Tours
Tours: Things to do in Cancun and Riviera Maya?
Cancun and Riviera Maya are two of the most popular beach destinations in the world. These destinations are surrounded by a breathtaking beach and sea, the beauty of the landscapes is simply amazing. These places, located in the State of Quintana Roo in the southeast of Mexico, are a great option to make a trip with your couple, family, friends or even by yourself.
The natural wealth of the area that surrounds Cancun and extends through all Riviera Maya ( Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Cozumel) contributes to the fact that one of the main things to see in this region are the attractions formed by the ecosystems in the area. The mixture of beaches and islands in a jungle environment with a sea and rivers that host an impressive biodiversity makes a visit to these places a must for every tourist.
In addition, it should not be overlooked that the Yucatan Peninsula (the territory where Cancun and Riviera Maya are located), as well as most of Central America, has a very important historical heritage since it was the territory where the Mayan Civilization developed.
In this way, the tourist service providers in conjunction with the authorities of the State of Quintana Roo have designed excursions that allow you to explore and enjoy this natural wealth. These excursions are a fundamental part of the things to see in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
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TOURS
Although there is a great diversity of options to tour into the different areas of interest in the Cancun and Riviera Maya regions, , the main modality offered to visit these places is in collective mode. This type of experience usually requires boarding a bus with a few dozen more people and being subject to a fixed schedule previously defined by the tour provider. The alternative to a more personalized experience is a private tour. This tour modality usually has the following characteristics:
- It is done in smaller vehicles (SUV, Vans, Transporters). Since the group to be taken care of is smaller, there is usually more space available and, therefore, more comfort.
- The pick-up is made directly at the customer’s hotel or lodging location, either in Cancun or Riviera Maya.
- It has some additional amenities such as drinks, music, as well as a guide who will be paying attention to the customers at all times.
- Itinerary flexibility. While the objective of any tour is to have well-defined stopovers from the start, private tours may have more flexibility to rearrange the itinerary while on the trip and spend more time at some sites than others, for example.
- Tour route design. It is possible to check with the providers of this type of tours the tour route design, so that you may include visits to several archaeological sites, beaches, parks or natural sites, for example.
Summarizing, the experience of hiring a private tour brings to the customers the possibility of ensuring that the tour totally suits to their needs and preferences. Obviously, hiring a private tour implies that the cost will be higher than that of a traditional collective excursion. However, it is worth considering a private tour if what you want the most is to ensure that the experience meets your expectations and truly becomes a memory for a lifetime. Next, we will talk about the main tour destinations in Cancun and Riviera Maya, as well as the transportation implications and things to do in each of them.
ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES / RUINS
Cancun and most of the State of Quintana Roo, as well as its neighbor State, Yucatan, were part of what was the Mayan World a few centuries ago. It is no coincidence that this area is also known as Riviera Maya. Thus, Cancun and the rest of its neighboring towns have a vast millenary heritage full of traditions, mysteries, surprising revelations, as well as impressive constructions that still flash their splendor when witnessed on site.
Among the most popular tours to archaeological sites are:
CHICHEN ITZÁ
One of the modern wonders in the world. It still preserves most of its main buildings, including the Juego de Pelota (Ball Court) and a cenote that was originally used for ceremonies in which human sacrifices happened. The main building, the Pyramid of Kukulkan, is an impressive display of architecture, mathematical sciences, and astronomical knowledge developed by the Mayan culture. This tour is a must do for all tourists in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. One of the biggest annual events in this park is the spring equinox (March 20th – 21st). In this day, the attendants can witness the “descent of Quetzalcóatl” through the stairs of the Pyramid of Kukulkán (main building). So, if your visit to Cancun is planned for that date, don't forget to schedule the excursion to see this incredible phenomenon.
