Visiting the Riviera Maya is an unforgettable experience.
And there is no earthly paradise like this one; one where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, interesting Mayan ruins, a lot of culture, incredible cenotes, delicious food, a good atmosphere, and a lot of other things.
In a few words: there will always be something for every taste, whether you prefer the entertainment and Bohemian atmosphere of Playa del Carmen, or you prefer the connection with nature of Tulum.
Therefore, —to help you make a list for your next vacation—, we will tell you what are the best things you can do in the Riviera Maya.
Everything you can do in the Riviera Maya
1. Sunbathe on the beaches
When you go to any of the cities of the Riviera Maya, it is essential that you dedicate a day to the beach, since here are the most beautiful in all of Mexico and the world.
It is not for less, because the Mexican Caribbean is distinguished by having crystal clear turquoise waters, being full of coral reefs, and being home to animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, and a great variety of fish and migratory birds.
But which of all the beaches to go to?
This depends on whether you are in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, but the good news is that either option will amaze you.
In Playa del Carmen you have the option of going to Playa Mamitas, which is one of its main beaches —and one of the closest—, where you can sunbathe, swim and play sports such as beach volleyball.
Now, if you stay in Playacar which is the hotel zone— you can access its beach, which is one of the most popular among tourists.
And what if you want something a little more secluded to help you connect with nature, In that case, Punta Maroma is your choice, as it is one of the most beautiful virgin beaches in the Riviera Maya.
In Tulum, you have the opportunity to enjoy Playa Paraíso, one of the favorites of many people, thanks to its beauty, because it is not a crowded public beach, and because it is close to several tourist attractions.
Another of Tulum’s beaches to highlight is the one located right in front of its archaeological zone. In addition, the Tulum National Park is the most important ecological area of the Riviera Maya.
The distance is not a problem, because in the city there are numerous places to get a rental car and have more freedom with your time, to decide where to go and what to visit.
It is worth mentioning that although Tulum is a very beautiful place, many choose to invest in Playa del Carmen since it offers greater benefits and is a better place to live.
2. Go to Puerto Morelos
If you plan to take a tour of the entire Riviera Maya, then Puerto Morelos should be your first stop, because it is at the beginning and because it has a lot to offer.
Puerto Morelos
This is one of the most important ports in the state of Quintana Roo, so its main activity is fishing, and in recent years tourism.
Among the things that can be done in Puerto Morelos are swimming on its quiet beach, diving, going to the botanical garden, visiting the crocodile captivity, horseback riding, cycling, shopping at the craft market, buying fish, among others.
3. Shop on Fifth Avenue
Playa del Carmen has become a very popular tourist destination, for being a cosmopolitan beach city, with a lot of styles, nightlife, and many amenities.
However, much of this popularity is due to Fifth Avenue, which is an avenue —excuse the redundancy— close to the beach, where there are numerous shops, restaurants, cafés, and even artistic areas.
It is very common for tourists to arrive at the beach during the day and then decide to walk down Fifth Avenue to shop, have a coffee, or have ice cream.
While at night you can enjoy the wide variety of nightclubs in a very cheerful and colorful atmosphere, as well as taste Caribbean drinks and dishes in the bars and restaurants.
Without a doubt, acquiring land in Playa del Carmen to diversify your investments is an attractive proposal with everything there is to do, as it means being part of the tourist and commercial boom in the best area of the Riviera Maya.
4. Spend the day in Cozumel
Cozumel is an island that is only 18 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, and it turns out to be a very happy place and one of those unmissable destinations in the Riviera Maya.
But what does Cozumel have that makes it so special?
To begin with, one of the main characteristics of this island is its good atmosphere, which combines Bohemian parties with the sea and the light of the moon. This is why beach bars and restaurants have been booming.
Cozumel
Although this is not all since you cannot miss the diving areas —which are around 40—, where you can observe coral reefs, along with manta rays, dolphins, and various fish.
