimp ceviche, fresh-caught fish from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold beer or margaritas.
The tour also usually includes a "petrified forest" with mangrove stumps sticking out of the mud and a visit to a swimming hole on land filled by cool, clear spring water. It's a great place to cool off from the viewing time in the hot sun. Afterwards there are a variety of inexpensive seafood restaurants near the beach and town square, all serving shrimp ceviche, fresh-caught fish from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold beer or margaritas.
Practical Info
There are several hotels and eco-lodges if you want to spend a quiet night or two out of the big city.
Location: 60 miles northwest of Merida
Location: 60 miles northwest of Merida
Address: Mexico
From $ 89
Hospitality Suite at Chichen Itza
Located within the Mayaland resort, the Viator Hospitality Suite at Chichen Itza is an exclusive space for Viator travelers embarking on selected tours to the ancient site. Depending on the type of tour you choose, you can freshen up in the air-conditioned suite before and after your visit to the famous Mayan ruins. A concierge service is also on hand to offer information and suggestions on the best things to see, do and eat in the area.
Additionally, as a Viator guest, you'll enjoy free use of the resort facilities, including the swimming pools and botanical gardens, plus get special access to Chichen Itza via a private entrance from the hotel.
Travelers have a variety of options when it comes to experiencing both Chichen Itza and the Hospitality Suite. Some full-day tours from Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Merida and Cancun allow visitors to fully uncover the mysteries of the ancient Mayan civilization and include a stop at the suite, while other tour options allow you to choose whether you'd like to explore the site at your own pace, opt for early access or go all out and visit on a complete VIP tour. Whichever way you choose to visit this famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the luxury of the exclusive Viator Hospitality Suite can be enjoyed as part of these select Chichen Itza experiences.
Practical Info
The Viator Hospitality Suite at Chichen Itza is only available on selected tours, with a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations.
Address: Hotel Chichen Itza (Mayaland Resort), Cancun, Mexico
From $ 32
Cirque du Soleil Joya
Cirque du Soleil has brought its award-winning magical theater to Mexico's Riviera Maya with Joya, the troupe's first resident production in Latin America. From dazzling theatrics and incredible acrobatics to otherworldly costumes and death-defying stunts, this fantastical show is truly an unforgettable experience.
The Basics
Prepare to be wowed. Cirque du Soleil's Joya combines outstanding performing and culinary arts to impress the audience's five senses. The intimate, 600-seat theater's setting is as dramatic as the show itself"”whose storyline draws on the heritage, history, and culture of Mexico"”and is hidden away in the Riviera Maya jungle above a giant cenote. There are ticket options to suit all budgets, from show-only seats and cozy tables to a VIP package replete with a gourmet 3-course dinner experience, preshow entertainment, Champagne, and priority seating for the main attraction..
Things to Know Before You Go
- The show itself lasts for 70 minutes, though different ticket packages offer different experiences and durations.
- It's best to purchase tickets for this popular show in advance.
- The theater is wheelchair-accessible.
- Various seating packages are available for purchase.
- Children under 3 years old are not permitted in the theater.
How to Get There
Teatro Cirque du Soleil is located at the Vidanta resort on the Riviera Maya, just outside Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Many ticket packages include round-trip transportation from area hotels.
When to Get There
Joya's performance schedule varies seasonally. Generally shows are at 6pm, 8pm, and 9:15pm depending on the day of the week and the time of year. If you are having dinner before the performance, arrive at the theater about 90 minutes before show time; for non-dinner tickets, arrive 40 minutes before show time.
The Tale of Cirque du Soleil's Joya
Inspired by the migratory journey of the monarch butterfly, Joya chronicles the adventures of its eponymous teenage protagonist and her alchemist grandfather, unraveling the mysteries of a fantastical jungle and the secrets of life along the way. The 70-minute show includes troops of mythical half-human, half-animal creatures; music and theatrics inspired by Mexico's rich history and heritage; and unbelievable contortions, trapeze, handbalancing on canes, and other acrobatics.
