Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Tulum, Mexico
Located along the Mayan Riviera, Tulum has emerged as a trendy coastal destination over the past decade, attracting visitors with its relaxed ambiance and diverse community.
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Located along the Mayan Riviera, Tulum has emerged as a trendy coastal destination over the past decade, attracting visitors with its relaxed ambiance and diverse community.
Playa Del Carmen is a picturesque coastal destination situated along the Riviera Maya in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico.
Situated between the bustling party destination of Cancún and the bohemian elegance of Tulum, Playa del Carmen has emerged as a vibrant beach town that caters to a diverse population. Known for its wellness retreats, thriving nightlife, and gourmet dining options, Playa del Carmen attracts everyone from digital nomads to families eager for adventure. Thanks to its walkable streets and proximity to stunning natural attractions such as Mayan ruins and cenotes (natural swimming holes), it truly offers something for every traveler.
Extending across the northernmost tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is an 83-mile sweep of coastline running from the south of Cancún all the way to the Belize border. This tourist corridor is a magnet for sun-seeking travelers with its powder-puff white sand beaches, legendary ruins, and the world’s second-largest coral reef. Moreover, the Riviera Maya is a year-round destination; however, the best time to visit is between February and June when temperatures are mild, and crowds thin out.
With a walkable city center, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to beaches and reefs, it’s no wonder Playa del Carmen is one of the fastest-growing cities in Quintana Roo.
Encircled by the world’s second-biggest reef and blanketed in acres of untamed tropical forest, the Yucatan Peninsula is an exciting destination. Playa del Carmen’s proximity to Mayan ruins, coral reefs, and cenotes makes it all the more appealing.
Playa del Carmen has become a fast favorite among digital nomads thanks to its walkable center, excellent infrastructure and proximity to islands, reefs, and ruins.
The Riviera Maya is a compact stretch of Caribbean coast that is packed with activities. From snorkeling in vibrant reefs to swimming in refreshing cenotes, and lounging on stunning beaches, this area is perfect for independent exploration.
With buzzing towns like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, along with appealing resorts set along the white-sand coastline, Mexico’s 100-mile-long Riviera Maya has become a travel hot spot. GoTravelDaily’s highly curated guide will help you navigate the area and plan the best vacation ever.
For kids who thrive on beach days and thrilling adventures, the Riviera Maya offers a remarkable range of family-friendly day trips. With a bit of local knowledge, you can give your children the chance to explore enchanting jungles, immerse themselves in local traditions, and create timeless memories on some of the world’s most stunning beaches.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya don’t always invoke images of peace and seclusion, but that’s precisely what awaits you at the exquisite Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort. Recently, the property experienced a remarkable $50-million expansion, unveiling 34 new beachfront pool suites and a beach club. Furthermore, the exclusive eco-resort has added seven remarkable overwater lagoon villas, each featuring private rooftop pools, enriching its already impressive accommodations.
Steph Farr of luxury rental company Maya Luxe gave us the lowdown on how to find the best vacation rentals on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Tulum, Mexico, is bursting with beautifully designed hotels, gorgeous beaches, and restaurants with great ambiance and even better food. It’s part of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, which was one ofGoTravelDaily’sbest places to go in 2023. Humming blissfully in the background of the busy beach clubs and posing influencers, Tulum’s spiritual centers offer great yoga, meditation classes, sacred ceremonies, and many more mind-expanding activities. Surrounding all this is a dense cenote-filled jungle and stunning nature reserves—perfect for dolphin spotting, cave diving, and riding ATVs.
Mexico is in the midst of a luxury renaissance — particularly, in some of the hot spots that were previously thought of as touristy but not elevated. I’m talking about Cabo, I’m talking about Cancun. No, all of the Señor Frog’s have not closed (sorry), and the cheesy all-inclusive factories haven’t vanished. But recently, some ultra-high-end hotels and resorts have opened nearby. Instead of being in the center of the action, hotels from top brands like Rosewood, Auberge Resorts Collection, and One&Only are debuting in the private gated communities popping up around the country (see Mayakoba, Mandarina, and Punta Mita, for example). I went to one of the newest resorts on the Riviera Maya — in the gated community of Kanai — to see if true luxury could be found within an hour of the Cancun airport.
Snorkeling and SCUBA diving rank among the most sought-after activities in Mexico’s beach destinations. The vibrant coastlines are overflowing with stunning underwater life, and it’s no surprise that visitors yearn to explore these aquatic wonders. While SCUBA diving necessitates special training and complex gear, snorkeling can be enjoyed by virtually everyone without extensive preparation; in fact, even those who cannot swim can participate in safe environments.
“I want to show that Mexico is more than just fajitas, Coronas, and margaritas.”
Attracting 3.3 million tourists a year, Cancun is a well-known tourist destination on the eastern coast of Mexico in the Yucatan. High-rise hotels are densely packed along a 14-mile, curving, white sand peninsula called The Hotel Zone, which is framed by the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon. The properties here are quite luxurious, showcasing lavish resort spas.
The Mexican Caribbean is a popular destination for sun lovers everywhere, from those seeking pampering at high-end luxury spas to backpackers who prefer more rustic accommodations. The one thing most travelers to the Yucatan Peninsula have in common is the quest for the beach.
The Riviera Maya is a stunning 100-mile stretch of beachfront on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, featuring lavish luxury resort spas and all-inclusive accommodations. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, part of the Yucatán peninsula, this coastline was once primarily fishing villages. However, with the advent of Cancun, the beachfront southward was developed and rebranded as Riviera Maya.
Since our first visit in 1999, Playa del Carmen has evolved from a sleepy fishing village with sand streets and outdoor markets to a vibrant destination featuring luxury hotels, fine dining, and endless entertainment. If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, continue reading to discover an array of activities in Playa del Carmen and nearby attractions.