5. Explore Secret River
If you really want to feel the magic of adventure and exploration, you have to do one of the Rio Secreto tours near Playa del Carmen, where you will have the opportunity to discover a very interesting system of underground caves.
These caves are semi-flooded, and in them, you can swim and snorkel just as you do in closed cenotes.
In addition, several of the packages include a bike tour through the dry roads, abseiling, snacks, all the necessary equipment, an expert guide, and a buffet lunch at the end.
6. Take a tour of the cenotes
Both in the Riviera Maya and in the Yucatán there are countless cenotes, many of which are connected to each other, and which are very popular tourist attractions among tourists.
Remembering a little about the cenotes: these are natural formations in the form of water deposits, which —depending on their exposure to the outside— can be open, semi-open, or closed.
The history of the cenotes in the Riviera Maya is very fascinating, since the Mayans believed that they were connections with the spiritual world, like portals —or paths— to the Xibalbá, and that is why they performed different ceremonies around them.
Today many of the cenotes are enabled to visit them, swim in them, dive, and have a good day. A very clear example is the Ruta de Los Cenotes which starts from Puerto Morelos.
Other cenotes that you have to visit are:
The Gran Cenote: It is one of the most popular and close to the archaeological zone of Tulum, it is of the semi-open type, so it is perfect for swimming surrounded by the Mayan jungle.
The Cobá cenotes: Among them are Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha. All 3 are of the closed type, and in them, you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
Xcacelito: This cenote is located near Xcacel beach, and is one of those secret places in Tulum, where you can connect on a spiritual level with nature.
Cenote Dos Ojos: Named for the “two-eyed” shape it has when viewed from above. It has several underwater caverns ideal for cave diving.
Thanks to the climate of Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya in general, knowing and enjoying each one of them is possible at any time of the year.
Cozumel is an island that is only 18 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, and it turns out to be a very happy place and one of those unmissable destinations in the Riviera Maya.
But what does Cozumel have that makes it so special?
To begin with, one of the main characteristics of this island is its good atmosphere, which combines Bohemian parties with the sea and the light of the moon. This is why beach bars and restaurants have been booming.
Cozumel
Although this is not all since you cannot miss the diving areas —which are around 40—, where you can observe coral reefs, along with manta rays, dolphins, and various fish.
7. Live the Xcaret adventure
Just 5 kilometers from Playa del Carmen is the Xcaret theme park, one of the most popular places to visit in the Riviera Maya.
Xcaret Adventure
Here you can do ecotourism and different water activities, such as being able to dive into the coral reefs, exploring the underground rivers, going to the beach, and swimming in the shallow cenotes.
In addition to that, you have access to different types of shows related to the Mayan and Mexican culture, the ceremony of the Voladores de Papantla, and a visit to the popular art museum.
8. Do ecotourism in Xel-Há
If you have already visited Xcaret and you still want to have fun in this type of theme park, then you are in luck, because the Xel-Há natural park is another place you have to visit.
And what can you do in this park?
Just as in Xcaret, you can do different activities —mostly— aquatic, such as snorkeling, exploring the river, swimming in the cenotes, zip-lining on the river, going through the floating bridge, riding a bicycle, visiting the nursery, getting to know the Mayan ruins, among others.
And one of its most recognizable parts is the 40-meter-high lighthouse, where you can go up to admire the park —and the jungle—, take photos, and slide as many times as you want down one of the 4 30-meter slides.
9. Admire the turtles in Akumal
In different parts of the Riviera Maya, you have the opportunity to admire sea turtles in their natural habitat —as in Xcacel, for example—, and one that stands out a lot is Akumal.
This place is located halfway from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, and there you will not only have the opportunity to see the turtles but also swim with them.
Turtles in Akumal
For this, you need professional diving equipment, but if you don’t have it, don’t worry, since you can rent some right there, in addition to the fact that there are several services with specialized guides.
And once you finish swimming, you can go to one of the restaurants that are nearby, to enjoy the always delicious Caribbean food.
10. Meet the Tulum Ruins
The Mayan civilization is an important part of both Quintana Roo and Yucatán, and that is why a great effort has been dedicated to preserving the ruins so that you can learn a little more about its history.
