Welcome to the Riviera Maya region in Mexico.
What are the best things to do in Riviera Maya? Are you wondering? Discover it below with INSIDER tips and tricks, links, and practical details to make the most out of your visit.
Let’s get started.
Look at the video below for a teaser about the Riviera Maya!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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🌴 What you can expect from the Riviera Maya: From Mayan ruins and Tulum cenotes to pristine beaches and vibrant towns, this region offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
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🚀 Adventurous activities: Whether it’s zip-lining at Xplor, snorkeling in Cozumel, or exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Riviera Maya is a dream destination for thrill-seekers.
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🍽️ Beaches, food, and laid-back vibes: Relax on secluded beaches like Xpu-Ha, savor authentic Yucateco cuisine, and experience Playa del Carmen’s lively dining scene on Fifth Avenue.
Riviera Maya overview
The Riviera Maya is one of the most diverse areas of Mexico you can visit.
There’s a good reason why this region is one of Mexico’s TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS, attracting over 21 MILLION (!) visitors ANUALLY, according to Mexico News Daily.
Here’s what you can expect in the Riviera Maya:
- More than 6,000 cenotes for swimming and diving.
- The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the world’s second-largest coral reef.
- UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins, including Chichén Itzá and Tulum.
- Charming towns like Bacalar and Akumal.
- Authentic Yucatán cuisine.
👉 INSIDER TIP: The Riviera Maya covers five areas—Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, and Akumal. For a laid-back, bohemian vibe, Tulum is the place to be.
Things to do in Riviera Maya
before we take a look at each item individually, below you can find a table with the activity, its explanation and its booking link.
|
Activity |
What to Expect |
Booking Link |
| Chichén Itzá | Iconic Mayan ruins with the famous Temple of Kukulcán pyramid. | Official Website / GetYourGuide |
| Ik Kil Cenote | A beautiful natural cenote near Chichén Itzá with hanging vines and turquoise waters. | GetYourGuide |
| Xplor Adventure Park | Adventurous zip-lines, underground rivers, and amphibious vehicle tours in a jungle setting. | Xplor Official Website |
| Xpu-Ha Beach | Peaceful beach with soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a relaxed vibe. | No booking required (entry fee at the beach) |
| Playa del Carmen | Busy coastal town with beaches, nightlife, and the famous Fifth Avenue dining street. | No booking required |
| Akumal | Snorkel with green sea turtles in calm waters, ideal during April–October nesting season. | GetYourGuide |
| Tulum Ruins | Scenic Mayan ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Includes a hidden beach. | INAH Website / GetYourGuide |
| Snorkeling in Cozumel | Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs with rich marine life, including turtles and nurse sharks. | GetYourGuide |
| Puerto Morelos | A laid-back fishing village perfect for snorkeling in a protected marine park. | GetYourGuide |
| Muyil Tours | Relaxing Mayan canal float in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve plus a visit to the Muyil Ruins. | GetYourGuide |
| Bacalar Lagoon | Known as the “Lake of Seven Colors,” perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. | GetYourGuide |
| Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve | A UNESCO site with mangroves, marine life, and Mayan canals to explore by boat. | GetYourGuide |
| Dining on Fifth Avenue | Playa del Carmen’s lively food scene with everything from tacos to gourmet dining. | Tripadvisor |
| Local Markets | Vibrant markets with fresh produce, crafts, and Yucatán street food. Visit Mercado 28 or DAC Market. | No booking required |
| Coba Ruins | Ancient Mayan city with Nohoch Mul, one of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatán Peninsula. | GetYourGuide |
| Isla Contoy | A protected island paradise with white beaches, exotic birds, and sea turtles (limited to 200 visitors daily). | GetYourGuide |
| Isla Mujeres | A perfect day trip for beaches, snorkeling, and golf cart adventures. Don’t miss Playa Norte. | GetYourGuide |
| Muay Thai Lessons | Train in Muay Thai at gyms in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, with beginner and advanced classes. | Google Maps locations |
| Deep-Sea Fishing | Depart from Cancún or Playa del Carmen for a chance to catch Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and Dorado (best season: March–July). | GetYourGuide |
| Yucateco Cuisine | Enjoy authentic dishes like cochinita pibil, panuchos, and sopa de lima in local restaurants and markets. | GetYourGuide |
Where is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a world-famous region near the Caribbean side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
The Riviera Maya runs around 80 miles (130 km) along the coastline of Quintana Roo, from Puerto Morelos in the north to Tulum in the south.
Known for its turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, Mayan ruins, and underground Tulum cenotes, the Riviera Maya is a major hub for tourism, contributing nearly 8% to Mexico’s total GDP, according to Road Genius.
