7 things to do in Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is a resort District on the Mexico Caribbean Coast, located on the eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula. A tropical paradise of crystal clear water, beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests and rare wildlife. The temperature remains 24 to 25 Degree Celsius annually, with dry season in January to February and rainy seasons from May to November. Beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water, extreme water sports and stay in one of the best hotels in Riviera Maya, makes this place a major and favorite destinations among tourists.
Find here 7 recommended things to do in Riviera Maya,
WILDLIFE ADVENTURES
Riviera Maya unmatched geographical and environmental conditions results in rich flora and fauna, makes it a natural paradise for nature lovers. Because of tropical and humid climate, you will experience greenery everywhere. Dense rain forests with flora like mangroves, palms, sapodilla and cedar. Species like possums, bats, spider monkeys, armadillos, anteaters, tapirs, raccoons, squirrels, jaguars, ocelots, pumas, foxes, skunks, and peccaries. Birds like macaw, flamingos, vultures, frigate, cuckoos, owls, gulls, kingfishers, pelicans, toucans, nuthatch and many other endemic species. Riviera Maya is also home of vast marine flora and fauna; with largest reef in the world and species like sharks, dolphins, sting rays with around 500 species of fish and other species like turtles, lobsters, snails, sponges, sea urchins etc. To protect this vast natural life, the state of Quintana Roo developed natural reserves and ecological parks, which are major attractions among tourists. Some of these beautiful protected areas are Sian Ka’an reserve, Contoy Island, Rio Lagartos and Calakmul. Special tours are available to visit these ecological park and natural reserves, which is the best way to experience wildlife of Riviera Maya.
ANCIENT REMAINS OF MAYAN CIVILIZATION
The Mayan civilization is one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilization in their era. They are known for writing history, mathematics, calendar systems and beautiful architecture from pyramids, palaces and temples. And Riviera Maya is one of the richest archaeological zones for Mayan Civilization. There are around 100 sites discovered till now and many more to unearth.
The 2 most important Mayan sites to visit are Tulum and Coba.
Tulum is a spectacular and amazing place situated alongside the Caribbean Coast. Besides its breath taking view, this site is the largest standing walled city beside the ocean. In Mayan era, this place is a major commercial port and center to many religious ceremonies. The other important site is Coba, situated in jungle, 56 kilometers northwest of Tulum. Coba is a collection of sites linked to each other by 45 sacbeobs (white roads). There are several sites to explore, but most famous sites among tourists are Coba pyramid which is 65 feet high, juego de pelota a well-restored ball court, Nohoch Mul pyramid situated in ancient city Yucatan.
ADRENALINE FILLED EXTREME ACTIVITIES
Because of rich and diverse geographical environment of Riviera Maya, it provides tourists all sorts of adrenaline filled extreme activities. These activities range from hiking, zip line tours and off-road ATV and horse rides through the of ecological parks Riviera Maya, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Tres Rios, where you can experience lush green forests, waterfalls, underground rivers, cenotes, natural aquarium and visits to turtle nursery, bat caves, butterfly pavilion, botanical gardens and orchid farms. Trips to the underground caverns, snorkeling in natural aquarium, with fishes lit by daylight, swim with dolphins and enormous scuba diving sites for certified divers from Cozumel’s Marine Park to the shores of Playa del Carmen. Other activities like kayaking, Catamaran rides, deep sea fishing trips, jet-ski rides and kite boarding.
FOOD
As Riviera Maya located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula became cross roads of many cultures which includes Maya, Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, German, Swiss, Cuban and many other.
Due to this you can easily see the colors of these cultures in the culinary scene of this place. International tourists can have all kinds of foods here from pizzas, sushi or burritos but tourist must try the traditional Maya dishes, which makes Riviera Maya Food so special. Here is some of the important mention; you can start your breakfast with traditional eggs, chilaquiles and mollette with refreshing fruit juice drinks, such as La Moreno, a mix of strawberry, pineapple and guanabana, slow cooked pork dish which is known as Poc Chuc with fresh handmade corn tortillas. There is also lots of option available in sea food, such as Agua Chile’s oyster shooter (oyster in a spicy sauce) and Agua Chile’s tuna tostada (raw pieces of fresh tuna, crispy corn tortilla and homemade sweet tamarind salsa). In dessert you can have some Mexican chocolate; Ah Cacao Chocolate Cafe is one of the best places to try some fresh brownies made with Mexican chocolate.
SHOPPING
Tourist can find a variety of options from local handicrafts, colored shawls, hammocks, silver works, Cuban cigars and chocolates in Riviera Maya. You can find all kind of shops from pricey boutique stores to open-air markets to buy these goods. So one tip for buying in Riviera Maya is just don’t directly buy any good at first glance, walk along the market and you may surprise by the price in next shop. Rivera Maya market is famous for many things but local handicrafts, silver jewelry, tequila and Cigars, you must check their quality. Local handicrafts can be made with or without care, so to buy best quality handcrafted goods such as jaguars, devils masks & ubiquitous skeleton, some of the best option is La Calaca and Rosalia. For Silver items, you must check the .925 stamp, which proves the quality of the silver, it’s better to buy such goods from a legit store instead of street vendors; one of the recommended stores is In Art. Similarly to get quality tequila, you must visit Casa Tequila, who offers 100 types of Mexico’s National Drinks and if you wanted to buy Mexican chocolate, please visit Ah Cacao.
NIGHT LIFE IN RIVIERA MAYA
Like the day time, Riviera Maya in night comes alive again with open air night clubs and bars ready to offer you amazing food and drinks, with live music. There are countless options to go for and if you are a party animal, Riviera Maya is the place for you.
Below are some of the important mentions, Coco Bongo, enjoy mind blowing evening in this disco with spectacular live music, DJ’s, acrobats and dance performances. Another place like Abolengo Bartina, Mandala Playa del Carmen Night Club and Palazzo are also best to dine and party. Chichén Itzá, enjoy the view of this beautiful ancient Maya city and one of the new members of the 7 wonders of the world in day and night. After exploring the entire city in day and having a good dinner, you can grab some good seats to enjoy light projection and sound show, which narrates the Maya history. JOYA by Cirque du Soleil, resident show at the Vidanta resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. You can enjoy the show, which showcase the adventure story of a girl, full of fairy creatures and mystical forests.
HOTEL
Apart from beautiful weather, environment and countless options to enjoy your stay in Riviera Maya. Your holidays are no way near perfection until you chose to stay in one of the best hotels in Riviera Maya, which offers you world class sea facing rooms and suites right next to beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya, all sorts of snacks, meals and beverages, other facilities like swimming pools, gym, shopping center, spa and nightclubs. They also offer you recreational activities like tennis, basketball, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing etc. Here are some best hotel options available in Riviera Maya, Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe, Acanto Boutique, Hotel Villa Rolandi Gourmet & Beach Club, Iberostar Paraíso Maya Hotel, Magic Blue Boutique Hotel and Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort.