Choose from 73 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya The Yucatan
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Casa Cenote
Beautiful, underwater sinkholes flooded with light, the cenotes of Riviera Maya, Mexico are a natural wonder and a sight to behold. Though there are many throughout the region, Casa Cenote is uniquely located in a mangrove forest close to the sea. It can be thought of as almost an underwater jungle with its algae-covered mangrove forest and soft sands.
As it is mostly open to the sky, it is less enclosed than neighboring cenotes and often has more aquatic life to see. The cenote connects one of the world’s largest underwater river systems to the ocean. Because of this, it is possible to see both fresh and saltwater fish. The unique combination of clear freshwater conditions and underwater caverns and formations make this an interesting spot for scuba divers and snorkelers. Streams of light penetrating the water from the surface add to the beauty and intrigue visible from both above and below.
Practical Info
Casa Cenote is situated 10 miles north of Tulum and 70 miles south of Playa del Carmen. Accessed from the Carretera Tulum-Puerto Juarez, it is best visited by car or guided tour. The cenote is open daily from 9 to 5 with an admission cost of 50 pesos.
Address: Carr. Tulum-Puerto Juarez Fracc. Tankah Caribe Lt. 32 Mza. 3, Tulum, Mexico
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 50 pesos
From $ 69
Cenote Chaak Tun
At Cenote Chaak Tun, outside Playa del Carmen, venture inside hidden subterranean caves that the ancient Maya believed were sacred portals to the underworld. Follow the beam of your headlamp into an enormous cenote, where centuries-old stalactites drip from above, and swim and snorkel in its fresh water rivers and pools.
The Basics
Still relatively unknown to tourists, Cenote Chaak Tun is one of Playa del Carmen’s best-kept secrets. Here, you can learn about the formation and history of the caves, and hear stories and legends of the ancient Maya. Visit the cenote independently or as part of a guided tour that explores two underground rivers. Travelers who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car in Mexico can opt for a tour that includes transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit Cenote Chaak Tun on a small-group tour with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Admission to the cenote includes a headlamp, helmet, and snorkeling gear.
- The cenote is open daily and offers restrooms and lockers.
How to Get There
Cenote Chaak Tun sits at the end of Avenida Juarez, just several minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen. It’s accessible either by private tour or arranging your own transportation.
When to Get There
Cenote Chaak Tun can be visited year-round. It receives about half the visitors of some of the larger cenotes in Riviera Maya, so you can visit just about any time without having to worry about crowds. Tours of the cenote operate in all weather conditions.
Other Attractions in Playa del Carmen
While in Playa del Carmen, take a stroll along Fifth Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants, and visit Fundadores Park, the city’s main square or zocalo. The 52-foot (16-meter) beachside Portal Maya sculpture and Our Lady of Carmen church are also must-see attractions. And, of course, set aside some time to visit the beaches.
Address: Av Benito Juárez LB, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Coba Ruins
In the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lie the ruins of Coba, an ancient Maya city considered to be one of the most important settlements in Mesoamerican history. During its peak between AD 500 and 900, Coba housed 50,000 residents and was the central terminus for the complex Maya system of roadways. The jungle site is still being excavated, but visitors can experience the already discovered remains of these sacbes, or stone causeways, as well as a number of engraved and sculpted monuments.
The Basics
The Coba ruins are an easy day trip from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. Visitors can stroll or bike past two ball courts and the roads that once linked major Maya cities, and climb 120 steep steps up Nohoch Mul (the tallest ancient pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula) for panoramic views of the lush Mexican jungle. Take a small-group or private tour of the ruins to gain deep insights into ancient Maya culture, or beat the crowds with an archaeologist-led, early-access tour of both Coba and Chichen Itza. If you’re feeling adventurous, combine your visit with a cenote swim, a snorkeling excursion, or a visit to an authentic Maya village.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The archaeological site is vast, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking and at least a few hours of exploring.
- The top of Nohoch Mul is inaccessible to visitors with limited mobility, but pedicab services are available onsite for tours around the ruins. The Coba ruins are one of the more accessible Maya sites in the area.
- Restrooms can be found at the entrance to the ruins.
- Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
How to Get There
Coba is roughly 45 minutes by road from Tulum, traveling inland. If driving, take extra precaution at small villages that are known for their speed bumps. Several public buses also make the 3-hour journey each day, but you can save the hassle by taking a guided day trip, many of which include hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
The archaeological site is open year-round. High season (December through April) brings sunny weather along with lots of visitors; go early to avoid the crowds that start pouring in at about 11am. Visit during the rainy season (May through October) for lower prices and fewer crowds, but be prepared to change your plans according to the weather.
Can’t-Miss Sights Near Coba
The Yucatan jungle surrounding the Coba ruins is worth exploring on its own. Try combining a tour of the ancient city with a trip to cool off in a cenote, a limestone sinkhole filled with clear water that’s great for swimming, tubing, or kayaking. You can also explore the nearby Tulum and Chichen Itza ruins, try your hand at ziplining in the forest, or visit the Xel-Ha aquatic park.
Address: Coba, Mexico
Admission: $6
From $ 59
El Zócalo
Located just off the ferry dock, Fundadores Park (El Zocalo) is the center of Playa del Carmen. This beachside park sits along Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue, and it’s the main square from which the rest of the tourist area branches out. From El Zócalo you’ll have a gorgeous view of the ocean and easy access to the beaches.
The Basics
The perimeter of El Zócalo is lined with shops selling local crafts that make great souvenirs and gifts; popular hotels; a bandstand; Our Lady of Carmen church; the arched beachside Portal Maya sculpture; and a playground for kids.
Visitors can also see a performance of the Papantla Flyers ritual, most commonly associated with the Papantla, Veracruz, area of Mexico, during which four men tied to ropes descend from a 98-foot (30-meter) pole while a fifth remains on top playing a flute.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit El Zócalo independently or as part of a sightseeing tour.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as there is little shade in the park.
- Set aside time to peruse the shops located along the perimeter of the square.
How to Get There
Fundadores Park sits just outside of the ADO Bus Station on Fifth Avenue between Avenida Benito Juarez and the ferry dock. If you take a bus into the city, it’ll likely be the first place you see. If you’re staying in downtown, it’s an easy walk to El Zócalo.
When to Get There
Playa del Carmen’s El Zócalo can be visited year-round and it’s almost always crowded. If you want to try and beat the crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning before the shops open. It’s also a good place to watch the sunrise.
Portal Maya Sculpture
At the front of the park, a beachside sculpture depicts a man and women clasping hands in a spiral of wind and water to form an archway. Portal Maya stands over 50 feet (15 meters) high and commemorates the December 2012 end of the Maya calendar. Visitors to El Zócalo can walk around the piece to see it up close.
Address: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
From $ 105
Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses numerous habitats. The variety of flora and fauna in Sian Ka'an is astounding, and the site is known to include 23 Mayan archeological sites, some of which date as far back as 2,300 years ago.
Explore the eco-tourism and education center and see how the Sian Ka'an Ecological Center serves as model for sustainable development in tropical ecosystems. The revenue generated from the center's activities fund conservation programs within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
Practical Info
The Sian Ka'an Ecological Center is near Mayan ruins at Tulum and a section of the reserve is actually located in the Caribbean Sea as a coral reef. The center prides itself on using ecologically responsible technologies and promoting biodiversity.
Address: Federal Road (307) Cancun-Tulum, #68 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Tulum, Mexico
Hours: Open daily 9am - 2pm and 4pm - 8pm
Admission: Deluxe Tent Cabin: US$80 - US$120, Double Tent Cabin: US$65 - US$100. Tours have separate fees
From $ 120
Balankanche Caves
Balankanche Caves are some of the most famous Mayan cave sites in the world, not far from Chichen Itza. An underground network of dry tunnels called ‘grutas,’ they are similar to the cenotes but without water. The many caverns are filled with interesting rock formations, including stalagmites and stalactites formed from the dripping of mineral rich water over thousands of years.
Translated ‘Balankache’ means ‘hidden sacred throne’ or altar. Balankanche has long been the site of Mayan ritual and ceremony, with special significance due to a formation that resembles the holy Ceiba tree. It is not uncommon to encounter offerings and relics left here in honor of the structure or in tribute to the Mayan rain god Chaac. There is a light and sound show that narrates the history and culture of this particular place, as well as a museum and botanical garden near the entrance to the cave.
