Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Riviera Maya January 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Riviera Maya Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Riviera-Maya.dx602901)[Hotels in Riviera Maya](https://expedia.co.uk/Riviera-Maya-Hotels.d602901.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Riviera Maya](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Riviera-Maya.d602901.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Riviera Maya Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Riviera-Maya.d602901.Car-Hire-Guide)[Riviera Maya Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Riviera-Maya.d602901.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Riviera Maya ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Riviera Maya Types of activities Where to stay [Riviera Maya travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Riviera-Maya.dx602901) ![Riviera Maya showing boating, a coastal town and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602901/60b98f7f-9545-440b-bf78-74d9a3fa9e7b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Riviera Maya showing boating, a coastal town and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602901/60b98f7f-9545-440b-bf78-74d9a3fa9e7b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159558/8a79cdc5-ea0d-4968-a046-1d69527bdd07.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ecopark Kantun Chi which includes caves](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6231994/76913c59-188d-404a-89c7-e25379b89c56.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tulum National Park showing a park, general coastal views and building ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113710/647fbfaf-6319-4b3c-a173-81ba8b1a43be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Riviera Maya Attractions Ancient ruins, stunning white sandy beaches and enigmatic cenotes (sinkholes), the **Riviera Maya** is a truly unique slice of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Once this was the heartland of the mysterious, and incredibly advanced Maya, people, who flourished between 300 and 900 AD. In recent years it has transformed into one of the world’s most popular holiday resorts, including the beach areas at Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and Tulum. Lounge on the beach, explore mystical temple ruins or splash around in the waterparks for history, culture and fun. #### Areas & Neighbourhoods in Riviera Maya **Tulum** \- This truly unique beach destination features ancient temple ruins sitting atop rugged cliff tops. All around it, lush green vegetation plunges down into the brilliant blue waters below. **Playa del Carmen** \- One of the biggest and trendiest cities in the Riviera Maya, discover stunning beaches brimming with a young crowd. A real party capital and fun loving resort. **Cancun** \- Built by the government as a dedicated holiday resort back in the 1970s, it has become one of the world’s favourite resort destinations. Incredible beaches, sublime weather and ample facilities - what’s not to like? **Puerto Morelos** \- Roughly halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos has managed to retain its small town feel, creating a different vibe to some of the other bigger resorts along the coast. **Akumal** \- Meaning the ‘land of the turtles’ in the local Mayan tongue, this is one of the most peaceful places on the whole Riviera, with secluded beaches and a shallow bay. #### Things to See on the Riviera Maya The main treat for the eyes in the Riviera Maya is undoubtedly the incredible selection of ruins along the coast. Relatively little is known about the mysterious Maya people who thrived here and further down into Central America for the best part of a millennium. Although their classic period ended sometime around the 10th century (for reasons still not really fully understood) the remains of their advanced cities and temples remain. On the clifftops at Tulum stands one of the most majestic, far more advanced than anything that existed in contemporary Europe. Explore these ruins, and those at Coba and Macanxoc to get a glimpse back into the past. #### Things to Do on the Riviera Maya Explore the underworld at Rio Secreto, a vast underground labyrinth of tunnels and passageways formed by geological processes. This forms part of the wider underground water network, which occasionally rise to the surface in the form of cenotes, or sinkholes. Snorkel or dive along the beautiful coastline, with coral reefs and wreck sites to explore, or when the wind gets up, learn how to kitesurf at Playa del Carmen. Sample delicious Mexican cuisine, sip cocktails on the beach and make the most of the huge array of tourist facilities all around you. You can also book top Riviera Maya hotels and great Riviera Maya package holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) --- ## Recommended things to do in Riviera Maya | Number of things to do | 1448 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Tulum: Luggage Storage](/things-to-do/tulum-luggage-storage.a47897346.activity-details): £6 | | Top 5 things to do | [Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Optional Lunch & Open Bar](/things-to-do/isla-mujeres-catamaran-tour-with-optional-lunch-open-bar.a419435.activity-details)[Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid All-inclusive Tour](/things-to-do/chichen-itza-cenote-valladolid-all-inclusive-tour.a796267.activity-details)[Chichen Itza, Mayan Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Optional Buffet Lunch](/things-to-do/chichen-itza-cenote-buffet-lunch-tequila-valladolid-tour.a448055.activity-details)[Chichén Itzá, Cenote Xunáan & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch Buffet](/things-to-do/chichen-itza-cenote-hubiku-valladolid-with-traditional-lunch-buffet.a414540.activity-details)[quad bike, Ziplining & Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park](/things-to-do/quad-bike-ziplining-cenote-tour-at-extreme-adventure-eco-park.a515692.