What to do in the Mayan Riviera
The way between Xcaret and Tulum offers wonderful beaches, some with hotel services, others are incredible virgin beaches to spend the day. From the 307 highway is easy to go, just be alert to the small signs on the edge of the Hwy. Near Tulum, Sianka'an Biosphere Reserve adn Coba Archaeological site.
To see where each destination is located, click here to get the Riviera Maya map.
On the other side, going north from Playa del Carmen, there are more places that you may consider to visit, like Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Contoy and Chichen Itza archaeological ruins.
The Mayan Riviera has a great diversity of places and attractions, we have referred the mayority of them to Playa del Carmen, since Playa is considered the capital of the Riviera Maya.
Xcaret
Eco-archaeological Park, located 7 km from Playa del Carmen.
Flora, Fauna, inlet snorkeling, swim with dolphins, mexican culture, restaurants.Full day to enjoy the park
Paamul
Its a rocky bay perfect for shore snorkeling, located 15 km from Playa del Carmen
Rustic hotel rooms, Camping, Restaurants
Puerto Aventuras
The biggest Marina in Riviera Maya, located 20 km from Playa del Carmen.
Hotels, Condos, luxury villas. Swim with dolphins, sport fishing, golf, tennis, restaurants, shops, bars
Xpu-Ha
Its a beautiful caribbean bay perfect for relaxing and snorkeling, restaurants, located 25 km from Playa del Carmen.
All inclusive hotels.
Kantenah
Its a bay with white sand and turquoise sea, located 28 km from Playa del Carmen. All inclusive hotels.
Snorkeling, sunbathing and relax
Akumal
During summer months, sea turtles lay their eggs, located 37 km from Playa del Carmen. Shore snorkeling, amazing Half-moon bay and at the end the Yal-ku lagoon
All inclusive hotels
Xcacel
Its a Sanctum of the Marine Turtle, located 51 km from Playa del Carmen. During summer months turtles lay their eggs. There is a cenote, as well.
Restaurant, virgin beaches
Xel-Ha
Eco- theme Park, located 54 km from Playa del Carmen. Swim with dolphins
Water activities, great inlet snorkel, restaurants (all day trip)
Punta Soliman Bay
Its a perfect bay to relax and snorkeling, located 57 km from Playa del Carmen
restaurant Oscar & Lalo with all services. Virgin beaches
Tulum
Cavern diving & Snorkeling, located 63 km from Playa del Carmen. Incredibles beaches.
Archaeological ruins facing the turquoise sea, Perfect spot to go to Sianka'an Reserve and Coba ruins
Sianka'an Biosphere
This Natural Reserve encompasses all the main ecosystems in the Central America and the Caribbean
The entrance is just at the end of the tulum hotel zone (going south)
Coba ruins
Located 42 km from Tulum, offers Archaeological ruins in the middle of the exuberant Mayan Jungle.
Can be visited by walking or riding a bike (go walking and back on a taxi-bike)
Puerto Morelos
Peaceful and quite fishing village, located 32 km north from Playa del Carmen. Fishing, kite surf, relax, restaurants and hotels services.
Chichen Itza Ruins
Located 214 km from Playa del Carmen. Archaeological site with cenote.
Affordable trips all days from Playa del Carmen
Isla Mujeres Island
Fantastic island, 7 km lengh by 1 km width !, located 73 km from Playa del Carmen.
Watersports, perfect beach for relax on the North, rent a Golf cart and go around the Island, hotels, restaurants, shops, Eco-park Garrafon.
Cozumel Island
Located 30 km from Playa del Carmen. Just take the ferry, snorkeling, diving, fishing, shops, Chankanaab Park. Rent a car or scooter and go around the island, On the east nice beaches but high currents (open water)
Holbox Island
Quite island north of Yucatan, located
133 km from Playa del Carmen
whaleshark snorkeling, Yalahau lagoon, Rio Lagartos Reserve, Cabo Catoche tours.
Relax, hotels, restaurants.
Contoy Island
Located 103 km from Playa del Carmen. Small island:
7km lengh & 1km width.
Only tours by the day, Aviary, diving. Its a reserved area.