TULUM
Here, you will find one of the walled cities of the Mayan culture. The main difference compared to other cities is its location, since most are located inside the jungle. Instead, Tulum was settled right in front of the sea, in such a way that it allows to appreciate the ancient Mayan architecture in front of the extraordinary turquoise sea. In fact, it is possible to go all the way down to the sea from the city and bathe on the beaches close to these ruins. This excursion is more popular among those who visit Playa del Carmen and Tulum city due to their proximity.
COBÁ
It was an old commercial city that developed inside the jungle. It still keeps several of its buildings and the main ones are similar to those in Chichen Itzá. One of the main differences is that here you are allowed to climb to the top of the main building (110 steps). Therefore, in Cobá you’ll have a view of the jungle and its surroundings like in no other place in Riviera Maya.
EK BALAM
It is a recently discovered Mayan city (It was found in the 90s). It has two main squares (the South and the North) within a walled area. The main building is the Ek Balam Palace and has a height of 101 ft. (31 meters) and a width of 524 ft. (160 meters). It is worth mentioning that it is still possible to climb to the top of the building. In this city you can also find various sculptures and inscriptions, as well as another palace and a ball court. The talent of Mayan artists is clearly displayed through all the corners of this site.
Things to do in the archaeological sites?
Each one has its own appeal with different types of buildings and ruins that will help you to understand and learn more about the Mayan Civilization. The guide will explain in detail the activities that were done in the city and how it grew, developed and, eventually, decay, as well as the meaning and use of each of the buildings and constructions. Additionally, the lush vegetation in the surrounding of each site makes the landscape more colorful and gives a feeling of peace and relaxation.
How long are the excursions to the archaeological sites?
For excursions to archaeological sites, it is best to think about a full day visit. Most of these sites are more than an hour away by car or bus from Cancun and the other towns in Riviera Maya. For example, Chichén Itza is located almost 112 miles (180 kilometers) away from Cancun and about 87 miles (140 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen. So, the trip alone takes about four hours (round trip).
Although it is possible to do the tour exclusively to an archaeological site, it is best to look for some additional activities in the surrounding areas to make the most of the transfer to these sites. Most archaeological site tour providers offer tours to cenotes, the town of Valladolid , Mayan reservation towns and handicraft stores, or to other archaeological sites.
Things to do in the complementary activities in archaeological sites tours?
In the Mayan towns there are usually talks about the traditions of this ancient culture, as well as the sale of handicrafts. In the cenotes, the main activity is swimming and enjoying an amazing landscape inside a cave. Finally, in Valladolid, a stop in the main square is something you must do. It is surrounded by restaurants of traditional Mexican food. Some local artists often play music and put on dance shows in this area.
THEME PARKS
The presence of long extensions of jungle in Riviera Maya has set the perfect conditions for the creation of several theme parks. These places are full of different attractions and recreational activities. Most of the things to do in the parks are a mix between adventure activities, Mexican themed shows and local fauna exhibitions. You will also find food courts and places where you can rest.
Among the most popular theme parks are those that belong to Xcaret corporation:
XCARET
The largest and most diverse park. Here it is possible to swim on the beach, swim in underground rivers, watch different shows based on Mexican traditions, history and folklore; enjoy natural attractions (aviary, butterfly farm, Jaguar Island), as well as Mayan ruins. With a doubt, you will find a lot to see and do in this park.
XPLOR
A park designed for those looking for an adventure tour. There is a wide diversity of activities like: zip lines, rides in amphibious vehicles through the jungle, raft navigation through rivers, swimming and exploration in underground rivers, walks through caves, among others. The park can also be visited in the afternoon / night in the Xplor Fuego mode.
XEL-HA
Here you will find the famous slide in the lighthouse. From the top of the lighthouse you can take a look to the jungle, and later have a fun descent through the slide. In this park, you will also find areas to snorkel and appreciate a great diversity of fish and aquatic fauna. Other activities to do are cenote exploration, swim through underground rivers and even swimming with dolphins.
