Salty, balmy sea air hits your nose as soon as you step off the plane. But there is more in the air: the sounds and scents of the lush jungle of the Yucatan. The gentle, warm breezes of the Gulf carry the scents of spices, sugary coconut groves, fruit trees, and rich herbs along the white sand beaches and through the dense jungle canopies. On your less than 2 hour flight to the Yucatan Peninsula you have been transported to this other worldly, tropical Eden called the Riviera Maya, home to Cancun, Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and other Mexican travel hot spots.
Despite its reputation as the ultimate Spring Break party destination, the Riviera Maya's magic and sensuality draws visitors of all ages from allover the world. With an average year round temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a sea temperature that remains pleasant all year long, it is a sought after destination even in winter months. The scents of the jungle, the brilliant blue sea, and the endless adventures that this nature's playground offers make it a place many return again and again.
If you are looking for a more secluded place to lay your head at night, The Viceroy Maya is a small, opulent resort near Playa del Carmen. With all the amenities the resort offers, you may not want to leave. When you arrive in this tucked away gem, you are greeted with handcrafted drink and a cool, scented towel to refresh. As you make your way down the winding paths through lush jungle, your guide shows you to your suite camouflaged amongst the flora and fauna of the Yucatan. Many suites feature your own private plunge pool and outdoor shower. As a special touch you receive a welcome drink in your room and your guide hand cuts soap from locally made ingredients.
Breakfast is served beginning at 7am. From breakfast tacos to chilaquiles, the food at the Viceroy Maya is exceptional. Accompanied by fresh squeezed juice and specialty coffee to get your day going.
Whether you are looking for a day on the beach, water activities, a spa day, or an offsite excursion, the Viceroy Maya offers it all. With loungers and day beds with canopies, you can relax the day away on the sand with your own personal waiter who can get you anything you need. Snorkeling, parasailing, jet skies, and more can be found at a nearby rental place.
As for a spa day, booking an appointment at the Viceroy Maya spa is a must. The treatment offerings feature an array of Yucatan spices and herbs to soothe your body and mind. Not only is there a hot tub and sauna, but also a tea room where you can enjoy a cup of hot tea made with locally dried herbs, all chosen for their different benefits. Make sure to rub the black salt scrub allover before you enter the sauna to get the full experience and exfoliation.
Offering ancient history fringed in beautiful beaches, the Yucatan is also known for its accessible exploring. The region brings together vibrant coral, inland jungle, and some of Mexico’s finest archeological sites—within reach of your resort. Whether you’re visiting the Chichen Itza pyramids, snorkeling at Cozumel Reefs Natural Marine Park, spinnaker sailing off the coast of Isla Mujeres, diving with sharks, swimming in a fresh-water cenote, or visiting family-friendly adventure parks, the best things to do in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan don’t stop at the water’s edge.
Chichen Itza
One of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is among Mexico's most visited and iconic archaeological sites. Known for its main central pyramid, this impressive Maya site—once the ceremonial center of the Yucatán—also features temples, ball courts, and a cenote (freshwater sinkhole).
Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto, or the “Secret River,” is a series of caves carved out by the flow of an ancient underground river in Mexico. While the reserve is most famous for its large half-sunken cavern—a popular diving spot—you can also explore eerie passageways, swim in the river, and admire dripping stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful mineral formations.
Tulum
Tulum, the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city and a port for Coba, is one of the best preserved coastal Mayan cities in the Yucatan, you can also visit in tandem with Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Highlights of this archaeological site include the Temple of the Frescoes, which has spectacular figurines of the 'diving god.'
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres (the “Island of Women”) is known for its rich marine life and pristine beaches. Here you can snorkel at Manchones Reef, scuba dive in the Cave of Sleeping Sharks, or stretch out on the white sands of North Beach (Playa Norte). On land you’ll find bustling nightlife, with oceanside bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Akumal
Akumal is a small beach town located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Meaning “land of the turtles” in the Mayan language, Akumal is famous for its plentiful sea turtle population. Its secluded white-sand beaches and peaceful bays are also ideal for those seeking a more private experience.
Palancar Reef
The star attraction of Cozumel Reefs National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel), Palancar Reef is a rich underwater landscape ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Aquatic species thrive amidst these colorful corals, including sea turtles, rays, nurse sharks, barracudas, moray eels, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park encompasses the island’s best-known diving and snorkeling spots, including the Palancar, Columbia, and Paradise reefs, as well as the Devil’s Throat at Punta Sur and the shipwreck ofFelipe Xicoténcatl—a minesweeper ship used in WWII. The park houses up to 26 species of coral and 300 species of fish.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Located on Cozumel’s southernmost tip, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park (Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve) spans 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares) of coastal wilderness, coral reefs, and Caribbean ocean. Here you can find ancient Maya ruins, a picturesque lighthouse, and sandy beaches—plus exotic birds, crocodiles, and sea turtles.
Paradise Reef
One of Cozumel’s most popular dive sites, Paradise Reef (Paraíso Reef) is famous for its clear water, diverse coral structures, and teeming schools of colorful fish. Here you can spot large sea species such as eels, rays, and nurse sharks in addition to smaller creatures such as seahorses, and boxfish.
There is no shortage of adventure, history, romance, relaxation and fun that await you along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Must Do Excursions
Offering ancient history fringed in beautiful beaches, the Yucatan is also known for its accessible exploring. Whether you’re visiting the Chichen Itza pyramids, snorkeling at Cozumel Reefs Natural Marine Park, spinnaker sailing off the coast of Isla Mujeres, diving with sharks, swimming in a fresh-water cenote, or visiting family-friendly adventure parks, the best things to do in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan don’t stop at the water’s edge.
Chichen Itza
Rio Secreto
Tulum
Isla Mujeres
Akumal
Palancar Reef
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Paradise Reef
What To Pack
Go Casual
The Yucatan and surrounding areas are as laid back as it gets. So pack light and pack comfortably. Think tank tops, airy clothes, flip flops and sneakers. And don't forget plenty of sun protection.
- tank tops or sleeveless shirts
- shorts and airy pants
- sundresses
- coverup
- one nice swimsuit
- one swimsuit you don't mind getting dirty
- clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- sunhat
- sunscreen
- UV protected sunglasses
- swim shirt with UV protection
- flip flops or sandals
- sneakers
- water shoes