Practical Info
Though underground, the caves can get rather hot in temperature. It is recommended to bring water, flashlights, and of course, a guide. The Balankanche Caves are located 6 kilometers from the World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, with an entrance fee of 105 pesos.
Address: Mexico
Admission: 105 pesos
From $ 173
Croco Cun Zoo
Once a crocodile farm and now an impressive collection of some of Mexico’s most unique wildlife, the Croco Cun Zoo houses a variety of animals, many of which are endangered species. With a special emphasis on conservation, the zoo features animals important to Mexico, such as the hairless dog and spider monkey.
Book an hour-long guided tour that takes you through the park's guided jungle paths while providing in-depth information about the various animals, including white-tailed deer, macaw parrots, and boa constrictors. There are multiple opportunities for photos, so don't forget your camera.
Practical Info
The zoo is located just south of the Cancun airport. Car service is conveniently found from Puerto Morelos (the nearest town), Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. Good for families, the zoo's cafe offers lunch and snacks.
Address: Carretera Cancun - Tulum Km 31, Cancun 77580, Mexico
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $30; Children: $20
From $ 30
Cancun Wax Museum
Marvel at more than 100 famous faces (and bodies!) at Cancun's only wax museum. Wax figures from the world of entertainment (music, television, movies, sport and politics included) cover the 7,500-square-foot (700-square-meter) museum, providing visitors with some surreal photo opportunities. Each wax figure has been carefully and meticulously crafted, with everyone from Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth to David Beckham and Amy Winehouse on display.
With a collection of well-known children's characters as well, the Cancun Wax Museum is especially popular with kids, and is therefore the ideal attraction for families. For maximum convenience and to avoid disappointment, it's best to book a Cancun Wax Museum admission ticket in advance.
Insider's Tip: A visit to the Cancun Wax Museum makes the ideal start or end to a day of shopping; the museum is located inside the La Isla Plaza shopping village in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Practical Info
Public buses and private shuttles will deliver you to the La Isla Plaza to visit the wax museum, which is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Address: La Isla Plaza, Boulevard Kukulcan, Cancun, Mexico
Hours: 10am-10pm
Admission: $27
From $ 27
Cenotes Dos Ojos
Known as a top diving site in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenotes Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote) boasts about 300 miles (483 kilometers) of connected underwater passageways, creating a natural cave system. Divers can explore its nearly 7,000-year-old caves and underground rivers. It also contains the deepest-known cave passage in Quintana Roo.
The Basics
Located north of Tulum and south of Playa del Carmen, Cenotes Dos Ojos is a popular excursion for those visiting the Mexican peninsula. The water temperature is considered optimum for snorkeling, at roughly 77°F (24°C) throughout the year. A range of tours offering scuba diving, snorkeling, and sightseeing options are available and typically depart from the major resort towns. Visitors can also simply float in the clear blue waters, taking in the rocky stalactites and stalagmites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some tours provide lunch, but bring food if you travel on your own because restaurants are scarce.
- Dos Ojos is open 8am–5pm everyday; toilets and changing facilities are available on site.
- Divers typically complete two dives, including one in the “bat cave,” home to plenty of the critters.
How to Get There
Located off of Highway 307, Cenotes Dos Ojos is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Playa Del Carmen, 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) from Tulum, and about 35 minutes by ferry from Cozumel. Most tours provide round-trip transportation from these major resort towns, as well as the proper gear. The cenote is also accessible by car or taxi; if traveling on your own, snorkeling equipment is available for rent nearby.
When to Get There
The best months to visit the region are April, May, and November, which also means you encounter the biggest crowds during those times. Since the waters of Cenotes Dos Ojos remain around 77°F year-round, you can visit anytime and still enjoy a pleasant experience. If you plan to scuba dive and snorkel elsewhere, April and November offer the best visibility.
Nearby Nohoch Muul at Coba
Along with a visit to Cenotes Dos Ojos, some tours incorporate a stop at the nearby Coba ruins. The ancient Maya ruins, located about a 45-minute drive from Tulum, were home to 50,000 inhabitants at its peak. There, you can climb the main pyramid, Nohoch Mul. At 137 feet (42 meters), it's the tallest on the Yucatan Peninsula, and it provides panoramic views from the top.
