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Five can’t-miss off-resort adventures in Riviera Maya
From incredible Mayan ruins to sparkling cenotes, discover five of the best off-resort adventures you can have in Riviera Maya.
From incredible Mayan ruins to sparkling cenotes, it pays to get off-resort from time to time during your vacation at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, home to six incredible resorts including the brand-new adults-only Barceló Maya Riviera. Discover five of the best off-resort adventures you can have in Riviera Maya.
Catamaran to Isla Mujeres
Perfect for: Luxury seekers
Located eight miles off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is one of the greatest Caribbean off-resort adventures. On a day trip to this island paradise, you'll discover secluded beaches, pristine natural landscapes, incredible snorkeling and scuba diving and much more. But such a glamorous destination deserves glamorous transportation! Vacaciones Barcelo has you covered. In Cancun, you’ll climb aboard a luxurious and spacious catamaran – a gorgeous vessel for your Isla Mujeres journey. While sailing across the sparkling Caribbean Sea, you’ll be able to enjoy an open bar and live music to complement the spectacular views. Before reaching the island, the catamaran will drop anchor in a special spot so that you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, discovering beautiful reefs and teeming marine life. Once you reach Isla Mujeres, you’ll be treated to a buffet lunch. And then, you can explore this beautiful Riviera Maya destination for several hours. Don’t miss Playa Norte, with gently swaying palm trees, soft white sands and turquoise waters. And be sure to pay a visit to La Tortuga Granja (The Turtle Farm), an amazing spot where, from May through September, giant sea turtles lay their eggs in the sands.
Mayan Jungle Excursion
Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers
One of the most unforgettable Riviera Maya off-resort adventures awaits … in the jungle! On an action-packed four-hour Vacaciones Barcelo excursion, you’ll find endless thrills in a wonderful natural environment. First, you’ll take a cross-country trip in a powerful 4x4 Mercedes Benz Unimog truck. Hold on tight! Then, you’ll rappel into a cenote, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Yaxmuul, a natural underground pool with spectacular geological formations. After that, it’s time for a high-flying trip above the jungle – ziplining! Then, it’s off to the Nohoch Nah Chiich cenote, (the main entrance to the world’s longest underground river) where you’ll snorkel in crystalline waters. The day is capped off by a Mayan blessing ceremony, guided by an authentic shaman and accompanied by the stirring aromas of incense. The perfect end to a perfect day in the Mayan jungle.
Xplor Tour Fuego
Perfect for: Adrenaline addicts
Ready for one of the most high-octane off-resort adventures in Riviera Maya? Try the Xplor Tour Fuego. During this incredible evening, you’ll experience the intensity of the night by gliding on incredible zip-lines surrounded by the starry sky. You’ll zoom through the jungle in amphibious vehicles. You’ll explore mysterious caves and take a swim in the refreshing waters of an underground river. All that excitement is sure to give you an appetite. During Xplor Fuego you’ll dig into a “power buffet” with unlimited healthy beverages.
Chichén Itzá off-resort adventures
Perfect for: History lovers
Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of Riviera Maya's best off-resort adventures. This incredibly preserved historic marvel was once the cultural and economic capital of the Yucatán Peninsula. As you explore, you’ll feel deeply immersed in the visual splendor of the ancient Mayan civilization’s towering pyramids, ornate temples and expansive ballcourts. Vacaciones Barcelo’s Chichén Itzá Plus experience, which is one of the easiest and best ways to experience the site. On a roundtrip guided trip, you’ll have plenty of time to wander Chichén Itzá’s best spots. You’ll also visit the Hubikú Cenote, one of the largest in the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as the nearby colonial city of Valladolid, where you can sample authentic Riviera Maya cuisine. This is one of the best ways to fully experience a Mexican historical treasure.
Río Secreto Tour
Perfect for: Hidden gem hunters
A literally hidden gem, Río Secreto (The Secret River), located near Playa del Carmen, is an underground river and system of caves. This hauntingly beautiful destination offers stunning, mocha-colored stalagmites and stalactites and luminous, crystal clear turquoise waters. On an immersive guided tour, you’ll learn how this subterranean wonderland was formed over tens of millions of years. Then, you’ll be able to dive in and take a swim in the natural pools and explore the caves, discovering wonder beneath Quintana Roo. Rio Secreto is a perfect activity for those with a taste for unique adventure.
These are just a handful of the off resort adventures you can experience during your time in Riviera Maya. Check out the full roster of Vacaciones Barcelo tours and excursions in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic – and start planning your next all-inclusive vacation now!