Address: Calle Carretera Federal Cancun Km. 48, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 77
Mayapan Mayan Ruins
Largely regarded as the last great Mayan capital of the Yucatan peninsula and inhabited until the Late Post-Classic period, the ancient city of Mayapan has long fascinated archaeologists, as well as becoming a popular tourist attraction. The city was allegedly founded by Toltec King Kukulcan after the fall of Chichen Itza and today its remains include more than 4,000 structures, spread over a 4.2-square-kilometer plot and surrounded by an imposing stone perimeter wall.
The star attraction of Mayapan is the towering Temple of Kukulcan, a terraced pyramid similar to the one found at Chichen Itza, around which are dozens of temples, altars, shrines and residences, many adorned with colorful murals and well-preserved stuccos.
Practical Info
The Mayapan Mayan Ruins are located on the Yucatán Peninsula, approximately 40 km south of Merida.
Address: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 79
Xel-Ha
Named after a Mayan word meaning “the place where the waters are born,” the Xel-Ha aquatic park encompasses 14 acres (5.7 hectares) of jungle and ocean just south of Playa del Carmen. Xel-Ha provides activities for the whole family and features cenotes, a lazy river, fish-filled lagoons, and other natural attractions.
The Basics
Xel-Ha offers ample opportunities to enjoy Mexico’s warm Caribbean waters and abundant animal life. Swim through underground rivers, cliff-jump into a cenote, traverse a floating bridge, and snorkel in lagoons filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, and manatees. On land, you can zipline above the canopy, rock climb, bike, or stroll through the jungle.
Day trips to Xel-Ha typically leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya. As the aquatic park is just five miles (eight kilometers) from Tulum, some Xel-Ha excursions also include a tour of the ancient Maya city. Xel-Ha is part of a network of related parks and experiences, including Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. It’s possible to book packages that include admission to multiple parks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and swim gear.
- The use of snorkeling equipment is offered with admission.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, showers, restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Xel-Ha is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; wheelchairs can be rented for a fee.
How to Get There
Xel-Ha is located in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. By road, the park is 90 minutes from Cancun, 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and 30 minutes from Riviera Maya. Most Xel-Ha tours include round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off. Taxi service is available, and you can also get to Xel-Ha via the ADO bus, which leaves from Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
When to Get There
Xel-Ha is open year-round from 8:30am to 6pm. The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. During the rainy season (June through October), you will find fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodations.
Must-Do Experiences at Xel-Ha
For families with kids, the park’s Children’s World features a wading pool, playground, water slide, rope climb, and other activities. Older children and adults can walk on the ocean floor with Xel-Ha’s Sea Trek technology (a helmet that allows you to breathe comfortably underwater); jump from the Cliff of Courage; and trek across the Trepachanga rope course. You can also relax on a secret beach in the Bay of Caprices, climb the Scenic Lighthouse, and swim through a mangrove forest.
Address: Highway Chetumal-Pto. Juárez, Tulum, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan 77780, Mexico
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 84
Xenses Park
Using the natural surrounding of Mexico's Riviera Maya, Xenses Park lets visitors lose themselves in the sounds and sights of optical illusions. The park's vision involves the fascinating neurological phenomena known as synesthesia, where a single sense has the ability to suddenly stimulate another. Colors seem to be heard, sounds felt and smells seem to be tasted.
At Xenses Park, waterfalls thunder by underground labyrinths and ziplines crisscross the trees, while pools, water slides and animal exhibits accompany 3D movies. Throughout a half-day experience, travelers will take delight in questioning what is real and what is instead just a product of stimulated senses. Opened in 2016, Xenses Park allows visitors to experience something outside the norm of regular, adrenaline-fueled theme parks, and pair the adventure with mind-bending features that must be seen to be believed.
Practical Info
Xenses Park can be visited on tours from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It is three miles from Playa del Carmen and 45 miles from Cancun, while offering free parking for travelers who choose to visit the park on their own. All travelers should bring a swimsuit or clothes they don't mind getting wet. Some activities, such as ziplines, may have height or weight requirements.
