Top 10 Local Attractions

From cenotes and ruins to cancun hot spots, Riviera Maya has something for everyone

1. Explore Mayan temples at Tulum: Tulum is an impressive temple and fortress on the edge of a 40-foot seaside cliff that was abandoned after the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s. Take in the Temple of Frescoes, the Castillo and more, then go for a swim in the ocean at the base of the cliffs.
2. Make a splash in an eco-park: Access nature at numerous eco-parks. At Xcaret, float through underground caverns, snorkel in lagoons, swim with manatees and visit the sea turtle nursery. Xel-ha, Tres Rios, Aktun Chen and Dos Ojos offer swimming in cenotes (natural sinkholes or caverns), kayaking, snorkeling and hiking.
3. Climb the Mayan pyramid at Coba: Coba, a vast city in the jungle occupied between 800 and 1100 AD, features stepped pyramids, temples, ball courts and uncovered ruins. Climb the steps up 138-foot tall Nohoch Mul, the largest and highest pyramid on the Northern Yucatan, for a spectacular view.   
4. Golf at a dozen championship courses: Among the dozen championship courses on the Riviera Maya, the most notable is El Camaleón, the Greg Norman-designed course at Mayakobá that hosted Mexico’s first-ever PGA Tour event. P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Von Hagge and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. have all designed top courses here. 
5. Visit Playa del Carmen for shopping and the beach bar scene: During the day in Playa del Carmen, poke around La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a pedestrian promenade with shops featuring Mexican pottery and folk art, as well as duty-free stores. At night, enjoy live music, thatched roof bars, open-air cafes and gourmet restaurants.  
6. Seek some adrenalin thrills: There are plenty of adventure options in the Yucatan. Ride ATVs through jungle paths, kayak through the mangroves, ride horses along the beach or take a jeep tour. Try ziplining far above the forest floor or rappelling into a cenote. Swim with dolphins or manatees.
7. Check out one of the world’s best beaches: The pristine beach at Maroma is ranked one of the best beaches in the world with fluffy white sand shaded by palm trees and a vibrant reef just offshore. This is a center for water sports, with snorkel and scuba diving trips departing from the dock, plus jet skiing, para-sailing, windsurfing and sailing available.
8. Take a day trip to Cozumel: Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, one of the world’s best destinations for underwater activities. Explore the reefs aboard the Atlantis Submarine, by snorkeling at Parque Chankanaab, or by scuba diving on a drift dive, deep wall dive or at the Palancar Reef caves. Don’t miss the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio.
9. See a cultural performance at night: Catch the outstanding night folkloric show at Xcaret, featuring over 100 performers in a dramatic and colorful review of Mexican history, music and dance. There are also cultural performances in Cancun at the Ballet Folklorico de Cancun and the Teatro de Cancun.
10. Hit Cancun for the action and nightlife: You’ll find a fast pace in Cancun, where huge shopping malls and busy duty free stores compete with jet skiing and para-sailing. At night, head to the sophisticated clubs to hear jazz and flamenco, watch laser light shows and dance into the wee hours.