XOXIMILCO
A park inspired by the traditional Xochimilco Neighborhood in Mexico City. Here you can navigate through the river in “trajineras” (colorful boats) enjoying Mexican food and drinks, as well as traditional Mexican music such as the famous mariachis. It’s a different experience compared to those offered in other theme parks, with a doubt a great one for those who want to have a taste of the traditional party life in Central Mexico.
XENSES
A park with fun and experimental activities where the objective is to give yourself the opportunity to use all your senses and have a relaxing time walking through the jungle. Among the activities offered in this park are: the journey through the path of dwarfs and giants, walks through caves with atmospheres designed to sharpen the perceptions through each sense, sanctuaries where you can appreciate different species of birds and fish, as well as a lush vegetation sprouting.
Most of these parks are located a few kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. If you are considering a visit to these places on a tour, it is best to leave it as a second stop, especially if the first stop is an archaeological site. These parks remain open until night, so that gives more room to make a late stop.
CENOTES
Other relevant destinations to consider on a tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya are the cenotes. These water bodies have become very popular in recent years.
The Yucatan Peninsula has a limestone soil that allows rainwater to filter into a network of caves. This natural phenomenon allowed the emergence of cenotes . For the ancient Mayans, cenotes were more than just beautiful places to be explored and enjoyed; they were a source of life and a portal to communicate with the afterlife.
Things to do and see in the cenotes?
The exploration and swimming in cenotes have become popular because it offers a unique landscape to the tourists: underground caves filled with fresh crystalline water. Many of these caves are exposed to the sky, some others are dark and mysterious. So light also plays an interesting role in setting the atmosphere in cenotes.
Although this activity can be part of a visit to a theme park or an archaeological site, there are also several tours totally focused on cenotes. Tours focused on cenotes allow you to do some activities such as snorkeling or diving, in addition to wandering through more extensive passages between the underground connections of these water bodies.
Some of the main cenotes available for tours are:
CANCUN ATV
This tour is adventure style. In this case, the name "ATV" comes from the acronym "All-Terrain Vehicle".
Things to do and see on ATVs?
This tour consists of a visit to the jungle in Riviera Maya where you can explore the jungle trail in ATVs or similar vehicles. Likewise, there are other activities included such as zip lining and swimming in cenotes.
This tour lasts about four hours and also has meals included.
LAS COLORADAS
This excursion has become popular in recent years. Las Coloradas is a fishing village located in the East of the Peninsula. It is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Merida and about the same time from the City of Cancun. The town has gained notoriety due to the presence of the Laguna Rosa (Pink Lake).
Things to do in Las Coloradas?
The lake has a high concentration of salt and microscopic algae that along with sunlight can make the water turn yellow, orange or pink. In addition, it tends to host a great diversity of birds, including los flamingos
Tours to this natural wonder include transportation, as well as a boat trip through the mangroves and the lake to appreciate all its beauty. Likewise, they usually include an activity related to learn more about the Mayan culture. Later, a lunch at a restaurant in the fishing village is also included.
The visit to this location is extremely attractive for those who like natural landscapes, as well as photography.
CATAMARANS
For those who like water activities and are looking for a chance to get away from "life on land", there are catamaran tours.
These tours consist of boarding a sailboat and spending a few hours (or may the whole day) in the sea. The tours can be relaxing or fun.
If what you have in mind is a partying, this is a great option as there are catamarans with an open bar included, as well as music and a DJ.
Usually, for this type of tours, the rout includes stops at places where you can do other water activities such as snorkeling and swimming with local fauna.
In the case of this tour in Cancun, most routes usually include a stop at one of the docks of Isla Mujeres.
OTHER TOURS
In addition to these tours to famous areas and activities in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, it is also possible to take a look to other options:
- Restaurant / Taco tour
- Street art tour (Isla Mujeres)
- Bike tour through Cancun (Beaches)
- Hollbox island tour
- Sian Kaan’ National Park tour Sian Ka'an
- Mayan reservation tour
- Plane tours
- Meditation and yoga tours
- Snorkel tours, swimming with turtles / whale shark tours
- Bird watching tours
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