Address: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Hours: Mon–Sat
Admission: Adults $59, kids 5–11 $29
From $ 100
Xoximilco
Xoxomilco, whose name means “garden of flowers” in the ancient Aztec language, is Cancun’s homage to the floating gardens and canals of Mexico City’s famous Xochimilco neighborhood. Here, visitors can experience a number of Central American traditions, including floating boats strung with flowers, live music, and regional food.
The Basics
Most Xoximilco tours leave from central Cancun and include pickup and drop-off from local hotels. At the park, you can float down the river in a Mexican gondola, or trajinera, enjoy a meal of traditional Mexican food, sip tequila and beer, and listen to traditional mariachi and marimba music.
Xoximilco Cancun is part of a network of related parks and experiences, including Xcaret, Xel-Hal, Xplor Fuego, Xplor, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. You can purchase packages granting admission to multiple parks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Xoximilco Cancun is a must-see attraction for culture and nightlife lovers.
- The park is located in the jungle, so be sure to plan for mosquitos; wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and bring plenty of biodegradable insect repellent.
- Valet parking is available onsite.
- Wheelchair service is available; all boats are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Xoximilco is located about five minutes by road from Cancun International Airport. While most tours provide round-trip transportation from your hotel, you can also take a taxi or drive yourself.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm; there are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October). Nights at Xoximilco are particularly magical.
Mexico City’s Xochimilco Neighborhood
The floating gardens of Xochimilco are a Mexico City must-see; the quintessential way to explore is a traditional trajinera boat ride around the canals and islands. Combine it with a Mexico City sightseeing tour, which will include the National University of Mexico, the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, and the the neighborhood of Coyoacán, home to the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Address: Cancun, Mexico
From $ 90
Xplor Adventure Park
Set in the middle of the Yucatan jungle, Xplor Adventure Park allows visitors to experience Mexico’s environmental treasures firsthand. Here you can raft down a stalactite-filled underground river, swim in cenotes, ride in an amphibious vehicle, or zipline above the canopy. There’s also a nighttime option to explore after dark.
The Basics
Xplor Adventure park is a popular day trip destination from Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. Tours are available from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, with most lasting upwards of seven hours for a full day at the park. Some combination excursions also visit nearby attractions such as the Tulum or Chichen Itza ruins. Basic admission includes access to the park’s attractions and facilities plus unlimited snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and a lunch buffet.
Xplor is part of a network of related parks and experiences, including Xcaret, Xel-Hal, Xplor Fuego, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. Packages including admission to multiple parks are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring sneakers, biodegradable sunblock, water shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes.
- Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for physical activity.
- Lockers, Wi-Fi, and parking are included.
- Life jackets and helmets are provided for applicable attractions.
- Minimum age to enter Xplor is six years old, and minimum age to drive amphibious vehicles is 18 (a valid driver’s license is required).
- For ziplining, the minimum height required is 3.6 feet (one meter). The minimum weight is 88 pounds (40 kilograms), while the maximum is 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
How to Get There
Xplor Adventure Park is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, roughly 20 minutes by road from downtown Playa del Carmen and 1.5 hours by road from Cancun. Most Xplor tours include round-trip transportation from Cancun and Riviera Maya-area hotels. While there, all activities are contained within the park.
When to Get There
The park opens at 9am and closes at 5pm for daytime admission. Nighttime tours start at 5pm and typically last seven hours. The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Visit Xplor After Dark: Xplor Fuego
Xplor Fuego night adventure tours provide an extra thrill and allow you to safely experience the Riviera Maya jungle after dark. The evening crowd arrives after 5pm, ready to don headlamps and explore the park’s jungles and rivers by moonlight. Access includes the same activities as daytime admission—just with a different perspective.
Address: Carr. Cancun-Chetumal KM 282, Solidaridad, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo 77710, Mexico
Admission: $108
From $ 90
Campeche
With cobblestone streets and pastel-hued homes, the fortified city of Campeche is one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most picturesque colonial cities. Its walls were built to protect the town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the ravages of pirates in the 17th century. Highlights include several forts, good museums, and a cathedral dating to the mid-16th century.