The Riviera Maya region has more than 400 hotels with more than 45,000 rooms, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to boutique eco-lodges.
Chichen Itza
There’s no better place to start your Riviera Maya adventure than Chichén Itzá, one of Mexico’s most iconic Mayan ruins.
This ancient city was once a major hub of Mayan civilization. Its most famous temple, the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo), is Instagram-worthy and has a perfectly symmetrical pyramid structure.
Chichen Itza is one of the World’s New Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage item.
To enjoy the experience, we recommend arriving early in the morning before the big tour buses roll in.
👉 INSIDER TIP: During the spring and autumn equinox, the sunlight creates an illusion of a snake slithering down the steps of El Castillo, a must-see!
Practical details
- 📍 Location: Yucatán, about 2.5 hours from Playa del Carmen
- 🎟 Entrance fee: $37 USD (€35) per adult, including federal and state fees
- 🕘 Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily (last entry at 4 pm)
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for guided tours
Ik Kil Cenote
Cenote Ik Kil is an absolute must if you’re looking for one of the most breathtaking things to do in the Riviera Maya.
This natural sinkhole near Chichén Itzá is famous for its hanging vines, turquoise water, and limestone walls.
It’s one of the most beautiful freshwater cenotes in the world!
The cenote is completely open to the sky.
Taking a swim in Ik Kil is a must. The fresh water provides the perfect escape from the midday heat.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Due to its proximity to Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most visited cenotes in the region, so go as early as possible (ideally before 1 or 2 pm, when the tourist buses start to arrive).
If you’re up for a thrill, you can jump from the stone platforms into the water (about 150 feet / 45 meters deep!).
You’ll also spot small freshwater fish swimming around in the cenote.
👉 INSIDER TIP: The best time to visit is midday, when the sunlight streams down through the open top, creating an Instagram-worthy effect on the water.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: Near Chichén Itzá (3 kilometers, around 1.9 miles), about 2 hours from Cancún
- 🎟 Entrance fee: $10 USD (€9) per person for the basic package, which includes entrance to Cenote Ik Kil, facility access (changing rooms, lockers, and showers), life vests, and parking.
- Parking: Take advantage of complimentary on-site parking for all visitors.
- 🕘 Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide or book directly on arrival
Xplor
If you’re looking for one of the most THRILLING things to do in the Riviera Maya, Xplor is the place to be.
Just 5 miles (8 km) from Playa del Carmen, this huge eco-adventure park offers adrenaline-pumping activities and natural scenery, making it a perfect day trip.
At Xplor, you can experience:
- 🚀 Zip-lining: Soar across the highest zip-lines in the Riviera Maya, reaching speeds up to 19 mph (30 km/h).
- 🏞 Underground rivers: Paddle through subterranean caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- 🚙 Amphibious vehicle tours: Drive an off-road vehicle through jungle trails, hanging bridges, and flooded caves.
- 🌊 Swimming & rafting: Float along crystal-clear underground rivers that flow through ancient limestone formations.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Since Xplor is one of Mexico’s most popular adventure parks, it gets very busy, especially after 11 am.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 5 miles (8 km) south of Playa del Carmen along Highway 307
- 🎟 Entrance fee: USD 140 (€129) per person for a day pass, $117 USD (€109) for Xplor Fuego (includes all activities, buffet meals, and equipment rental)
- 🕘 Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Xplor Day), 5:30 pm – 11 pm (Xplor Fuego), closed on Sundays
- 🚗 How to get there: Self-drive (free parking), book a tour with hotel pickup or take a colectivo from Playa del Carmen toward Tulum
- 🔗 Booking link: Official Xplor Website
Xpu Ha
If you’re looking for one of the most PEACEFUL things to do in the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha Beach is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this Caribbean beach is far less crowded than the more popular spots. It offers a pristine white sand beach, swaying palm trees, and calm turquoise waters.
It’s perfect for a RELAXING beach day, SNORKELING, or PADDLEBOARDING.
Since Xpu-Ha is less developed, it has a much more laid-back, natural feel, making it ideal for escaping the resort crowds.
There are a few beach clubs where you can rent loungers and have some fresh seafood.
You can also bring your own towel and find your own spot on the sand.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 16 miles (26 km) south of Playa del Carmen, 22 miles (35 km) north of Tulum
- 🎟 Entrance fee: Around $3 USD (€2.75); some beach clubs charge extra for access
- 🕘 Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
- 🚗 How to get there: Take a taxi or a colectivo (shared van) from Playa del Carmen toward Tulum (stop after Puerto Aventuras)
Playa del Carmen
If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is the perfect base.
