CONDO HOTELS PLAYA DEL CARMEN BLOGEnjoy the best of Playa del Carmen
TOP 10 TOURS TO DO IN RIVIERA MAYA
according to the Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen Guests
When Playa del Carmen is called the heart of the Riviera Maya is precisely because of the blissful energetic and lively vibe it has and gives you since the first moment you are in this city that once was a picturesque small fisherman town.
Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions of Playa del Carmen is and will continue to be its beach, due to its beautiful white sand and the turquoise blue degrade of its Caribbean water.
However, another reason why it is known as the Heart of the Riviera Maya, is because of its proximity and easy connection to different tourist spots and activities throughout the States of Quintana Roo and Yucatan.
There is a wide variety of points to visit and activities to do between natural destinations such as cenotes, archaeological sites that will tell you about the majestic history of an amazing civilization such as one of the Seventh wonders, Chichen-Itzá or amazing parks for the house little ones or adventurers of the family.
Everything depends on the turn you want to give to your vacation: adventurous, cultural, natural or simply for rest. And since we really hope your vacation will be unforgettable, we share the Top 10 most recommended activities by Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen guests:
Xcaret
It is an eco-archaeological park that is located on the edge of the sea in the Riviera Maya, very close to Cancun.
Its nature trails, shows, delicious gastronomy, water activities such as Snorkel and swim in its underground rivers, its more than 50 representations around the park of the most important traditions such as the “Juego de Pelota” and the Fiesta Charra will make you take a Complete tour from the North to the South of this wonderful country that welcomes you with open arms, Mexico.
The cultural heritage and love for the environment await you in a 100% family park; Without a doubt, one of the best option in the Riviera Maya.
Xel-Ha
Xel-Há, which in the Mayan language means “Where the water is born”, is a complete dedicated park for nature lovers, besides being a spectacular natural aquarium where you can swim and snorkel among several species of fish that have made Xel- He their home.
During the tour of the trails of the park that you can do on foot, by bike or aboard a fun mini train, you can find and interact with different species of birds and other animals.
As if this were not enough, it offers a variety of gastronomic options as well as drinks that you can enjoy during your rest moments. The park is located in Riviera Maya, in the south of Playa del Carmen.
Xplor
Xplor, a park in the heart of the jungle of the Riviera Maya where you can perform adventureos activities, with the most modern and safest equipment.
Glide through incredible zip lines, travel through the jungle in amphibious vehicles, stroll through caverns and be amazed by the ancient formations of stalactites and stalagmites in the underground rivers.
In addition Xplor offers an exquisite buffet with options for everyone, from salads to pizza for those who require more energy.
In the case of this fun and intrepid park we share with you the following information that is important to consider before making the decision to carry out this activity:
- To carry out the zip line activity, a minimum height of 1.10 meters and a minimum weight of 40 kg is required.
Río Secreto
The discovery of Río Secreto, formerly known as the Tunich pool, has brought much emotion to Quintana Roo.
This cave system, formed for centuries by an underground river, is located a few miles from Playa del Carmen. It is one of the three longest partially flooded caves in the world and it is also a 100% ecological and sustainable natural reserve.
Rio Secreto could be one of the great wonders of the world.
We invite you to explore an underground river of extraordinary natural beauty, in which its walls and formations are like a geological library with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, you can also travel the jungle on a bicycle and rappel in a cenote.
Chichen-Itzá
It is located in Yucatan and it has been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage and considered one of the ” New Seven Wonders of the World “.
The Maya name “Chichen Itzá” means “At the mouth of the well of the Itza.” Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that gained political and economic dominance of the northern peninsula. One possible translation for Itza is “enchanter (or enchantment) of the water”.
The most impressive structures of Chichen Itzá its located in the central area. There you will find the Juego de Pelota, temples, the spectacular Castle (Kukulkán Pyramid) and the Mayan calendar stone that measures 25 meters.
The Toltec warriors are represented in the engravings found around the entrance, at the top of “The Castle”. The local guides will provide detailed information about Chichen Itzá and even take you to Sacred Cenote.
