Discoverymundo Blog

Category: Riviera Maya

The Ultimate Guide to Riviera Maya

It is very common to hear that Mexico is a good destination to visit in vacations; Riviera Maya specially has something for every type of traveler, whether you are looking for a relax vacation at a luxury resort (like Grand Velas) or a fun filled day out. Your feet might get icthy and get very tanned after hanging around at a resort day after day. Mexico is an ideal vacation spot: you can relax one day and spend the next day exploring. This is the best trip! There is really a lot to see and do in this part of Mexico, you will never get bored with all the things to do in Riviera Maya!

Parks

Around Riviera Maya there are many parks to visit, fun for all ages.

Xelha

It is one of my favorites, it’s an all inclusive park where you can eat and drink during your time in the park. You can snorkel, float down the river in a tube, explore a cave, zipline, jump from a cliff and the best part is they are all included in your ticket.

There are some optional activities you can do; swim with dolphins, walk on the bottom of the sea, scuba dive in the sea or cenote, with stingrays and relax at the spa. There is so much to do!

XcaretAt Xcaret you have the option of buying your tickets by clicking here. You can enjoy the delicious food, drinks and also the plus facilities. It’s quite alike to Xel Ha, with the same optional ativities but you can swim with sharks here!

It has an evening show you can not miss. It has an extra cost and you can choose to enjoy and it has a dinner combined with favors and aromas. It’s an espectacular show!

XplorThis is another fun-filled park, you can enjoy six amazing activities: zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, swim in the underground rivers, spelunking and hammock splash. Unlimited drinks and lunch buffet is included. You will be walking in caves all day and wearing a helmet, don’t forget your camera for great pictures!

Xplor Fuego is a challenge in the dark like you have never imagined! For more details click here.

Mayan RuinsWhen you visit Mexico and Riviera Maya, you have to see about the history and Mayan civilization. There are some great ruins, you can get there in a transfer or book a private tour that includes transportation.

Chichen Itza

It is the most known ruin in mexico and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! The Kukulkan Pyramid is known as “El Castillo”. Join on a guided tour, it includes transportation that will pick you up in your hotel and drop you.

Tulum

Each Mayan city has a specific purpose, Tulum is no exception. It has a seaport, tradind mainly turquoise and jade, and is the only Mayan city at the seashore. Bring your swimwear, sun lotion and head down to the beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean after exploring the ruins.

Cenotes and diving

Riviera Maya is the perfect destination for divers looking to dive in different sites. It has the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Great Mayan Reef and it is located right off the coast. It is the second largest barrier in the world.

If diving is not your thing, you will want to experience and underground dive at least once in your life! You also have the option to get refreshed in a swim or snorkel, the water visibility is breathtakingly clear.

ShoppingIf you want to go shopping take a look at Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue, the main shopping road in Playa del Carmen. Here you are going to find hundreds of restaurants, bars, shops and clubs! For other markets you can consider to visit Cozumel, Puerto Morelos or Tulum.

Nightlife

Mexico is a popular destination for Spring Break, specially Cancun & Riviera Maya. Head to the nightlife area in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Don’t miss Coco Bongo! It’s an ideal place for partying with spectacular famous shows. If you want to visit 3 of the best nightclubs in Cancun in one night, plus more than 6 hours with open bar click here.

October 31, 2017
Amazing cave activity in Cancun

One of the best activities in the Riviera Maya is to experience the amazing cave activity of Xplor, an underground world to have fun, you can’t miss this unique adventure.
© Marion Lee

There are two ways to take this tour. From the day, surrounded by trees and caves you can discover the huge rock forms. At night, you can enjoy this experiences surround by torches of fire, fireflies and stars iluminating the caves, roads and bridges.

It is said that long time ago an asteroid of 10 km of diameter fall from the atmosphere to the Yucatan Peninsula. It formed a new era and created different forms of life. Since then, different little formations created beautiful forms made of stalactites and stalagmites that decorates the underground of Xplor.© Marion Lee

Xplor is a huge park where you can find ziplines, amphibious vehicles, swimming in the underground river, walk in the caves and huamacuatizaje (which means flying over the jungle in a hammock).