This coastal town has stunning beaches, buzzing nightlife, restaurants, and easy access to the region’s top attractions.
The town’s central hub is Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), a 2.5-mile (4 km) pedestrian street with bars, restaurants, boutique shops, and nightlife spots.
Unlike other resort-heavy areas, Playa del Carmen has a lively atmosphere year-round, so even during the low season (September–November), you’ll still find plenty of things to do in the Riviera Maya.
👉 INSIDER TIP: For a quieter beach experience, head to Playa Punta Esmeralda, just outside the main town. It has fewer crowds, crystal-clear water, and a small cenote on the beach.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 42 miles (68 km) south of Cancún, 39 miles (63 km) north of Tulum
- 🎟 Entrance fee: Free (public beaches); some beach clubs charge a rental fee
- 🕘 Best time to visit: Year-round, but the dry season (December–April) has the best weather
Akumal
Known as the “Place of Turtles” in the Mayan language, this bay is one of the TOP LOCATIONS IN MEXICO to snorkel, with more than 80 green sea turtles in their habitat.
The shallow waters make it perfect for all skill levels, and since Akumal is a protected marine area, you’re guaranteed to see colorful tropical fish, stingrays, and coral reefs alongside the turtles.
The best time to visit is between April and October, which aligns with the turtles’ nesting season. During these months, you’ll have a higher chance of spotting turtles swimming and feeding in the seagrass meadows just a few meters from the shore.
Since Akumal is a protected area, GUIDES ARE REQUIRED for snorkeling tours.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Visit early in the morning (before 10 am) to avoid tourist crowds, as the bay can get busy later in the day.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 24 miles (38 km) south of Playa del Carmen, 16 miles (26 km) north of Tulum
- 🎟 Entrance fee: $6 USD (€5.50) for beach access, guided snorkel tours start at $35 USD (€32)
- 🕘 Best time to visit: April–October (turtle nesting season)
- 🚗 How to get there: Take a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum ($3 USD / €2.75, ~1 hour) or drive via Highway 307
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for snorkeling tours
Tulum ruins
Among all the Mayan ruins in Mexico, the Tulum Ruins stand out as one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya.
Located on 12-meter-high (39 ft) limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this ancient site offers ocean views, making it one of Mexico’s most photographed archaeological sites.
Tulum was once a major trading port of the Mayan civilization and is home to well-preserved structures, including El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.
The ruins are small and easy to explore in about 1.5 hours, making them a great half-day trip.
DID YOU KNOW: One of Tulum’s best-kept secrets is the hidden beach below the ruins, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by ancient stone walls.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Arrive before 9 am to enjoy the ruins without the crowds and avoid the midday heat. The site gets extremely busy after 10 am, especially with tour groups arriving from Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 2 miles (3 km) from Tulum town, 40 miles (64 km) south of Playa del Carmen
- 🎟 Entrance fee: 515 MXN ($30 USD / €28 per person) per person
- 🕘 Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily, last entry at 4:30 pm
- 🚗 How to get there: Take a colectivo (USD 1 / €0.90) or a taxi ($5 USD / €4.60) from Tulum town (15 min ride)
- 🔗 Booking link: Check INAH Official Website or GetYourGuide for guided tours
👉 INSIDER TIP: Bring cash in Mexican pesos, as USD, Euros, and debit/credit cards are not accepted.
Snorkeling in Cozumel
Snorkeling in Cozumel is one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya for anyone looking to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
This island, 12 miles (20 km) off the mainland, is world-famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity.
Visibility can reach up to 100 feet (!) (30 meters), making it one of Mexico’s top snorkeling and diving spots.
Joining an organized snorkeling tour is the best way to experience Cozumel’s underwater world, where you can spot STRINGRAYS, spotted moray eels, seahorses, parrotfish, SEA TURTLES, and even nurse SHARKS.
Some of the best snorkeling sites include Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, and El Cielo, a shallow sandbar famous for its abundance of starfish.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: Cozumel Island, 12 miles (20 km) off the coast of Playa del Carmen
- 🎟 Snorkeling tour price: Starts at $40 USD (€37) per person for a boat tour with gear included
- 🕘 Best time to visit: December to April (dry season with calm seas and best visibility)
- 🚗 How to get there: Take the Ultramar ferry from Playa del Carmen ($30 USD / €26 round trip, ~45 min), then book a snorkeling tour from the marina. Every 1.5 hours, there is a ferry leaving Playa del Carmen and from Cozumel Island
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for snorkeling tours
Puerto Morelos
If you’re looking for a more peaceful alternative to the busier beach towns, Puerto Morelos is one of the best hidden things to do in Riviera Maya.
