People from every corner of the world travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya because they know what an unforgettable vacation should look like. Beautiful beaches, historical treasures, great food, natural wonders, exciting experiences, amazing nightlife… Everything is thrown into a mix that makes the Mexican Caribbean the best place to enjoy the perfect holiday with your family, friends, or whoever you want to travel with.
Indeed, one of the most irresistible things about Cancun and the Riviera Maya is that it’s practically impossible to get bored. There’s always one more incredible thing to do! From visiting an ancient Maya city to flying over the jungle in an exciting zip line, and everything in between, there are so many things to do that you’ll undoubtedly need longer days. So, take a good look at these few ideas and start planning your next getaway to the Mexican Caribbean.
- Chichen Itza: the heart of the Maya World
- Coba: the great Maya city of the five lakes
- Tulum: between a Maya treasure and the perfect beach
- Cenotes: the door to the underworld
- Xcaret & Xel-Ha: way more than theme parks!
- Cozumel: where the sun is born
- Bacalar Lagoon: 7 colors and a thousand possibilities
- Holbox: the island where time stands still
- Isla Mujeres: a tiny Caribbean paradise
- Las Coloradas: where the water turns pink
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: where the sky is born
- Izamal: the city of the three cultures
Chichen Itza: the heart of the Maya World
As one of the most important archeological sites in all of Mexico, the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza is one of those places that you just can’t miss. Its enormous temples and palaces, headed by the imposing Pyramid of Kukulkan, will make you live an extraordinary journey through time and experience, firsthand, the magnificence of the Maya World.
Founded around 450 CE, Chichen Itza came to occupy close to 10 square miles at the time of its maximum splendor. To this day, archaeologists have only opened up an area of 2.5 sq. mi. Still, it represents the heart of the ancient city. Places like the Pyramid of Kukulkan or “El Castillo,” the Group of the Thousand Columns, or the Great Ball Court are just some of the most awe-inspiring architectural elements that still stand among the streets and squares of the once great capital of the Iztaes.
Coba: the great Maya city of the five lakes
Keep exploring the wonders of the amazing Maya World by entering the thick jungle of Quintana Roo to discover Coba. Once the largest Maya city in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula, this place is just a breathtaking collection of ancient treasures surrounded by five lakes.
When visiting Coba, don’t miss the views from the top of the great pyramid of Nohoch Mul; standing 138 feet tall, it’s the highest pyramid on the Peninsula and the second in the whole Mayan World! Also, be sure to take a good look at the Temple of the Frescoes, with its exquisite mural paintings. Or the Observatory, an oval-shaped structure that’s one of the most extraordinary buildings on site. In any case, Coba is a great puzzle made up of all kinds of wonders that will just blow your mind.
Tulum: between a Maya treasure and the perfect beach
Imagine a thousand-year-old city facing the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean from the top of a white cliff. Quite a view, right? Well, that place is called Tulum. And, of course, if you travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, visiting this ancient Maya city is one thing that you certainly have to do.
Also known as “The City of Dawn” -because it faces East-, Tulum was one of the vital nautical stopovers on the ancient coastal route that skirted the Yucatan Peninsula. Moreover, the city was also an important religious center. In any case, today is still possible to perceive its greatness in places such as El Castillo, the Temple of the Stele, or the very walls that protected the city. And to end your visit on a high note, don’t forget to enjoy the wonderful beach open to the public right at the foot of this beautiful Maya city.
Cenotes: the door to the underworld
Dz’onot or ts’ono’ot literally means caves with water, in the ancient Maya language. Nevertheless, these unbelievably beautiful sinkholes and underground rivers are way more than just flooded caves.
The cenotes were considered by the ancient Maya as the door to Xibalbá, to the underworld. Surrounded by thick vegetation and decorated with capricious rock formations, these places are still marked today by a very particular mysticism. Without a doubt, swimming, snorkeling, or diving in one of the many cenotes that you can visit in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is a truly extraordinary experience.
Xcaret & Xel-Ha: way more than theme parks!
Attractions for all ages, unforgettable experiences, all kinds of super fun activities, breathtaking natural wonders… Xcaret and Xel-Ha are two perfect places to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean’s beautiful nature and colorful culture with the whole family.
Xcaret is located very close to Playa del Carmen and right next door to the amazing Occidental at Xcaret Destination. This fantastic theme park, a world-class example of sustainable tourism, offers more than 50 attractions, from snorkeling in an underground river to the magnificent presentation of Xcaret México Espectacular, an impressive show with more than 300 artists on stage.
A bit further south, Xel-Ha is a true paradise for nature lovers and a spectacular natural aquarium. Located in a beautiful natural cove used by the ancient Maya as a natural port, the place is perfect for swimming and snorkeling among tropical fish. Also, don’t forget to wander through the jungle trails and enjoy the exciting attractions framed by idyllic nature.