The Basics
The best way to discover Campeche is on foot, with a stroll through the walled colonial zone and along the malecón (waterfront promenade). Must-see attractions include the cathedral, the old city gates, and Fuerte de San Miguel, a fortress"“turned"“archaeological museum.
Visit Campeche independently or as part of a sightseeing day trip from Merida. Many Campeche tours include a stop at the artisan village of Becal, about 56 miles (90 kilometers) north of Campeche, renowned for its hand-woven panama hats.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of Campeche's tourist areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the best way to explore the town is on foot.
- Haciendas, hidden cenotes, and Maya ruins are all just a short drive away.
- Set aside some time to visit the artisan village of Becal.
How to Get There
Campeche sits on the Gulf of Mexico, about 256 miles (312 kilometers) southwest of Cancun on the other side of the Yucatan Peninsula. The easiest way to get to Campeche is by bus from Merida or Cancun. Or, if you're driving, take Highway 180.
When to Get There
Campeche can be visited year-round and receives far fewer tourists than other popular resort destinations on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. From May to October, expect temperatures in the 90°sF (30°sC) with higher-than-average humidity and a chance of wet weather.
Campeche Maya Ruins
While in Campeche, set aside some time to explore the Edzná archaeological site. Located less than an hour southeast of the city, its well-preserved Maya ruins of platforms, temples, and palaces are representative of the Puuc architectural style. Edzná is believed to have been inhabited as early as 600 BC, though it didn't gain significant influence until around 400 AD. Noteworthy structures include the Great Pyramid and the Temple of the Masks.
Address: Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Celestun Wildlife Refuge
Celestun, a fishing village located along the Yucatan coast, is home to a wildlife refuge within Celestun Biosphere Reserve. The lush landscape of the reserve is full of mangroves and covers over 146,000 acres, making it the ideal place for animals and especially birds to inhabit. The refuge is home to over 300 bird species, including the popular flamingo.
The best way to get to the Celestun Bisophere Reserve and see the wildlife refuge is via boat. You can hire a guide with one in the town of Celestun and then depart for the reserve. You'll travel along the Ria Celestun, from which it's easy to spot wildlife, and boats can also stop at swimming spots for a refreshing dip.
Practical Info
Celestun Wildlife Refuge is an easy day trip from the city of Merida. You'll be hard pressed to do it in a day from Cancun or other parts of the Mexican Riviera, though it is possible if you get up super early; just be prepared for spending a large portion of your day on the road. There are places to stay overnight in Celestun, which is a viable option to make sure you don't feel too rushed in this lovely part of Mexico.
Address: Celestun, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 89
Xcaret
With unparalleled access to the Caribbean Sea and all of its bounty, a visit to the Xcaret eco-archaeological park is a must when on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Snorkeling, ziplining, river rafting, exploring underwater rivers, and hiking tropical trails through jungle ruins are all options within this natural adventure park, which gives fast access to many of Cancun’s greatest attractions.
The Basics
A prebooked admission ticket or day tour to Xcaret park makes it easy to access an impressive range of activities, with entry including the opportunity to snorkel with fish in natural lagoons, visit the park's Maya archaeological sites, and and catch the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular light and dance show. Some day tours have optional upgrades for extras such as a buffet lunch or exclusive changing rooms, while combo tours can be booked to also visit other nearby attractions, such as the Chichen Itza or Xel-Ha ruins or Xplor Adventure Park.
While there’s plenty to do within the bounds of a general admission ticket, a plethora of add-on activities are also available. For an extra fee, take a speed boat ride (from $59), snorkel atop an offshore coral garden (from $49), take in a theatrical interpretation of the origins of Mexican culture over dinner at the Gran Tlacho Theater (from $59), or experience the Temascal, a traditional four-part wellness ritual (from $39).
Things to Know Before you Go
- Visitors should bring sunscreen, walking shoes, swimming gear, and lightweight clothing.
- Most tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
- Lockers and snorkel equipment are available for a fee.
- Most of the park is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rental for a fee.
