Celebrate Easter at Riviera Maya:
Easter vacations are approaching fast, and you have not yet chosen your destination for your holiday?
Riviera Maya invites you to discover this magnificent region of the Yucatan Peninsula with its paradisiacal destinations. The Riviera in Mexico is a destination full of charm and diversity. Located in the Southeast of Mexico, it’s a 130km long coastline; and it is one of the few areas in the world with a warm and ideal climate all year round.
Between paradisiacal beaches, theme parks, Mayan ruins, or virgin islands, the region offers activities for all profiles of travelers. So whether you want to spend your vacation with family, friends, or just the two of you, this is the place to be.
Through this mini-guide, we present to you the Seven Wonders of the Riviera Maya:
Chichen-Itzá
Chichen-Itzá is one of the star attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula. This mythical city was one of the most important of the Mayan civilization. The site is classified by the UNESCO and has been designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
The imposing pyramid of Kukulcan is the center of the visit; it summarizes the astronomical knowledge of the Maya. The pyramid has 365 steps, one for each day of the year, and during the spring and fall equinoxes, striking shadows form on its stairs, recalling the shape of the god Kukulcan “the feathered serpent.”
In addition to the magnificent main pyramid, you will also be able to visit the ruins all around the site, such as the Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory, and the Temple of the Jaguars! It is a magic place where one realizes the intelligence of these people in advance of their time.
Tulum
Tulum is also one of the activities not to be missed as it’s one of Mexico’s signature experiences.
This ancient coastal town is the perfect summary of the diversity of the Mayan Riviera: culture, nature, and tranquility. In addition, it is one of the most authentic places you can visit in the world, having an archeological site next to the sea.
The classic visit to Tulum begins with the Temple of the “Frescos,” which preserves the remains of a fabulous fresco representing Mayan deities. The other emblematic building of the place is the Castle of Tulum: an ancient Mayan lighthouse that helped sailors avoid the coral reef that marks the coast. The best way to visit the archaeological area is to take a sunrise tour to make the most of your visit without the heat and crowds. Then, when the temperatures start to rise, you will have already completed the tour and can enjoy a dip in the Caribbean Sea.
Holbox
Holbox is a small island paradise in the northern Mexican Caribbean, located in the Yum Balam ecological reserve and declared a protected area for flora and fauna. In Holbox, there are no cars, only golf carts, and the roads are made of sand. Time seems to have stopped; the contrast with Cancun and the very touristy places of the Riviera Maya is impressive.
Here are some ideas of things to do on this island:
– Discover the most colorful murals
– Ride a bike around the island
– Watch a sunset in Punta Cocos
– Admire the pink flamingos of Holbox
– Swim with a whale shark on the beaches of Holbox
– Admire the Bioluminescence in Punta Cocos: Bioluminescence is a rare phenomenon, and Holbox Island is one of the few places in the world where you can witness it. At one end of the island, you will find Punta Cocos beach, about a half-hour ride on a bike from downtown.
– Enjoy the hammocks and swings on the beaches of Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito.
To take the ferry to Holbox, you have to head to a small fishing village called Chiquilá. This is the only ferry service to Holbox, and it is a 2-3 hour drive from Cancun.
El Cielo – Cozumel
While in Playa del Carmen, you can also take a trip to the ferry terminal and enjoy a 30-minute ride across the Caribbean Sea to Cozumel.
Cozumel is one of the largest islands in Mexico and is also known as one of the largest cruise ports in the country. Cozumel is a beautiful place. The majority of the island is protected by the national government, which means that much of it remains surrounded by nature. A coastal road encircles the island, and it is straightforward to rent bicycles or electric scooters to go around.
The western end of Cozumel is home to calm beaches with warm freshwater – perfect for snorkeling – while the eastern side is much rawer and wilder. Cozumel sits atop the Mesoamerican Reef, home to one of the most extensive coral reefs globally, which is why Cozumel is one of the best dive spots on the planet.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos Cenote is one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the most famous, especially for diving enthusiasts!
It is formed by two cenotes, “Dos Ojos,” connected by a 400m long corridor. The whole is part of the largest network of underwater caves globally (347km). With its clear water and many nooks and crannies to explore, it is the ideal place for snorkeling and diving in Quintana Roo. In the semi-open portion, the light and colors are gorgeous.
This cenote is perfect for families with children because it has all the necessary facilities: changing rooms, lockers (for rent), showers and toilets. There is even a restaurant and a picnic area.
The park is located on the highway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. You can get there by car; it’s 20 minutes from Tulum and 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen on the Carretera Federal 307.
Valladolid
Valladolid is the largest city in eastern Yucatan and the second-largest city in the state with approximately 50,000 inhabitants.
It is the only city in Mexico with cenotes in the middle of the city (cenote Zaci). Many tourists make a short stop on their way back from a trip to Chichen-Itzá.
Here are some ideas of places to visit when you are in Valladolid:
– Parque Francisco Canton Rosado
– San Gervasio Cathedral
– La Casona de Valladolid
– Monastery of San Bernadino de Siena
– Casa de los Venados
– Cenotes Xkeken and Samula
– Cenote Zaci
– Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman
Bacalar
Bacalar is a lagoon and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the Mayan Riviera, also known as the “lagoon of seven colors.” Its nickname will give you an idea of the incredible natural spectacle you will find.
The lagoon was born when three different cenotes overflowed and joined their waters in a narrow and elongated strip 55 km long.
It is not very deep, making it an excellent destination for families with children. There are many places to eat, and you can also rent a sailboat or rest in hammocks suspended over the water.
Celebrate Easter at Fairmont Mayakoba:
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