Cozumel: where the sun is born
About 10 miles off the coast of Playa del Carmen and surrounded by splendid coral reefs, this beautiful island is a giant box of surprises. From the colorful streets of San Miguel to the natural and historical treasures of Punta Sur, Cozumel is filled with all kinds of impressive things to see and do.
But what really makes this island famous all over the world is its collection of underwater treasures. Framed by an impressive 14-mile-long coral reef system, home to incredible marine biodiversity, this destination is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Bacalar Lagoon: 7 colors and a thousand possibilities
In the southern tip of the state of Quintana Roo, there’s a place that is capable of surprising anyone. A natural paradise that offers truly incredible landscapes. A lagoon of seven colors and a thousand possibilities! It’s called Bacalar.
Turquoise blue, greenish-blue, navy blue… Seven is the number of shades of blue that can be seen in the waters of the Bacalar Lagoon! And this place of enormous ecological and scenic value is not only a “must” for nature lovers; it’s also a massive playground that allows you to do tons of activities. Kayak through the Pirate’s Channel, dive in the Black Cenote, visit the Island of Birds, explore the picturesque town of Bacalar… This place will just blow your mind!
Holbox: the island where time stands still
On the opposite side of the Mexican Caribbean, its northern tip, this beautiful island is a small paradise with lots of sunlight, great beaches, and exuberant nature. A magical place where time seems to pass with another rhythm.
Part of the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, Holbox is a place where tourism and nature still have a very healthy balance. Spending the day in one of its beautiful beaches, exploring its natural wonders, or just having a great time in its lovely car-less town are only some of the many possibilities that this unique destination has to offer.
Isla Mujeres: a tiny Caribbean paradise
Right off the coast of Cancun, you’ll find this beautiful island filled with charm and tons of things to do. Spend an unforgettable beach day in places such as Playa Norte or Playa Lancheros. Or visit the amazing Garrafon Eco-Park and enjoy the local culture and fun adventures. Or stroll through its picturesque streets and squares while looking at its colorful shops and all kinds of curiosities.
Also, when visiting Isla Mujeres, don’t forget to walk around Punta Sur, the southern tip of the island. It’s quite a particular place, where art and nature go hand, and where you can enjoy some of the most incredible ocean views. The ancient Maya temple of Ixchel, goddess of love and fertility, and a fascinating open-air sculpture park are also found in the area.
Las Coloradas: where the water turns pink
Travel upstate and discover this unique natural wonder. A place of white sandy beaches, luscious green jungles, and pink and reddish lagoons. Used for sea salt harvesting, the pink-colored waters of Las Coloradas offer a breathtaking landscape.
Of course, Vacaciones Barcelo offers you all-inclusive options to visit the area departing from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. A great plan to enjoy the lagoons and other attractions in the area, like the beautiful town of Tizimin or the Ek Balam archaeological site, among many others options.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: where the sky is born
“The place where the sky is born.” That is the meaning of Sian Ka’an in the ancient Maya language. A name that gives you a good clue about the incredible beauty of the place. So, don’t forget to discover this invaluable natural treasure declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located south of Tulum. You can find several different ecosystems inside its boundaries, from tropical forests and wetlands to mangroves, marshes, and coastal dunes.
Explore Sian Ka’an with Vacaciones Barcelo and visit exciting places such as the Boca Paila bridge or the small fishing village of Punta Allen. Also, don’t miss a boat or kayak ride through the endless channels hidden among the mangroves or a visit to the archaeological site of Muyil, among many other fascinating things to see and do.
Izamal: the city of the three cultures
Founded in the 16th century over an ancient abandoned Maya city, Izamal is a magical place that summarizes the history of the Yucatan Peninsula. Ancient Maya pyramids, impressive convents and colonial houses of the XVI and XVIII centuries, delicate handicrafts, examples of best Yucatan-style cuisine… Izamal is all that and much more!
The undisputed symbol of the city is the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, situated on a high plateau which is actually the foundation of an ancient Maya pyramid. Its vast central atrium, flanked by 75 arches, is the largest enclosed atrium in America and the second-largest in the world after St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Very close by, don’t forget to take a look at the great pyramid of Zamná or Itzamná, or the enormous temple of Kinich Kakmó, the largest pyramid of the Yucatan Peninsula in surface area and the third one in Mexico.
A tip: With more than 25 years of experience in transportation services, transfers, activities, tours, group management, and conventions in the different properties of Barcelo Hotel Group (Royal Hideaway, Barceló, Occidental and Allegro), Vacaciones Barcelo is the go-to place for the best options to discover some of the most impressive treasures and enjoy the most exciting activities in the different destinations of the Mexican Caribbean, from Holbox Island to the incredible Bacalar lagoon, and from Cancun and Playa del Carmen to the colonial cities and archeological treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula. So, don’t lose any more time and get in touch with the folks at Vacaciones Barcelo to start planning your dream vacation.
