Top things to do in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico

Over the last decade, I’ve repeatedly returned to Mexico. Admittedly, it’s one of the more accessible destinations for us Canadians but what I love about Mexico is not just the resorts. This country is filled with fantastic food, friendly people, and ancient history you can actually get close to. While I haven’t had a chance to visit inland, yet, I have had multiple opportunities to spend time across the coast of the Mayan Riviera and have a confident level of familiarity with it. So let’s dive into my list of my top things to do in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico.

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Sian Ka’an

A biosphere reserve in the region of Tulum and an official UNESCO World Heritage site. Sian Ka’an is over 5,280 km of land, uncultivated ground, and the Caribbean Sea, including a section of coral reef. There are also around 23 archaeological sites in the area, including Muyil, a fairly small set of ruins with a rich history.

One of the key activities in Sian Ka’an is the canals: a small boat takes you through clear turquoise open water, through a tight man-made canal to a natural one, deeper into the “swamp” where you get to float with the current observing the beauty of the preserved natural habitat. It is fairly shallow, you can even walk, but the water will gently carry you forward. The plant life is amazing from deeply rooted trees to massive air plants shooting out strings over the water. The end of the floating tour is a boardwalk that takes the group back to the boat across the swampy field, around you as far as the eye can see, are waist-high greenery and an occasional heron strolling through the grass.

Viator (a TripAdvisor company) offers a range of tours to this site, both private and group. See them all here*.

Quick note: If you were gifted a Tinggly* box there are a lot of activities and tours available for booking. Scroll down this page* past the boxes to see the full list of tours in Mexico.

Laguna de Kaan Luum

Some people call this spot a secret. But really it is just less popular than other spots in the region. It is a clear, shallow lake, with spectacular turquoise water. There are a few swings, about bum deep in the water, multiple hammocks, and a dock people relax on. A single vendor will sell you a snack or a coconut for cash. Off to the side is a tall observation deck with a stunning view of the area. If you have a car, you can easily drive here, park outside, and then stroll down a short forested pathway to the water. There is a small cash-only admission fee. If you do not have a vehicle, don’t feel like taking a taxi, and would rather go with a tour here are a few options. In most instances, it would be paired with another cenote stop or Tulum.

Tulum Tour to Laguna Kaan Luum* including 2 Cenotes and Playa Paraíso

Paddleboarding Snorkeling Tour in the Ka’an Luum Lagoon*

Xel-Há

One of the bigger waterparks in the area. A large space your whole family can enjoy, a multitude of water activities from adventurous to lazy river kind. Great place to snorkel or layback and take a nap in a hammock. This is an all-inclusive park so your fee covers food and drinks. You can easily spend two days here so at least one full day is highly recommended.

Book directly on xelha.com* in advance and get $5 off with a coupon XH22AF. If it expires feel free to comment or reach out on Insta and I might be able to find another one 🙂

Here is a selection of different tours* from Viator as well.

Xcaret

An eco-archaeological and cultural heritage park. First thing first, this place is huge! There are over 50 attractions, a beautiful beach, a butterfly pavilion, giant turtles, various birds, live entertainment, dolphins, food, and drinks, I mean, the list can go on and on. You’ll need at least a day and I’d recommend staying for the evening show. I’ve been to this site twice and will go back again in a heartbeat. I have now been a couple of times and still love discovering new things.

Book directly on xcaret.com* in advance for an up to 10% discount with a coupon XCPREINT.

You can also combine Xcaret and Xel-Há for an additional offer when booking directly*.

Tip: If you are staying at the Occidental Xcaret* your park entrée is discounted.

Ek’ Balam

One of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Yucatan. Unlike the more popular archaeological sites (such as Chichen Itza) Ek’ Balam is fairly small, very green, and very accessible. Visitors are invited to hike up the ruins (with enough warnings) to observe their beauty up close and from up top. This site was populated from roughly 1200 BC to 1000 AD – a long period of time to keep a city occupied so the history is rich. There are many theories as to why the city was abandoned but it was re-discovered in 1800, actively excavated by the 1980s, and is still subject to ongoing preservation. There is a lot to see, a lot to climb, and a lot to wander about as you explore the many rooms of the many structures.

Find a selection of tours to this site along or multiple adventures here on Viator*. Although generally speaking, I wouldn’t recommend hitting two historic sites on the same day, very time-restricting.