In this way, one of the most interesting —and popular— ruins of the Riviera Maya is the archaeological zone of Tulum.
This was a significant Mayan city, which was characterized by being in a strategic location in front of the Caribbean Sea, and being completely walled.
It’s main building —the Castle of Tulum— not only served for its religious ceremonies but also as a lighthouse that helped the Mayan navigators.
11. Marvel at the Sian Ka’an reserve
Sian Ka’an is one of the most important nature reserves in southern Mexico, covering some 625,193 hectares and home to a great flora and fauna, underground rivers, and various vestiges of the Mayans.
Among the protected species of Sian Ka’an, you can find jaguars, tapirs, manatees, monkeys, pumas, crocodiles, turtles, jabirus, and many more.
At present, great conservation and research work continues, in addition to allowing tours with specialized guides, so you can learn a little more about its ecosystems.
In this reserve, it is well worth visiting Punta Allen, an oasis away from the noise where the streets are made of sand and there are no more than 400 inhabitants.
If you dare to visit Sian Ka’an, do not forget to use mosquito repellent and biodegradable sunscreen, follow the instructions of your guide, do not interact with nature, and respect it at all times.
12. Discover the ruins of Muyil
At the Sian Ka’an Reserve you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the hidden ruins of Muyil, as these are precisely within the said reserve.
Muyil gets its name from the lakes that surround it Muyil and Chunyaxché, which played a very important role in supporting the Mayan community that lived here several years ago.
Its main building is called “El Castillo” —a name very similar to the Tulum Castle—, and it is about 17 meters high.
13. Explore the Coba Ruins
Continuing with the ruins of the Riviera Maya, we cannot forget the archaeological zone of Cobá, which is known for being hidden in the jungle.
Pyramid of Coba
To explore this area, we recommend doing it by bicycle, whether you bring your own or rent one, as its extension deserves it.
And unlike other ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula such as Chichén Itzá, in Cobá you can climb the 120 steps of its Mayan pyramid —Nohoch Mul—, and marvel at the landscape from above.
14. Eat in a Palapa
We have already told you about beaches, theme parks, Mayan ruins, cenotes, and diving, among other things, but we cannot forget the traditional experience: eating in a Palapa.
Although it sounds simple, this is one of the things you have to do in the Riviera Maya, why? Because you would not only be enjoying your food but an incredible view of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Among the dishes, you can find is the traditional Caribbean food of fish and shellfish, the most regional such as cochinita pibil, enchiladas, flautas, and —of course— tacos.
And of course —if you prefer— you have the option of ordering international food, prepared drinks, desserts, etc.
15. Enjoy the nightlife
Lively nightlife is present throughout the Riviera Maya, whether you prefer moonlight evenings in Tulum, or bar and restaurant nights in Playa del Carmen.
In fact, experiencing the nightlife is one of the many things you can do in Playa del Carmen, so if you’re in the Riviera Maya, you definitely shouldn’t miss it.
The great advantage of both places is that the night activities are very close to the beach, which adds a very special and Bohemian touch.
Also, depending on the time of year you are, you will have the opportunity to enjoy different night celebrations, such as the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, and the World Carnival, among others.
What else to do near the Riviera Maya?
Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum, and Cobá are the places that make up the Riviera Maya, and each of them has a lot to offer.
In fact, there are so many things to do that it takes a very long vacation to get at least half of them done.
Although that does not mean that in the surroundings there are not also tourist attractions that are worth knowing about, as in the case of Yucatán and Cancun.
Therefore, below we list some things you can do, which are very close to the cities of the Riviera Maya:
Go to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza: One of the modern wonders of the world, and one of the most emblematic tourist spots in Yucatán and Mexico. Here you have the opportunity to learn more about the Mayans and marvel at their architecture. Its main buildings are the Kukulkan Castle and the Great Ball Court.