All of this activities are 100% adventure and you will have the experience of your life, surrounded by nature.

For energy recover, there is a palapa of fruit smoothies. There is also a buffet with many elections of dishes to choose.

Get ready to watch the sunset from the heighs, to feel the adrenaline and discover the jungle.

August 17, 2017
Xoximilco in Cancun

Mexicans and most people traveling to Cancun like the party. Xoximilco is the perfect place to live an authentic experience with friends, girlfriend, family or anyone you want to bring.

Xoximilco party consists on the trajineras. This are a king of boat that was used once to transport flowers, fruits and vegetables grown in floating gardens. Nowadays, it has become a tradition for joy and unique moments you can only experience here in Cancun. The trajineras will take you all through the canals, with the colors and the charm of a magical moment. You will taste the mexican cuisine and some tequila shots, listen to mariachis and dance in this mexican party atmosphere of celebration and folklor! What to expect?
– A nighttime cruise on board a picturesque trajinera.
– Try the delights of Mexican cuisine and typical desserts.
– Open bar with free tequila, beer and flavored fresh water.
– Enjoy traditional music such as: mariachi, marimba and bolero.

Inclusions
– Three course tasting dinner with the best of Mexican cuisine.
– Open bar of tequila, beer, flavored fresh waters and soft drinks.
– Night tour in a trajinera through canals.
– Different ensembles playing traditional live music such as mariachi, bolero trio, jarocho quartet and marimba.
– Your Tour includes transportation only if you add it at the time of your purchase.
– Free parking.
– Other services (ATMs and shops).Book now Xoximilco Discovery Tour!

July 22, 2016
Swim with Majestic Whale Sharks in Riviera Maya this Summer

A priceless experience you can only enjoy from June 1, don’t miss your chance to snorkel alongside the biggest fish in the sea, as hundreds of friendly, majestic whale sharks fill the warm waters off our coast all summer long.

Boasting one of the most robust seasonal populations of whale sharks in the world, the warms waters around the Yucatan are prime for up close and personal encounters with these majestic creatures all summer long. In fact, over 400 of these incredible creatures gathered off our coast in 2011. That said, Cancún and Playa del Carmen whale shark tours have quickly become some of the most popular in Riviera Maya.How, When, & Where to See Them

The 20167 season lasts throught the end of summer, with prices ranging from $125-$210 for 6-9 hours of snorkeling, nautical sightseeing, and feasting on fresh-caught ceviche. Most leave Playa around 6am, heading for the waters off Isla Holbox, Contoy, or Mujeres, depending where the sharks are gathering. While most local outfitters offer whale shark tours this time of year, Whale Shark Discovery Cancun is definitely one of the best.What Are They, Whales or Sharks?

Whale sharks are actually the world’s largest type of shark, which also makes them the biggest fish in the sea. They’re called “whales” because of their behemoth size, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet, in excess of 20 tons. Think snorkeling with one of these guys sounds scary? No worries, they’re actually what’s called “filter feeders,” meaning they use thousands of super small teeth to literally filter tiny creatures like plankton and eggs from the water. If they remind you of dinosaurs, that’s because they kind of are – the species dates back roughly 60 million years!The 9th Annual Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Festival

Every year in mid-July, Isla Mujeres hosts a celebration of the Mexican Caribbean’s favorite summer guest. While the focus of the festival is encouraging people to join them in the water – with an emphasis on marine conservation – you can also expect plenty of live music, dancing, local art, and traditional island cuisine.

July 15, 2016
Otherworldly Adventure in Xplor Park – Ziplines & Underground Rivers

A thrilling mix of high-flying fun & magical sightseeing, when it comes to adventure in Riviera Maya, few places compare to the wonder of Xplor Park – home to 14 of the region’s highest ziplines, miles of tropical trails, & underground rivers.

If you’re looking for an adventurous, distinctly Yucatan experience, this 145-acre eco park near Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to spend the day or night. From the minute you set foot in Xplor, you know you’ve entered a sacred place, slowly shaped by millions of years of geology, as well as the painstaking efforts of developers and conservationists.