Address: Quintana Roo, Mexico
From $ 23
El Rey Ruins (Las Ruinas del Rey)
Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the El Rey Ruins (Las Ruinas del Rey) are an archaeological site containing 47 ancient Maya stone structures. Named for a mask and skull found on-site thought to honor the Maya sun god, these ruins are the remains of ceremonial buildings and market areas.
The Basics
If you’re staying in Cancun, the El Rey Ruins are a great way to see ancient Maya ruins without traveling to Chichen Itza or Tulum. At the ruins, you can explore Maya history, take pictures of the many iguanas that live there, and enjoy views of Nichupte Lagoon and the Hotel Zone from atop the structures. Visit on your own or as part of a full-day tour of the area. Some excursions visit the El Rey Ruins along with a cenote (underground swimming hole), an interactive zoo, and a ziplining park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- These ancient ruins are a must-see for history buffs.
- Remember to bring sun protection, plenty of water, and shoes suitable for walking on rough terrain.
- The ruins are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The archaeological zone (zona arqueologica) is located at the westernmost tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Adjacent to the Iberostar Golf Club, the ruins are roughly 15 minutes by road from Cancun International Airport. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or on a guided tour.
When to Get There
You can visit the archaeological site year-round, although the Cancun Hotel Zone is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
What to See near the El Rey Ruins
Mexico’s Caribbean Quintana Roo region is full of attractions, both natural and man-made. Nearby Playa del Carmen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. The Maya ruins at Coba are also a must-see, with a 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid. Further Maya ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, visit the shores of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.
Address: Blvd Kukulcan Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancun 77500, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 189
Cuzama
The Cuzama area of the Yucatan peninsula is known for its cluster of cenotes, or underwater sinkholes, which are unique in their methods of access. The three main cenotes of Cuzama are named Chelentun, Chacsinicche, and Bolonchojol. They can be traveled to via traditional horse-drawn cart. The trip from Cuzama’s town square to the cenotes leads you through the surrounding wild forests of tall jungle trees and native wildlife.
Cenotes are often bright blue in color with characteristically clear waters, and are a great way to cool off with a swim, snorkel, or dive on a hot day. A refreshing dip in the calm water grants views of the rock formations of these underwater caverns and rivers. Upon arrival, simply step down a small wooden ladder to enter the water for a swim.
Practical Info
Cuzama is located southeast of Merida, about a 45 minute journey by car. Be sure to negotiate with the horse cart driver you hire to take you around. There is also a unique Gothic style church in the town of nearby town of Eknakan that’s worth a visit.
Address: Cuzama, Mexico
From $ 80
CoCo Bongo
CoCo Bongo in Cancun isn’t your typical nightclub. For starters, there’s no traditional dance floor. Instead, the popular venue hosts energetic performances including acrobats, bands, and musical impersonators who belt out tunes by artists ranging from Rihanna to Elvis. This lively spot is a must-visit for those looking for a fun night out in Cancun but don’t want to simply dance to DJs.
The Basics
This favorite nightlife franchise boasts three locations in the Caribbean—Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Punta Cana. Each location features a huge video screen and seating on multiple levels for viewing the productions, along with festive touches like soap bubbles, balloons, confetti, and streamers. You’ll find plenty of skip-the-line booking options, and some even include an open bar for groups. This can be advantageous to avoid long lines at the door and bar during busy times.
Things to Know Before You Go
- CoCo Bongo isn’t a traditional nightclub with a DJ, but you’ll find those nearby if you’re planning on a club crawl.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely be standing most of the night.
- The venue can become extremely crowded, especially during peak times.
How to Get There
Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, one block from the Caribbean Sea, CoCo Bongo is within walking distance from most accommodations. Taxis are also readily available in the area and bar-hopping tours typically include the venue on their routes. Keep in mind that most skip-the-line ticket options don’t include transportation.
When to Get There
On the weekends and during high season (from December to April), lines to get into CoCo Bongo can be long. If you want to avoid the crowds, stop by on a weeknight. The venue opens at 10pm and closes at 4am, but the shows end at 2am; you can stay and dance until closing, however. Some tickets will give you access until 3:30am.