Visit Mérida: Named in 2019 as the second-safest city in America by CEO World magazine, it is a very quiet place, full of culture, art, and entertainment. And not only that, the climate of Mérida is one of the biggest attractions that attract thousands of tourists and investors.
Visit Cancún: It is the choice of many tourists, both Mexicans, and foreigners, for its all-inclusive packages in the hotel zone, where you can enjoy great luxuries, amenities of all kinds, and lots of nightlife. In fact, Cancun offers many opportunities in the real estate business.
Explore Isla Mujeres: It is one of the nearby islands of Cancun, which is perfect to spend a relaxing day and be able to swim with dolphins and turtles.
What else to do near the Riviera Maya?
When you know all the things to do in the Riviera Maya, you realize how incredible it is, and how much it is worth visiting this earthly paradise at least once in your life.
The experiences that it leaves you with are unforgettable; thanks to its unbelievable nature, exclusive services, various sources of entertainment, and its vast culture and history.
That is why many people decide to invest in a home in the Riviera Maya, to never stop enjoying its benefits, and even more knowing that real estate in this area has a high capital gain.
The favorite option:
Acquire real estate in Playa del Carmen because it is a city with a high quality of life, in addition to having affordable prices, since the square meter of land is cheaper in the southeast than in the rest of the country.
Also, living here it is easier to get to know all the tourist attractions that are in the surroundings, as is the case in Yucatán or even Cancún.
The Riviera Maya, the best place to live
In conclusion: the Riviera Maya is a place that you will surely fall in love with for endless reasons once you get to know it.
For this reason, at D&SINVSOLUTIONS we are specialized in high-value developments in the main cities of the Southeast Mexico, to offer both investors and those looking for new homes, the most profitable properties in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Get in touch with us so that one of our advisors can provide you with information about our new projects, as well as other of our developments designed to provide you with a greater return on investment.
Real estate investments in Riviera Maya
If you want to continue learning about the Riviera Maya —and investment— we invite you to watch our latest YouTube video
Now, how does everything inside affect the real estate sector? Naturally, the property is also affected by inflation, from houses and apartments to investors and renters.
For what reason? With the rise in prices of construction materials, production costs increase as well as the final product, in this case, houses, offices, apartments, condominiums, and commercial premises, among others.
One way used by owners of properties that are leased is to include clauses in the contract that establish the possibility of adjusting the rent amount according to inflation.
In mortgage matters, some central banks have to adjust to the financial policies of the state, which can make access to credit more difficult for people who depend on this form of financing to get a property.
However, as we have commented in other articles, Mexico is a country with extensive policies to support entrepreneurship and access to housing and real estate, so these resources are used to facilitate access to credit, which is an advantage for both users such as developers and builders.
Investing in real estate even in times of crisis, for example buying land for industry or investing in commercial land, will always be a wise decision.
The reason is very simple, although prices rise at the same time, the value of the properties you own will also rise. It is an infallible formula to protect your money from inflation.
The land does not depreciate, over the years it will increase in value according to inflation rates, so your money will always be worth more, in addition to keeping properties in your portfolio as a heritage for your family and ensuring a relaxed retirement.
Without a doubt, investing your retirement savings on land is the best way to ensure your retirement and that your money does not lose its value.
If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to read in our blog the advice to invest and make better decisions, which will help you acquire assets that will make your capital grow considerably.
land, the best option to protect your capital
Now that you know what inflation is and its consequences, its main characteristics, and how inflation affects the economy, you will be able to take the pertinent actions to protect your capital.
As we have seen throughout this article, investing in real estate not only protects your money but also makes it grow. the land is your best option to diversify your investments and minimize the risk of losses.
At D&SINVSOLUTIONS we are committed to helping you find the land that best suits your needs of yours. We have trained personnel to provide you with information about the developments that we have in the main cities of Riviera Maya Mexico.
We have more than 12 years of real estate success and the support of market studies that guarantee the growth and development of our projects. Contact us so that one of our advisors communicates. The best time to invest in land is today.
You can own your investment property in less than one year time frame. If it sounds good to you, let’s connect.
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