The tropical park is a soaring and sunken network of bridges, treetop platforms, underground rivers, and deep dark caves full of jaw-dropping rock formations. Altogether, daytime guests are welcome to enjoy 14 of the region’s highest ziplines, more than six miles of trails for amphibious vehicles, and over a kilometer of crystal cave waters for rafting – not to mention unlimited smoothies / juices and a BBQ lunch buffet.

The Highest Ziplines in Riviera MayaTotaling almost 4 kilometers, the 14 zipline runs at Xplor include a thrilling 148-foot descent, and another that plunges 25 feet underground.

Romp the Jungle Above & Below Ground

Ages 18+ are welcome to steer their own John Deere amphibious vehicle across bridges, through the mud, underground and in the water.Explore Otherworldly Caves

Easily the park’s most magnificent sights are the glistening stalactites and stalagmites that fill the honeycomb of caves entwined across its grounds. This magical formations have taken millions of years to form, with both raft and swim / hiking circuits available.

A Bevy of Nighttime Thrills

Those seeking another level of fun should consider visiting Xplor Fuego, as the park comes alight with sunset views, torches, and a sea of stars overhead.

What to Bring

Since admission includes a locker, don’t forget a towel, your swimsuit, shorts, a t-shirt, water shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen.

June 24, 2016
Disappear in Art at the 3D Museum in Playa del Carmen

Disappear in Art at the 3D Museum in Playa del Carmen

Redefining how we interact with artwork, Kurt Wenner’s world-famous 3D Museum of Wonders in downtown Playa del Carmen welcomes visitors to an immersive wonderland where touching & photographing exhibits lies at the very heart of the experience.The largest “illusion museum” in the world and first-ever in the Americas opened in February of this year, right here in Riviera Maya. Housed on the top floor of Plaza Pelícanos in the heart of downtown, the Playa del Carmen 3D Museum of Wonders redefines the very concept of an art gallery, inviting guests to interact, photograph, and actually become part of over 60 pieces of jaw-dropping artwork.What Makes it 3D?

Every exhibit at the museum is the work of world-renowned American street artist Kurt Wenner. Inspired by his time as an illustrator for NASA and love for renaissance paintings, he singlehandedly revolutionized the art form known as “three-dimensional pavement art,” or “trick art” in the 1980s. The concept is rather simple: employ shading, colors and perspective to create an optical illusion of depth and immersion. Couple the style with camera phones and social media, and you have a recipe for the next big thing in art – especially considering the fact that it upends every stale notion you might have of museums in general (look but don’t touch, no photographs, etc).Take the Best Pictures of Your Vacation

It’s hard to believe that here in paradise some the best pictures you’ll take are in a museum – but it’s true! Where else can you capture pics of friends and family trapped inside a bubble, surfing a monster wave, high atop a towering wedding cake, or seated at The Last Supper?

June 10, 2016
How to Savor Summer in Riviera Maya with Just 48 Hours

Want to get the most out of your Mexican-Caribbean vacation, but only have 48 hours to getaway? Worry not! This quick guide will help you plan the ultimate weekend escape in Riviera Maya – from the beach to the club, Mayan ruins to eco-park fun.

No matter where you live, the summertime blues eventually hit us all, leaving a void only a proper vacation can fill. But what if you only have a weekend or handful of days to escape? No worries, because Riviera Maya summer getaways promise both a laid-back, less crowded vibe than the rest of the year, along with all the same attractions that put us on the map in the first place. If you can’t picture fitting a day at the beach, sunset seafood, nightlife, touring Mayan ruins, and eco park fun into 48 hours, here’s a brief timeline to make it possible:

Day #1: First, Hit the Beach

Fresh off the plane or out of bed after a red-eye, you’ll need a day at the beach to get into a vacation state of mind. Choose from the vintage air of Playa del Carmen’s Central Beach or the trendy vibe to the north. Spend the day in the sand, then snap some pics of the sunset before feasting on the freshest seafood of your life. Local favorites include the hearty platters, tacos, and shrimp-stuffed avocados at La Tarraya (Calle 2 Nte & the beach); Mayan “Tikin Xic,” or chili-orange marinated fish, roasted in banana leaf at Carboncitos (Calle 4, btwn La Quinta & 10th); and octopus at Los Aguachiles (Constituyentes & 1 Av). After dinner, you’ll want to get your groove on to the beachfront beats at Zenzi (Calle 10 & the beach), or themed nights at Wah Wah Beach Bar (Calle 2 Nte & the beach).Day #2: Breakfast, Tulum, & Eco Park Fun