Nearby Carlos'n Charlie's and Señor Frog's
Two of Cancun’s other hot nightclubs, Carlos'n Charlie's and Señor Frog's, offer similar VIP service packages with open bar and skip-the-line access, and are located right next door to CoCo Bongo. These spots don’t offer the range of performances like CoCo Bongo, but visitors can still expect plenty of fun party vibes with a spring break–style atmosphere and funky cocktails.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5 #30, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, QROO 77500, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 70
Cancun Airport VIP Lounge
The Cancun International Airport is the second-largest in the country and handles a majority of international flights coming in and out of Mexico. The VIP Lounges — located in both terminals 2 and 3 — give travelers a quiet, comfortable place to relax away from the bustle of the main terminal while waiting for a flight.
Admission to the lounge includes an open bar, snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices. Lounge guests enjoy free WiFi, TVs showing news and sports channels, a variety of newspapers and magazines and a kids area.
Practical Info
Traveling with kids? Children under 2 can enter the VIP Lounge for free.
Address: Cancun, Mexico
Hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
From $ 38
Costa Maya Cruise Port
Specifically designed for cruisers, Costa Maya Cruise Port sits on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, south of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan region, and just north of Belize. While the port’s resort–like atmosphere draws many tourists, visitors can also venture out on shore excursions if they would like to get out on the water or visit ancient Maya ruins.
The Basics
Costa Maya Port has everything you need to kick back and relax: restaurants, bars, shopping, pools, a swim-up bar, and a beach club. Alternatively, head into Mahahual, a former fishing village that’s becoming a lively tourist town, where you can stroll along the boardwalk (malecón), get some fresh ceviche, or plop down at a beach club to swim and relax. Popular shore excursion options include scuba diving with marine life on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and visiting the Chacchoben Maya ruins, an archaeological site dating back to the year AD 700. The site is 43 miles (69 kilometers) from Costa Maya, so booking a tour is the easiest way to get there.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Costa Maya shore excursions are half-day tours, leaving time for you to hang out at the port or in Mahahual before your cruise ship departs, depending on your cruise schedule.
- Pay attention to the pickup and drop-off details of each shore excursion; some include port pickup but others may require that you make your own way to a meeting point.
How to Get There
Ships dock right at Costa Maya's purpose-built facilities. The pier is long, but a free shuttle bus ferries passengers back and forth. The fishing village of Mahahual is located just south of the port, five minutes by road.
When to Get There
Costa Maya’s dry season lasts from November through May. While rainy season visitors risk cloudy weather and potential hurricanes, they can benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.
Port Information
Mexico’s currency is the peso, although US dollars are often accepted around the port area.
Address: Costa Maya, Mexico
From $ 62
3D Museum of Wonders
Jump into the art at Playa del Carmen’s 3D Museum of Wonders. Created by a visionary American artist, this interactive museum is truly in a genre and mind-bending class of its own. It doesn’t take long for reality to blend with illusion, and pretty soon you’re splashing beneath a waterfall, surfing a wave, or trapped inside a bubble.
The Basics
Stare in awe at more than 60 drawings that seem to pop off the wall, and become one with the art at the aptly named 3D Museum of Wonders. Owner and artist Keith Wenner once worked for NASA as a graphic artist and was commissioned to draw for the Vatican. Bring a fully-charged camera, as the illusions are only fully revealed in photographs with visitors included in the art.
The 3D Museum of Wonders offers plenty of space for families and groups. Prebook skip-the-line admission tickets to avoid lines, especially in peak season (winter).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is great for families, art lovers, and those looking for a fun activity beyond the beach.
- Expect to spend about two hours exploring the museum’s collection.
- Buy skip-the-line admission tickets in advance to avoid waiting at the ticket booth.
- The museum has a gift shop and restrooms.
- All photography, including flash, is allowed inside the museum.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users. Strollers are not permitted inside the exhibits and must be left by the entrance.
How to Get There
The 3D Museum of Wonders is located on 10th Avenue between 8th and 10th streets in downtown Playa del Carmen. Most visitors walk, bike, or take a taxi to the museum. Limited street parking is available in the area around the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 10pm daily, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive in the morning. Winter brings large numbers of travelers to Playa del Carmen, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest. The museum is air-conditioned and enclosed, so it makes for a comfortable escape from the heat or rainy days.
Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida)
Set aside some time to stroll along Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue, located just one block from the 3D Museum of Wonders. This bustling pedestrian street provides easy access to the beach and is lined with loads of shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs.
Address: Avenida 10, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Ek Balam
Once an ancient Maya town, Ek Balam (meaning “black jaguar” in the Mayan language) is now one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico, famous for its 96-foot-tall (29-meter-tall) Acropolis, a stone temple that offers picturesque jungle views from its peak. Don’t miss the jaguar motifs peppered around the site’s numerous structures.
The Basics
Situated about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the popular tourist destination of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam isn’t quite as popular as its massive neighbor, making it less crowded. The attraction offers a chance to imagine Maya culture as it was thousands of years ago.
Ek Balam tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Excursions range from a half day to a full day, and often visit other popular attractions such as Tulum Archaeological Site, the ruins at Chichen Itza, and nearby cenotes (underground lakes). Private tours are available for a personalized experience, and some day trips include a personal photographer.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ek Balam is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
- The Caribbean sun can get very hot and there isn’t much shade at Ek Balam, so remember to bring sun protection and plenty water.
- It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the ruins at length.
How to Get There
Ek Balam is located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, roughly two hours by road from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or guided tour. The closest international airport is in Cancun.
When to Get There
Ek Balam is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities.
What to See Near Ek Balam
The nearby Quintana Roo region is full of attractions, both natural and man-made. Nearby Playa del Carmen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. The Maya ruins at Coba are also a must-see, with a 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid. The archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, visit the shores of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.
Address: Ek Balam, The Yucatan, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 89
Cancun Interactive Aquarium
As one of the top family-friendly attractions in the resort town, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium offers visitors a peek into the Caribbean and the chance to touch, feed, and interact with a variety of marine life. Home to schools of colorful tropical fish, seahorses, jellyfish, stingrays, tiger and bull sharks, sea turtles, and more, the aquarium provides the chance to learn about the animals’ natural habitats and their role in the underwater ecosystem.
The Basics
Conveniently located along Boulevard Kukulcán at Plaza La Isla in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium offers many exhibits, including various touch tanks where kids and adults can feed stingrays and sea turtles, touch starfish, pet a shark, or even dive into a shark tank inside a safety cage to feed bull sharks. There’s also a dolphin habitat where you can see at show and even swim with the creatures, plus dolphin-focused education and therapy programs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A walk through the aquarium takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much you interact with the exhibits.
- The hands-on dolphin experience offers different packages in a range of price points and are designed for couples, groups, and families.
- The aquarium offers on-site bathroom facilities, showers, changing areas, towels, and secure lockers.
How to Get There
Located inside La Isla Shopping Mall Cancun in the hotel zone, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium is easily accessible via taxi or rental car from most accommodations in Cancun. For example, from Hotel Riu Cancun at the northern tip, it’s a 6-minute drive. From Playa del Carmen, it’s about an hour drive north along Highway 307.
When to Get There
The Cancun Interactive Aquarium is open every day, but, as with most attractions, weekends and holiday periods are the busiest. To avoid the crowds, aim to visit during a weekday. The marine presentation (which is the only dolphin show in Cancun and Riviera Maya) takes place at 7pm daily, so plan to arrive in the late afternoon or evening if you want to catch the show.
Visit Ventura Park
If you’re looking for more family fun, visit Ventura Park, an amusement park made up of seven worlds including Dolphinaris, Underworld, Grand Prix, Fun World, Aaaahventura, and Wet n' Wild with rides such as waterslides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Other activities include a roller coaster, ziplines, go-karts, and more. Various packages are available, and all include unlimited food and beverages. The park is open from 10am to 5:30pm and is located about 15 minutes south of the interactive aquarium.
Address: La Isla Shopping Mall, Blvd. Kukulcan, 12.5 Zona, Hotelera, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil is a sacred site to the Maya people, who once performed sacrificial rituals here. Located in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounded by tropical vines and small waterfalls, the so-called “Sacred Blue Cenote” is now a lush swimming hole popular with Riviera Maya tourists.