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun creates the illusion of a snake ascending or descending the stairs of the Kukulkán Pyramid, a fantastic phenomenon. The illusion is reproduced in the sound and light show that takes place every evening in the archeological site.
Definitely to make it part of your bucket list!
Cobá + Cenote + Tulum
The ruins of Cobá lie 44 km northwest of Tulum, in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Cobá is located around two lakes, Lake Cobá and Lake Macanxoc. A series of elevated stone and plaster roads radiate from the central site to various smaller sites near and far. These are known by the Maya term sacbe (plural sacbeob) or white road. Some of these causeways go east, and the longest runs over 62 miles westwards to the site of Yaxuna.
The site contains a group of large pyramids known as the Nohoch Mul, the tallest one, Ixmoja, is some 138 ft in height. Ixmoja is among the tallest pyramids on the Yucatán peninsula, exceeded by Calakmul at 148 ft.
Cobá can be traveled walking or by bicycle. Any of the 2 options is good, however it is important to know that it will take a little more time. To cool off a little after the trek and the jungle heat you can take a dip in the closed Cenote Tam-Kach Ha.
After taking a break and eating some food to regain energy, you will head to the arqueological zone of Tulum, where we recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen and repellent, as the only way to explore the ruins is on foot and there is very little shade.
The city received in the antiquity the Mayan name of Zamá (that in Mayan means dawn) and the present one, Tulum (that in Mayan means wall), that seems to have been used to refer to the city when it was already in ruins.
Tulum was one of the most important Mayan cities because it is an essential stopover for the commercial routes of the Mayans, in their exploitation of the maritime riches of the coasts of the current Quintana Roo.
At its best, Tulum became the nexus between the maritime and terrestrial commercial dynamics of this magnificent civilization. In fact, objects from various regions of the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America have been found in Tulum, which reflects the importance that this Mayan city had for the commerce of Ancient Mexico.
Tulum + Beach + Snorkel
In the case of this tour, is like the previously described about the archaeological zone of what was once the important city of Tulum in the Mayan civilization.
After touring the Tulum National Park, you can head to Playa Pescadores where you can ride in a boat that will direct you to the reef area where you can snorkel and swim closely with species such as turtles, stingrays and have a maritime view of the Archeological zone
Catamaran in Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is the second largest community within the municipality of Solidaridad after Playa del Carmen
Like the aforementioned, Puerto Aventuras is a population that was formed mainly by fishermen and currently continues to maintain and strongly embrace this activity.
For its beauty, tranquility and charm that still embraces the idea of being in a fishing village, this tour is intended for fishing lovers or those who seek to have a contact with the sea in a more private and quiet environment.
The catamaran leaves from the dock of Puerto Aventuras and has a durability of 4 hours in which you can snorkel in a beautiful reef, fish if you wish, eat, drink and even listen to music. Definitely an activity to share with family or friends.
Catamaran from Puerto Aventuras to Tulum
Very alike to the previous one with the difference that you will travel through the reef from Puerto Aventuras to magical Tulum.
Leaving Puerto Aventuras going to Tulum having the opportunity to make stops in a beautiful Tulum Beach, in the archaeological zone and also in different points of the reef to be able to Snorkeling and fishing.
Catamaran to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island, 7 km long and only 650 meters wide, located at north of Cancun, which can be completely donw in golf carts.
Currently it is considered to have the most beautiful beaches in the state of Quintana Roo to spend the day.
To carry out this tour you will go to the marina of Cancun where you will take the boat that will take you to a trip on the high seas
The tour lasts 5 hours where you can stop at a beautiful beach on Isla Mujeres to enjoy the beach, have lunch at a beach club, as well as snorkeling, visit the Cat Shark and visit the reef. An activity totally available to carry out among friends or family.
All these activities mentioned above can be consulted and / or booked with our Concierge Department located on 1st Av. Nte between 16 St. and 14 St., just next to Imprevist restaurant or Call from México 01 (984) 879 3918, from US +1 (347) 9015092 the ext. 400. Or also you can email them at [email protected]
Kindly they will clarify all your doubts and can suggest different tours in addition to those already mentioned in this Top Ten.