Start your second day on the hippest street in Playa del Carmen. Fifth Street, or “La Quinta,” is home to countless bars and restaurants, but we recommend the French fare at Chez Celine (Calle 34), Mexican/American staples and rooftop view at Sanborns (Constituyentes), or chilaquiles verde at Aldea Corazon (Calle 14). With a full belly, you’ll be ready to trample through the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum, less than an hour south of Playa. Cool off after that in the cenotes of nearby Xel-Há Waterpark, witness ancient rituals at Xcaret, and soar under the stars on the region’s highest ziplines at Xplor – all part of the same eco-park family, with one pass available for all three.

June 3, 2016
Visiting Cancun on a Budget

Cancun may seem like is not most people idea of a budget destination. But it is, even if you are not blowing your cash on a resort, you could easily spend up a fortune in tours or restaurants. But you don’t necessarily have to stay in the 5 star hotel, to enjoy a trip to Cancun. Playa del Carmen is still doable if you are on a budget. I spend last month in Playa so had to maximize the fun without spending too much. So here are my top tips for saving money in Cancun on everything from entertainment and transport to food and nightlife. Things to see and do
You can easily have fun in Cancun by going to the beach – snorkel in the coral reefs, the underwater museum close to Isla Mujeres, walk across the hotels avenue, visit the Mayan museum of Cancun, do some sport activities such as biking, running or skating and meet the unique shopping malls. There are many attractions inside Plaza La Isla Shopping mall, like swimming with dolphins or the Cancun Wax Museum. Cancun also has many casinos, all of them are free to enter and you just pay 5-50¢ per game.
If you plan to do a lot of the paid activities, it might be worth investing in a package. Tulum & Xel-Ha includes everything, the visit to Tulum where you can see the only archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean Sea, enjoy the amazing beaches and take advantage of the water park of Xel-Ha, where you will spend a day of adventure enjoying natural, ecological and aquatic attractions. You will explore inlets, coves, underground rivers called cenotes, mangroves and sail along the lazy river on inner tubes. Simply a paradise for those who enjoy snorkeling and diving in unique natural spots. Cancun Mayan Jungle + Tulum is another great package where you explore Tulum, visit the cenotes and zip line over the jungle.

Entertainment
Cancun is famous for its nightlife, whether that’s going to Coco Bongo of the incredible show of Cirque Du Soleil in Riviera Maya. Advance tickets can set you back hundreds of dollars, but you can buy them online. If you want to enjoy the completely atmosphere of partying in Cancun you can take The Bongo Tour package, it will let you enjoy 3 of the best nightclubs in Cancun in one night, plus more than 6 hours with open bar.
If that’s still to pricey, the check out Daddy’O packages or Han located in the center of Cancun. Mostly locals enjoy this club. There is also Xoximilco in Riviera Maya where you enjoy the Mexican fiesta! This is a great choice to make new friends, celebrate an important event, or just be a part of this tradition of Mexico in its golden age.
When it comes to saving money on club entry, it’s easier if you’re a woman. You’ll often be handed discount flyers on the street or approached by club promoters who can get your name on the guest list.

Top city views
The city’s tallest point is the tower in the KM 4.5 of the hotel zone. For a more central viewpoint head up to Malecon Tajamar in the center of Cancun, you can see all the view of the hotels by the lagoon and on the other side the center of Cancun, taking a walk and watching the sunrise is great in here. The most popular viewpoint is El Mirador at km 19.5, there is an incredible view of the Caribbean sea!

Eating and Drinking
For cheaper dining head off Cancun center. You can find delicious Mexican food menus. If you are hungry you can enjoy one of the favorite restaurants for locals in Cancun.