The Basics
Nearly all excursions to Cenote Ik Kil are combo tours that include a visit to Chichen Itza, as well as possible stops at archaeological sites such as Coba or Ek Balam, or at towns such as Valladolid. (Tours typically last eight to 14 hours given the number of sites visited.) Unlike other cenotes in the Yucatan region, Cenote Ik Kil is open to the sky without a cave cover, giving the natural pool an ethereal feel with sunlight streaming down into the water. Part of Ik Kil Archeological Park, the cenote features vines hanging down from the rock walls. To get in the water, you must climb down 85 feet (26 meters) of steps. The pool is 196 feet (60 meters) wide and about 130 feet (40 meters) deep.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cenote can be difficult to access for those with limited mobility.
- A restaurant and changing rooms are located on-site.
- To access the cenote, you must pay the admission fee for Ik Kil Archeological Park.
How to Get There
Cenote Ik Kil lies inland from Mexico’s Caribbean coast, roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Cancun, 115 miles (186 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen, and 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Tulum. Private tours and transportation are available for those who want a more intimate experience without the hassle of driving.
When to Get There
If you wish to visit the cenote on your own, arrive in the morning to beat the crowds.
Visiting Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil
On the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes and Maya culture go hand in hand. Archaeological sites featuring ancient Maya ruins abound, but the biggest and most popular destination is Chichen Itza, set just three miles (five kilometers) from Cenote Ik Kil. Once one of the largest Maya cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its vast Great Ball Court and El Castillo, a step pyramid nearly 100 feet (30 meters) tall.
Address: Tinúm, Yucatan, Mexico
Admission: Ps. 70
From $ 62
Dzibilchaltun Ruins
Near the ancient town of Merida, you’ll find the massive but beautifully ruinous structure known as the Dzibilchaltun Ruins. Though somewhat of a tongue twister for traditional English speakers, the name means “place where there is writing on the stones,” but unfortunately, due to erosion, you’ll no longer find much writing on the stones here. Instead, the intrepid explorer is rewarded with over 8,400 architectural structures to discover, many of which have astronomical (as well as religious) significance. Explore the stunning interior of the Temple of the Seven Dolls, listen to stories of absolute power at the Open Chapel and learn about the rich ancient Mayan civilization that was inhabited all the way through to 1500 A.D. when the Spaniards arrived.
Practical Info
Dzibilchaltun is only nine miles from Merida. If you’d rather drive, take the Merida/Progreso Highway north for seven miles, watching the signs as you go. You will end up taking two right turns as you make your way to the ruins.
Address: Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 55
Cancun Underwater Museum
Helping to define Cancun as more than just a tourism spot for dedicated beach lovers, the Cancun Underwater Museum is an attraction unlike any other in the world. While almost all of us have, invariably, at one point or another, been to a museum, few if any of us have been to an underwater museum. Until now, that is.
Essentially a bountiful series of sunken sculptures, the Cancun Underwater Museum is an ongoing project aimed at inspiring a love of art as well as Cancun’s magnificent coral reefs. Soon over 400 original sculptures will lie between depths of 9 to 20 feet, and so make for excellent viewing when either snorkeling or diving.
How does something this wonderful and unique come about? By simple artistic inspiration. Jason deCaires Taylor was the artistic brains behind the operation, and people have responded well to the idea. Eerie, beautiful, and spectacular are all words used to describe this underwater phenomenon that successfully promotes Cancun as an artistic residence, as well as an excellent diving opportunity.
Don’t miss this fantastic Cancun attraction.
Essentially a bountiful series of sunken sculptures, the Cancun Underwater Museum is an ongoing project aimed at inspiring a love of art as well as Cancun’s magnificent coral reefs. Soon over 400 original sculptures will lie between depths of 9 to 20 feet, and so make for excellent viewing when either snorkeling or diving.
How does something this wonderful and unique come about? By simple artistic inspiration. Jason deCaires Taylor was the artistic brains behind the operation, and people have responded well to the idea. Eerie, beautiful, and spectacular are all words used to describe this underwater phenomenon that successfully promotes Cancun as an artistic residence, as well as an excellent diving opportunity.
Don’t miss this fantastic Cancun attraction.
Address: Cancun, Mexico
From $ 45