This small fishing village, between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, offers a more authentic experience than the big cities.
One of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos is a guided snorkeling tour in the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park.
Expect to see a variety of exotic and colorful fish, stingrays, and even sea turtles.
If you visit between June and September (the rainy season), you’ll have the best chance to spot sea turtles as they visit these waters during nesting season.
👉 INSIDER TIP: The coral reef in Puerto Morelos is a protected marine park, so snorkeling without a guide is forbidden.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 22 miles (36 km) south of Cancún, 22 miles (36 km) north of Playa del Carmen
- 🎟 Snorkeling tour price: Starts at $35 USD (€32) per person, including gear and boat transport
- 🕘 Best time to visit: June–September for sea turtles, December–April for best weather
- 🚗 How to get there: Take a colectivo or ADO bus from Cancún or Playa del Carmen (~30 min) or drive via Highway 307
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for snorkeling tours
Muyil Ruins
For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience near Tulum, Muyil Tours offers one of the most relaxing and memorable things to do in the Riviera Maya.
Located within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this tour lets you float down a crystal-clear Mayan canal, surrounded by mangroves, wetlands, and exotic wildlife.
Unlike typical cenotes and beaches, the ancient Mayans once used this natural lazy river for trade and transportation.
The tour also includes visiting the Muyil Ruins, a lesser-known but fascinating archaeological site hidden in the jungle.
These ruins were part of an important Mayan trading post, and you’ll have the chance to explore temples, pyramids, and ceremonial platforms before heading to the water.
👉 INSIDER TIP: The floating experience lasts about 45 minutes, so bring a waterproof dry bag for your phone.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, 13 miles (21 km) south of Tulum
- 🎟 Tour price: Starts at $60 USD (€55) per person, including boat ride, Muyil Ruins entry, and floating canal experience
- 🕘 Best time to visit: November–April for cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes
- 🚗 How to get there: Take a taxi or colectivo from Tulum (~20 min) or drive via Highway 307
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for guided tours
Bacalar Lagoon
One of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Riviera Maya, Bacalar Lagoon is a hidden gem 105 km (65 miles) inland from the Caribbean coast.
Known as the “Lake of Seven Colors,” Bacalar’s waters display shades of turquoise, deep blue, and emerald green, creating a surreal landscape.
On a clear day, all seven shades blend together, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Mexico.
Bacalar is the perfect place for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Unlike the beaches of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Bacalar town offers a relaxed, peaceful vibe.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 25 miles (40 km) north of Chetumal, 105 km (65 miles) from the Riviera Maya coast
- 🎟 Entrance fee: Free to access, but boat and kayak rentals start at $15 USD (€14)
- 🚗 How to get there: Drive from Tulum (~3-hour drive) or take an ADO bus from Playa del Carmen (~5 hours)
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for lagoon tours
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
One of the most spectacular eco-adventure things to do in the Riviera Maya is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
This reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects over 1.3 million acres (526,000 hectares) of tropical forests, mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.
It is home to much wildlife, including jaguars, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and over 300 species of birds.
You can explore Sian Ka’an in many ways, from boat tours through the mangroves to snorkeling in the reef or even taking a Mayan canal float tour in the Muyil area.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Visit with a guided tour to access the best wildlife-viewing spots and get expert insights about the region’s ecosystem.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: South of Tulum, stretching along the Caribbean coastline
- 🎟 Entrance fee: $5 USD (€4.60) per person, which you will pay at the Sian Ka’an Visitor Center; guided tours start at USD 90 (€83)
- 🕘 Best time to visit: December–May (dry season for better wildlife sightings and boat tours)
- 🚗 How to get there: Drive from Tulum (~1 hour) or book a guided eco-tour with hotel pickup
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for Sian Ka’an tours
Dining on Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is Playa del Carmen’s dining hotspot, offering everything from authentic Yucatán cuisine to international fine dining.
This lively pedestrian street is lined with seafood spots, taco joints, and gourmet restaurants. Open-air terraces and live music create a vibrant atmosphere.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Explore the side streets beyond Fifth Avenue for better prices and authentic flavors.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen
- 💰 Price range: $5–$50 USD (€4.60–€46) per meal
- 🕘 Best time to visit: Evening
- 🚗 How to get there: Walk from downtown Playa del Carmen or take a taxi
Local markets
Exploring local markets is one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya to taste local culture.
These markets offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, authentic street food, and traditional Yucatán flavors.