Traveling around
Cancun Airport is surprisingly close to all the hotels of Cancun. The cheaper option is an airport shuttle which will drop you at your hotel. After that you can take the bus that moves around all the hotel zone for 1 dollar per person.

May 27, 2016
Helpful Riviera Maya Packing Advice for U.S. Travelers
Take the stress out of planning your family vacation in the Mexican Caribbean with this convenient Riviera Maya packing guide & helpful travel advice.

What should I bring to the Mexican Caribbean? Where is Riviera Maya located exactly? Should I take cash? These are just a few questions you might have after booking your dream vacation in Playa del Carmen. It’s easy to fantasize about paradise, but as your travel dates move closer, feeling stressed about the unknowns is not at all uncommon. That’s why we’ve come up with a helpful guide to prepare you for your trip.

You Are Here

Formally known as the “Cancun-Tulum Corridor,” Riviera Maya is located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. With white-sand Caribbean beaches and gorgeous weather all year, travelers need not pack much for their stay in paradise.

The EssentialsFirst and foremost, don’t forget your medicine. You’ll want to bring a few extra doses as well, in case you experience travel delays anywhere along the way. Second, everyone wonders about money: how much to bring and in what currency. The answer is easy. Bring a fistful of $1 US bills for tipping at arrival, then use ATMs to collect pesos at a real-time exchange rate. Don’t forget to tell your bank your travel plans, and ask if they have any partners in Mexico to avoid ATM fees. Other essentials include a photocopy of your passport (both emailed and a hard copy), as well as your glasses and prescription (just in case).

A Few More Things

Here are a handful of items you also might want not want to leave home without, along with a few you may not have thought of yet:
- 2-3 bathing suits
- Casual clothes (shorts, t-shirts, sandals)
- At least one “dressy” outfit for going out
- Light jacket, sweater, or coat
- Walking shoes / hiking boots
- Baby Powder (gets the sand off your feet)
- Sunscreen / Bug Spray
- Bottle opener / Corkscrew
- Zip-Loc Bags
- First Aid Kit
- Nice camera
- Sunglasses
- Hat
May 27, 2016
The Best Bars in Playa del Carmen for Every Taste & Occasion
For many of us, vacations are an excuse to drink a little more than normal, sampling the unique flavors of our destination. It’s for travelers like these that we offer this convenient guide to the best bars in Playa del Carmen for every occasion.

Your Guide to the Best Bars in Playa del Carmen

It’s no secret: vacations and drinks go together like tequila and lime. That’s why we’ve mixed up this helpful guide of what to expect as your carouse the best Playa del Carmen bars for every occasion.

Riviera Maya Drinking, By the Numbers

First of all, we recommend venturing out for a taste of Playa’s most creative cocktails. Try as many places listed below as possible. As you do so, bear in mind a few rules of thumb:
- Though super popular and “hip,” 5th Avenue bars are often overpriced.
- Well-made cocktails range from 80-120 pesos, beer 30-40 pesos.
- Tipping is not as paramount as in the U.S., especially for beer.
- Every bar in Playa uses purified water (ice included).
- Bars close by 2am, when the party moves to the clubs.
A Taste of Mexico
- La Mezcalinna (12th St, btwn 1st Ave & the beach) – Mezcal is the featured spirit at this quaint bar. Be sure to try both the Peanut and Passion Fruit Mezcal Shots.
- Club de Cerveza (5th Ave, btwn 34th & 38th St) – You won’t find a better selection of Mexican craft beers in all of Playa (along with 60+ from around the world).
Hit the Beach
- Fusion Bar & Restaurant (6th St & the beach) – Sipping cocktails in the sea breeze, feet stretched out in the sand. Does it get any better?
- Wah Wah Beach Bar (2nd St & the beach) – Live music Tuesday-Saturday and an all-you-can-eat pig roast every Sunday make this place a local hit.
Where to Catch the Game
- End Zone Sports Bar (5th Ave, btwn 12th & 14th St) – Easily the best place to watch your team in Playa del Carmen.
The Best of the Best
- Almirante Pech (5th Ave & 30th St) – World-class food and drinks as stunning as they are delicious and inventive have vaulted this hotspot to the top of Playa’s craft cocktail scene.
May 6, 2016