- Several add-on animal encounters are available for additional fees. Pet stingrays in a shallow lagoon (from $39); go deeper with snuba (an underwater breathing apparatus); nurse sharks (from $59); or swim with bottlenose dolphins (from $109).
How to Get There
Xcaret is located 47 miles (7 kilometers) from Cancun and six miles (10 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen. Most day tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in both cities. Taxis are available to and from Xcaret, and parking is free for those arriving by car. Public buses run from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
When to Get There
The park is open daily from 8:30am to 10:30pm—arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a full day of fun. Although weather is tropical year-round, it can be especially hot in the humid wet season from June through October. Peak visitor season is December through April.
What Not to Miss
Xcaret's cultural attractions include a replica Maya village, a colorful and symbolic Mexican cemetery with a grave for each day of the year, and shows performed by the swinging Papantla Flying Men (Voladores de Papantla). Don’t miss the Maya ruins, the aquarium, the sea turtle nesting site, the walk-through butterfly pavilion, the orchid greenhouse, or the two inland islands with jaguar and puma enclosures.
Address: Carretera Chetúmal-Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan 77710, Mexico
Hours: Daily 8:30am–9pm
Admission: Prices vary
From $ 84
Xenotes Oasis Maya
Nature and outdoor enthusiasts should not miss a trip to the Xenotes Oasis Maya park, where four completely contrasting water deposits are connected to a system of underground rivers and streams. Each cenote has their own personality, offering different landscapes and a whole host of adventure activities to enjoy.
K'áak ́ Fire Xenote
K'áak ́ is an open cenote with lush plant life adorning its vertical walls. Enjoy its mysterious emerald waters by jumping in a kayak and paddling around its perimeters, or admire the beautiful scenery as you float along in an inner tube.
Lu'um Earth Xenote
A stunning hidden cave cenote, Lu’um is formed by a large vault of stalactites with only a small opening at the top, through which the sunlight filters in and reflects upon the turquoise water. Thrill seekers will enjoy rappelling down the stone walls and into the inviting waters below.
Ha' Water Xenote
Ha’ is a semiopen cenote featuring fascinating rock formations and an abundance of diverse fauna and aquatic life. Grab a snorkel and explore an underwater world filled with exotic fish and waterlily gardens.
Lik’ Wind Xenote
Known for its cylindrical shape and lush vegetation, the limestone walls of this ancient cenote have now fully collapsed, providing an impressively dramatic landscape. Clip in and soar above the water on a highoctane zip line ride, before plunging in for a refreshing swim in the gentle currents.
Insider’s Tip: The activities at Xenotes Oasis Maya are family friendly and suitable for children over the age of six years old. (A minimum height of 4.5 ft. and a minimum weight of 88 lbs is required for ziplining.)
Practical Info
The park is located between Cancun and Puerto Morelos, and most people visit on an organized tour from Playa del Carmen, with an experienced guide, food, and roundtrip transportation included.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, Km 15, Cancun, Mexico
Admission: Dependent on tour
From $ 90
Zocalo de Merida
Better known as Plaza Grande, Plaza Principal, or just “the main square” by English speakers, this has been the center of Merida since the cathedral was finished in the late 1500s. It’s a pleasant place to sit and watch the locals and visitors in action, with families enjoying a bag of popcorn or popsicles from the excellent paleta shop on one side. There are cafes on the edge in the shade for a leisurely drink or bite to eat and several main shopping and dining streets branch off from here.
On one corner you can hire a carriage driver to give you a tour up to Paseo de Montejo and back, but do it at night when there’s less traffic. Explanations will all be in Spanish, but it’s a picturesque trip through the historic district even if you don’t understand a word.
Using the Zocalo as your base, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride to almost anywhere of interest to visitors in the center of Merida.
On one corner you can hire a carriage driver to give you a tour up to Paseo de Montejo and back, but do it at night when there’s less traffic. Explanations will all be in Spanish, but it’s a picturesque trip through the historic district even if you don’t understand a word.
Using the Zocalo as your base, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride to almost anywhere of interest to visitors in the center of Merida.
Address: Mexico
From $ 54