From Mercado 28 in Cancún to Playa del Carmen’s DAC Market, you’ll find everything you need.
Practical details
- 📍 Locations: Mercado 28 (Cancún), DAC Market (Playa del Carmen), Tulum Artisanal Market
- 💰 Price range: Budget-friendly, with street food from $2 USD (€1.80)
- 🚗 How to get there: Walk, taxi, or colectivo
- 🔗 Booking link: No official site, but check Google Maps for locations and reviews
Coba
Unlike Chichén Itzá, this ancient Mayan city is hidden deep in the jungle.
Its highlight is Nohoch Mul, a 42-meter (137-foot) pyramid, one of the tallest in the Yucatán Peninsula and one of the few you can still climb for panoramic jungle views.
The site spans over 30 square miles (80 km²) and features sacbeob (ancient Mayan roads), ball courts, and stelae with hieroglyphs.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Rent a bicycle or hire a “Mayan taxi” (pedicab) to explore the large site efficiently.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 28 miles (47 km) from Tulum
- 🎟 Entrance fee: 100 MXN ($6 USD / €5.50) per person
- 🕘 Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
- 🚗 How to get there: Drive (~45 min from Tulum), take a colectivo or book a guided tour
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for guided tours
Island Of Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is one of the best hidden gems in the Riviera Maya for an authentic Caribbean escape without the crowds.
This protected nature reserve ALLOWS ONLY 200 VISITORS PER DAY.
The island is also a haven for wildlife, home to over 150 bird species and four sea turtle species: Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback turtles.
Snorkeling just offshore reveals colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a great eco-friendly adventure.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 19 miles (30 km) north of Isla Mujeres
- 🎟 Entrance fee: $100–$130 USD (€92–€120) per person (includes boat transport, guide, and meals)
- 🕘 Best time to visit: December–April for the best weather
- 🚗 How to get there: Boat tours depart from Cancún and Isla Mujeres (no public ferries)
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for guided tours
Isla Mujeres day trip
A quick ferry ride from Cancún, Isla Mujeres, is perfect for a relaxing beach day.
Playa Norte boasts crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, while Punta Sur offers scenic ocean views and Mayan ruins.
Rent a golf cart to explore or snorkel at Garrafón Reef Park and the Underwater Museum (MUSA).
👉 INSIDER TIP: Take the 8 am ferry to beat the crowds at Playa Norte.
Practical details
- 📍 Location: 8 miles (13 km) from Cancún
- 🎟 Ferry cost: $27 USD (€25) round trip (Ultramar Ferry)
- 🚗 How to get there: Ferry from Puerto Juárez (~20 min boat ride)
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for tours and tickets.
Muay Thai lessons
Muay Thai lessons are one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya for fitness enthusiasts, offering a unique and active experience.
Sessions include pad work, bag drills, and sparring, all in a high-energy, tropical setting.
Practical details
- 📍 Locations: Playa del Carmen, Tulum
- 🎟 Class cost: $15–$30 USD (€14–€28) per session
- 🕘 Best time to train: Morning or evening to avoid the heat
- 🚗 How to get there: Walk, bike, or take a taxi to local gyms
Go fishing
Beyond sea turtles, the Mexican Caribbean is a prime destination for deep-sea fishing, with warm waters attracting exotic fish species.
Given that the waters are warmer here than in the Pacific, we can expect to see different fish than those caught on a fishing tour in the Baja California Sur region.
Fishing tours depart from Cancún and Playa del Carmen, offering the chance to catch Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and Dorado, especially during the peak season from March to July.
Practical details
- 📍 Locations: Cancún, Playa del Carmen
- 🎟 Tour cost: $100–$300 USD (€92–€275) per person, depending on boat and duration
- 🕘 Best fishing season: March–July for Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and Dorado
- 🚗 How to get there: Depart from marinas in Cancún or Playa del Carmen
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for fishing tours.
Yucateco Cuisine
One of the best things to do in Riviera Maya is try the authentic Yucateco cuisine, a blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.
Signature dishes include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork in achiote), panuchos (stuffed tortillas), sopa de lima (lime soup), and papadzules (Mayan-style enchiladas).
Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh ceviche and tikin xic (grilled fish marinated in achiote and sour orange).
Practical details
- 📍 Locations: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, Valladolid
- 💰 Price range: $5–$25 USD (€4.60–€23) per meal
- 🕘 Best time to eat: Lunchtime (1–3 pm) for the freshest dishes
- 🚗 How to get there: Walk or take a taxi to local restaurants and markets
- 🔗 Booking link: Check GetYourGuide for tours and tickets.