Tulum Ruins

Located near the town of Tulum, also a nice area to spend a few hours in. A fairly large, tightly situated complex of ruins and one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. During the post-classic period, Tulum served as a seaport, trading mainly in turquoise and jade. As you explore the area you might come across an archaeologist or two working away on the ruin preservation and if you pay attention you might spot a four-legged structure that looks a bit like a horse in the center of the living area, whether or not it is a horse no one is fully sure. There is also an amazing small beach in the park, so make sure to bring your suit and a towel.

And here is a fun variety of tours to Tulum*.

Note: If you are looking for a more comprehensive guide to Tulum you can find one on this blog.

Valladolid

A small Spanish colonial town not too far from Ek’ Balam. The interesting bit of history is that the town was built near a lagoon in 1543 by the Spanish settlers (hence the name) but the locals complained about the mosquitos so it was moved to where it is now, in place of an older town that was broken down and used as the brick foundation for what is Valladolid now. The town is colourful, with interesting architecture and surprisingly subtle attention to detail (such as doors). The center square is near a beautiful cathedral and everything around it is on a grid. There is an old library, plenty of restaurants and shopping, and a Convent of San Bernardino de Siena a bit out of the center (open only on Tuesdays).

Must try: Choco story chocolate shop, won’t lie I tried everything and left way more money behind than I’ve ever spent on chocolate. I will eat it slowly, to preserve and cherish the flavour for as long as I can. Located near the city square on the corner of Calle 39 and Calle 40, it might be called something else on the outside, just look for the word Chocolate.

Tip:  If you are shopping the quality of products in Valladolid is significantly better than in tourist-heavy areas near resorts. Yalat Arte Mexicano is a neatly curated shop with a beautiful yard in the back with small huts dedicated to specific products (such as honey). A portion of their profits is donated to the community.

Find a range of tours to Valladolid on Viator here*.

Chichen Itza

One of the more popular destinations that most people visit during their vacation is the Riviera. A large and spacious complex of Mayan ruins with wonderful graphic stone carvings and the best-preserved Mayan ball court, among many other structures. Definitely worth a visit and is usually paired with a cenote stop as a tour.

Find a wide range of tours here*, quite a few already include a cenote visit.

Tip:  Bring a hat, the area is very open and gets a lot of sun, like hot scorching, direct sun.

Cenotes & Adventure travel

Without a doubt visit at least one cenote which Mexico is well known for. Cenote is a natural pit – a sinkhole if you wish – that came about after a collapse of limestone bedrock which in turn exposed groundwater. Some of these wonders of nature can be wide open to the human eye. Others you might need to repel down into for the full effect.

There are also many active adventure opportunities, such as zip lining through a jungle. There are a lot of options to suit your activity level, swimming skills, or tolerance to cold (some cenotes are quite cold) so it’s more of a chose-your-own adventure.

You can book and drive to any of the adventures on your own. But if driving around Mexico is not your cup of tea here are some ideas:

• Cenote tours* and other activities to check out from Cancun with Viator.
• ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote Tour* at Extreme Adventure Eco Park Cancun with Viator

Note: Viator* is also one of the Aeroplan vendors so if you have your Aeroplan plugin installed make sure to activate extra rewards.

Cobá Ruins

A smaller complex but with a tall pyramid, Nohuch Mul, you can actually climb, all 130 feet of it to the tiny temple at the top. The stairs are steep and uneven, and the trip down is more challenging than the hike up. At its peak, Coba was one of the biggest and most powerful city-states in the northern Yucatán area and as you walk around you will notice that glory shows throughout the site. I am not 100% if you are still able to climb the stairs but even without it the site is worth a visit.

See a handful of tours to Cobá here*.

Playa Del Carmen

A seaport and cultural hub for those who wander off the resort. The shopping area is filled with local goods and all sorts of more common shops, from Zara to Häagen-Daz, though if you walk a bit out of the store center you will come across much more interesting and natural ice cream flavours in smaller booths. There is also a handful of bars, including the legendary Señor Frog’s, a public beach, and a city square from which you can peacefully people-watch. Easily accessible by taxi from nearby resort areas.

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As a parting thought, knowing the language is very helpful. Learn Spanish with italki* ahead of time, they even have language tutors!

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