8 Reasons to Visit Mexico's Riviera Maya

I had such an amazing time in Riviera Maya, Mexico that Scott and I have decided we will be going back there together – sooner rather than later.

I wanted to make a list of all of my favorite things about this area of Mexico and instead of talking about it to death, I’ve decided to show you with a little eye candy. I hope these photos will transport you to the Yucatán Peninsula so you are able to smell, taste and feel the beauty of this place.

Cenotes, Underground Rivers and Caves

I was told if you dig deep enough anywhere in Riviera Maya, you will hit water. This just goes to show how many options there are for swimming in cenotes and underground rivers.

All in one day, I was able to rappel into a cenote, swim in the breathtaking underground pool known as Yaxmuul, zip-line into the mouth of a cave filled with water and snorkel in an underground river with Alltournative tours.

Just when I thought we had seen it all, two days later we visited Rio Secreto in Playa Del Carmen and explored caves only lit by our headlamps and swam through the clearest water I have ever seen.

Rio Secreto – Playa Del Carmen

Rio Secreto – Playa Del Carmen

Stunning Sunsets

Sunsets never get tiring, especially in tropical destinations with turquoise ocean water as the foreground.

Sunset from Le Reve Hotel – Playa Del Carmen

Tasty Cuisine

There are plenty of restaurants in Riviera Maya offering authentic Mayan food prepared with the same ingredients used centuries ago. A few popular Mayan ingredients and dishes include chaya (Mayan spinach), locally caught seafood, lime soup and papadzules.

Of course, you won’t be stuck with only Mayan cuisine options. Riviera Maya offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights to tempt even the most picky eaters. The cooks at our hotel, Le Reve, amazed me on a daily basis with their unique dishes.

Fresh Shrimp Salad at Le Reve Hotel in Playa Del Carmen

Creamy Scallop Risotto at Le Reve Hotel in Playa Del Carmen

Colorful Beaches

Blue-green translucent, salty water. Need I say more?

The Beach View from Tulum Ruins

A Small Pier Near Le Reve Hotel in Playa Del Carmen

Adventure Sports

In the mood for adventure? Take your pick of caving, scuba diving, snorkeling in underground cenotes, zip-lining, rappelling, jungle tours, ATV tours, boating, parasailing, and deep sea fishing. The list really goes on and on.

If none of the above sounds exciting to you, then just grab a drink by the pool and make that your adventure for the day.

Adventure Tours with Alltournative

Rio Secreto – Playa Del Carmen

Ocean Water Sports

Ancient Ruins

It seems like everywhere you turn in Riviera Maya you will find beautiful Mayan ruins to explore. The Tulum Archeological Site is one of the most well known, but a few more include Chichen Itza, Coba and Muyil.

Tulum Archeological Site

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka’an is in a league of its own. The name means “Gift from the sky” and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. I was introduced to this place by Community Tours, a company who is committed to environmentally sustainable development and generating jobs for the people who live in the communities of Punta Allen, Muyil and Chumpon.

Our tour consisted of a boat ride through the Sian Ka’an reserve, floating down the fresh water canal on life jackets (the coolest lazy river experience) a walk through Muyil Archaeological Site and a home-cooked meal for lunch.

Sian Ka’an Tour with Community Tours

Sian Ka’an Tour with Community Tours

Race Car Driving

This may come as a surprise to you, but you can actually live out your fantasy of speeding around a racetrack in some of the fastest cars in the world. Exotic Rides offers an experience of a lifetime.

You can ride as a co-pilot and experience what it’s like to go as fast as the NASCAR drivers or drive one of these dream cars yourself. For those of you who would rather get behind the wheel of a smaller vehicle, you can race around the track in one of their thrilling go karts.

Have you been to Riviera Maya? Can you add to this list?

Disclosure: I was a guest of Riviera Maya Tourism Board, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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