Our most recommended things to do in Riviera Maya

Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

1. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

Travel back in time as you explore the Mayan  archeological ruins of Chichén Itzá on a guided tour. Connect with nature as you swim in the azure waters of the Cenote. Eat a mouth-watering buffet lunch and take a guided walking tour of Valladolid. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, or a nearby meeting point, and then journey to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula.   Upon arrival at Chichén Itzá, look at the step pyramid of Kukulcan, known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending.   Go to the ancient Cenote and experience one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience.

Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, Valladolid, Lunch and Tequila

2. Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, Valladolid, Lunch and Tequila

Dive into Mayan culture on a guided day trip with optional hotel transfers from Cancún or Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World for being one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and tequila tasting, and stop at Valladolid and a cenote. The fun will just get started with a panoramic visit as no visit to the charming town of Valladolid, famed for the ornate, 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, and the baroque San Gervasio Cathedral. Then, a visit to the area would not be complete without a stop by a cenote, a refreshing, enchanting underground sinkhole, sacred to the Mayan people. Then, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch and a tequila-tasting experience. Finally, once at Chichén Itzá, follow the guide while learning all about the most important buildings. From the awe-inspiring Pyramid of Kukulcan to the ruins that once housed tens of thousands of Mayans, the Pyramid of El Castillo or El Caracol, this visit is filled with rarely heard stories, incredible details, and stunning photo opportunities. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage.

Cancun & Riviera Maya: ATV, Zipline, & Cenote Combo Tour

3. Cancun & Riviera Maya: ATV, Zipline, & Cenote Combo Tour

Embark on an exciting adventure deep in the Mayan jungle with this combo tour with pickup from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Your adventurous circuit includes 5 ziplines and 3 interactive bridges, an exhilarating ATV ride through the jungle, and free time for your own sinkhole exploration and ziplining. Get picked up from your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya and taken to the “Ruta de los Cenotes." Upon arriving at the base in the heart of the jungle, your tour guides will give you a safety briefing and ATV/zipline instructions. Get your adrenaline pumping while zipping through the trees. Challenge your balance on the zipline circuit of 5 ziplines and 3 interactive bridges. Back on the ground, hop on your ATV, a Honda cc220, for 50 minutes while your guide leads deep into the jungle. Take in the lush fauna of the region along the way. The "Ruta de los Cenotes" is full of cenotes, open sinkholes found only in the Yucatan peninsula. Each one is unique. After zipping and ATV-ing, cool off in the waters of a 100% natural Mayan cenote. Zip or cliff jump, or just take the stairs down into these refreshing natural wonders. After the activities, dive into some authentic Yucatan-style pork tacos. While you enjoy lunch, take the opportunity to view your pictures taken on your half-day adventure. Then board your minivan to finish your outing with dropoff back at your hotel.

From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

4. From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

The first stop is Tulum, the ancient Maya city perched on a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean sea. Your expert bilingual guide will share fascinating information about the archaeological site, its importance in history, and the day-to-day life of its inhabitants at its peak. Hear all about the past cultures and the theories of their demise. Next up is a visit to Cenote Kuxtal for a swim. Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, natural sinkholes in limestone caves that were sacred to the ancient Maya people. You will then savor an authentic regional lunch buffet to recharge for the last stop of the day. The last part of this incredible journey is a guided tour of the Coba Mayan ruins. Still mostly hidden beneath the jungle foliage, Coba is the site of the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, climb to the top for out of this world views. Hear from your guide about the discovery of this site. Admire the boundaries between nature and man-made structures and the jungle bonds with the ruins.

Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour

5. Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour

Set off on an excursion to Tulum, a picturesque, must-see Maya archeological site located next to the turquoise sea. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off in the Riviera Maya and visit two breathtaking cenotes. Be picked up from your hotel and make your way to the Tulum archaeological zone on the picturesque Caribbean coast. Embark on a comprehensive guided walk. Have some free time to explore the ancient solar observatory in the Temple of the Frescoes and the seaside Temple of the God of Wind. Snap once-in-a-lifetime photos of the Pyramid El Castillo and pristine white-sand beaches. Stop at the cenote Mariposa and immerse yourself in the cave's crystal-clear waters. Look up to admire the lush jungle canopy as you swim, and try to spot the wildlife that lives among the branches. Make a stop at the Chen-Ha cenote before returning to your accommodation.

Xcaret Park: Plus Full-Day Admission with Night Show & Lunch

6. Xcaret Park: Plus Full-Day Admission with Night Show & Lunch

Enjoy full-day admission to Xcaret Park, a paradise theme park on the Maya Riviera, where you can enjoy more than 40 activities and attractions. Your ticket includes access to all the facilities, including showers, dressing rooms, and snorkeling equipment for your convenience. Once inside the park, choose the activities that suit. Highlights include the Coral Reef Aquarium and Marine Turtles Area. Admire the manatees of the Manatee Lagoon, or be dazzled by colorful butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion. See howler monkeys at Spider Monkey Island, or explore how mushrooms are cultivated at the Mushroom Farm. The Living Museum of Orchids displays Mexican orchids in all their glory. Wander a jungle trail to visit the Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm. Ascend the Rotating Scenic Tower for spectacular views, and watch cultural performances of Mayan and Mexican music and dance. You can even visit a Mayan Village! Colonial history is not neglected at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, while folk art is displayed at the Hacienda Henequenera. Watch the sky turn a rainbow of colors at the Stained-Glass Plaza, or discover a pre-Hispanic ball court to learn about the Maya sports events. Between October 30th and November 2nd, you'll be able to enjoy activities that are part of the Life and Death Festival.

Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

7. Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

Get a friendly welcome from your guide on arrival, and gear up with all the necessary equipment and goggles to protect you from the dust. Drive into the heart of the jungle at the wheel of one of the amazing 4WD vehicles. Feel the breeze on your face as you zip along 18 miles (29 kilometers) of pristine jungle trails in the rugged terrain of the beautiful Riviera Maya. Take a moment to admire the stunning surroundings with a stop at a traditional ranch. Then, cool down with a refreshing swim at one of the sacred sinkholes of the Maya people. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of an underground cenote and marvel at the rock formations of a buried river in the middle of the jungle.

Playa del Carmen: Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket

8. Playa del Carmen: Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket

Discover a paradise for thrill seekers in the Riviera Maya. Near Cancun, in Playa del Carmen, book your all-inclusive ticket to Xplor Park and discover stunning rock formations. Take part in adrenaline-fueled activities like zip-lining, rafting, cave swimming, and driving through the jungle and caves. You can also enjoy a buffet lunch with unlimited drinks. Step into the heart of the jungle and live out your wildest Riviera Maya dreams. Make use of the latest safety equipment and receive instructions from the professional staff. Have access to 2 zip line circuits, 2 amphibious vehicle circuits, 2 unique river swims, and a river rafting experience. Drive for 10 kilometers aboard amphibious vehicles, admire panoramic views of nature as you glide along the zip lines, and see stunning stalagmite rock formations while swimming through the caves. Be treated to a delicious lunch buffet and unlimited drinks throughout the day.

From Riviera: Tulum and Akumal Swim with Turtles Express

9. From Riviera: Tulum and Akumal Swim with Turtles Express

Discover the captivating allure of Tulum, the fabled walled city, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable exploration of its rich history and breathtaking natural wonders. Embark on a journey that transcends time, as you delve into the heart of Mayan culture and soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the Caribbean coastline. This exclusive tour promises an enchanting fusion of archaeological marvels and serene aquatic encounters. Prepare for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature's gentle giants. Experience the thrill of swimming alongside magnificent sea turtles in their natural habitat. The crystal-clear waters of Akumal offer a captivating glimpse into the underwater world, where you'll share a magical moment with these graceful creatures.

From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, & Valladolid

10. From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, & Valladolid

Travel back in time with a guided tour of the Mayan Chichen Itza ruins. Swim through the azure waters of the Ik Kil Cenote and have some free time to explore the charming town of Valladolid. Watch a live Mayan cooking demonstration and sit down for a delicious buffet lunch. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Riviera Maya. Sit back and relax on the scenic drive to Chichen Itza to experience one of the 7 wonders of the world. Pay the local tax and follow your guide on a tour of ancient Mayan sacred sites. Engage your senses with a live cooking demonstration. Be amazed as a chef whips up delightful Mayan dishes with local vegetables and fauna. Transcend frontiers and experience the culinary diversity of Mexico. Savor a buffet lunch packed with mouth-watering flavors. Then head to the Ik Kil Cenote and descend a staircase carved in stone to enter the deep pool. Immerse yourself in the cool waters of this site that was once sacred to the Mayans. Continue to the town of Valladolid and have some free time to take a stroll through the streets to soak up the colonial architecture. Return to your accommodation at the end of your excursion. 

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What people are saying about Riviera Maya

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 9,863 reviews

It's about 2hrs to Tulum from cancun it's an air conditioned coach with a toilet l, we had 10 people on the coach and when we got to Tulum we were then put into groups of english speaking so we did have quite a few people by the time we got into Tulum. Tulum itself is beautiful and it's quite small so it's easy to get around but you can't get to close to anything as it's all roped off. Our guide very knowledgeable and explained the history of tulum very well. you get to walk around the ruins for about half hour then you have to get back to the coach where you have lunch, aslong as you get your lunch ordered you can eat this on the coach to Coba. Coba is again stunning but it is a 2km walk from the entrance to get there there are bikes which you can hire and also locals will bike you up to the temple for a minimal fee. Unfortunately you cant climb the temple due to it needing restoring. The cenote is beautiful crystal clear waters there's 2 of them 1 is a cave the other is outside

We had an outstanding experience and highly recommend this tour. Felipe was an excellent guide, really well prepared and making you sure you got context to all the visited sites and experiences. With him we had a great tour of Chichen Itza, moved on to an excellent lunch in Valladolid and then went to what is probably the highlight of the tour (not small considering you previously visited Chichen Itza) with the visit to a off the beaten path community-run cenote, where you can have an authentic experience and give back to the local community.

I was solo and mr apolina was pretty cool chill tour was an experience i recommend it just wear sun lotion lolol just a little the sun was out Def an experience of a like time all the explaining about civilization and everything was pretty cool something they will never show you in school or anywhere else def an awesome tour guide experience

Superbe experience ! From the equipment to the quality of the food to the beauty of the actual cenotes - everything was perfect! 10/10! The tour was one of our holiday highlights. Also our guide Pablo was a super nice, chilled dude who provided us with knowledge about nature and the surroundings and answers all questions. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience for the whole family - amazing dolphins and extremely competent crew.