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Speedboat & Snorkelling Tour in Cancun a Jungle Tour Adventure](/things-to-do/speedboat-snorkelling-tour-in-cancun-a-jungle-tour-adventure.a510500.activity-details)[Crystal-clear Boat trip & Snorkelling tour](/things-to-do/glass-bottom-boat-excursion-looking-the-sunken-ships.a49706131.activity-details)[Speedboat and Snorkelling Tour in Cancun](/things-to-do/speedboat-and-snorkelling-tour-in-cancun.a3862804.activity-details)[Snap, Smile & Float: The Ultimate Transparent Boat Ride](/things-to-do/snap-smile-float-the-ultimate-transparent-boat-ride.a50661950.activity-details)[Cozumel ATVs, El Cedral Ruins, Cenote Jade, and Tequila](/things-to-do/cozumel-atvs-el-cedral-ruins-cenote-jade-and-tequila.a47580824.activity-details) | | With kids | [Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Optional Lunch & Open Bar](/things-to-do/isla-mujeres-catamaran-tour-with-optional-lunch-open-bar.a419435.activity-details)[Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid All-inclusive Tour](/things-to-do/chichen-itza-cenote-valladolid-all-inclusive-tour.a796267.activity-details)[Chichen Itza, Mayan Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Optional Buffet Lunch](/things-to-do/chichen-itza-cenote-buffet-lunch-tequila-valladolid-tour.a448055.activity-details)[Chichén Itzá, Cenote Xunáan & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch Buffet](/things-to-do/chichen-itza-cenote-hubiku-valladolid-with-traditional-lunch-buffet.a414540.activity-details)[quad bike, Ziplining & Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park](/things-to-do/quad-bike-ziplining-cenote-tour-at-extreme-adventure-eco-park.a515692.activity-details) | ## What to do in Riviera Maya --- ### Popular places to visit ![Xcaret Eco Theme Park featuring general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6074370/fbcd4d30-631c-40d8-91ed-381f8d2bf281.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Xcaret Eco Theme Park Commune with nature, explore ancient ruins and learn about Mayan culture at this popular theme park, home to a natural underground river. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Xcaret-Eco-Theme-Park-Playa-del-Carmen.d6074370.Attraction) ![Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159559/ab8245cb-b8fc-4a3c-9de1-f378d850a241.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Playa del Carmen Main Beach Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Playa del Carmen Main Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's festivals. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Main-Beach-Downtown-Playa-del-Carmen.d6159559.Attraction) ![Insel vor Playa del Carmen, Strand Maroma, Mexiko](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6160476/b607290e-1d31-4b7f-a67d-1d4664ebefd7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Maroma Beach Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Maroma Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this romantic area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Maroma-Beach-Maroma.d6160476.Attraction) ![Colorful sunset over Tulum beach, Mexico, Shutterstock ID 664142827, Purchase Order: -](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621579093709/024b718d-8084-4636-a421-dcb0bb624b7f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tulum Beach Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Tulum Beach, a popular beach in Tulum. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tulum-Beach-Tulum.d553248621579093709.Attraction) ![Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159558/8a79cdc5-ea0d-4968-a046-1d69527bdd07.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tulum Mayan Ruins Visit one of Yucatan’s most impressive Mayan ruins, perched high on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tulum-Mayan-Ruins-Zona-Hotelera.d6159558.Attraction) ![0_BXP44312](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113712/9329b2fe-45f6-4f05-b6d2-03e39bf530df.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Xel-Há Park Have a fun-filled day at Xel-Há Park and see why everyone loves this theme park in Tulum. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Xel-Ha-Park-Tulum.d6113712.Attraction) ![Aerial View of Playa del Carmen Ferry Dock](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635998021229/99f58e9f-4d08-48ab-a20f-9d8507199c26.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ferry to Cozumel Explore the waterfront in Xcaret with a trip to Ferry to Cozumel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ferry-To-Cozumel-Playa-del-Carmen.d553248635998021229.Attraction) ![Half Moon Bay featuring a beach, a coastal town and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6074378/7b2771c4-7b6b-4d13-93fa-5c03c10d45b4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akumal Beach Drift away on the gentle currents with turtles and rays at one of the Riviera Maya’s most relaxing beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Akumal-Beach-Akumal.d6074372.Attraction) ![Paradise Beach also called Playa Paraiso at sunrise - beautiful and tropical caribbean coast at Tulum in Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya, Mexico; Shutterstock ID 747317032](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532630720/59b67a72-cd4d-48d1-bf48-46cf103b7c0b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Playa Paraiso If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Playa Paraiso might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Tulum. Wander the seaside in this romantic area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Paraiso-Zona-Hotelera.d553248621532630720.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Riviera Maya ![Beautiful beach at Caribbean sea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6209538/04b0d749-4205-416f-9f41-a7f5d0f65564.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Playacar 4/5(10 area reviews) Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Playacar Golf Club – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Playacar.dx6209538) ![Colorful sombreros on the street in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601751/549905ab-487b-4c90-afed-9e64705e2380.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Playa del Carmen 4.5/5(3 area reviews) If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Downtown-Playa-Del-Carmen.dx553248635976475266) ![Tulum sunset in the amazing Mayan Riviera #tulum #architecture #sunset ❤️❤️❤️](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635939575953/4e46eb19-220d-4b24-8510-8d4b53fc11e0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Zona Hotelera Travellers to Zona Hotelera praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tulum Beach and Las Palmas Public Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Zona-Hotelera.dx553248635939575953) ![Aerial view of the Akumal Bay in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Caribbean Sea, coral reef, top view. Beautiful tropical paradise beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976398190/a9f5cf2b-93b8-4ae1-b3ba-794168ba211d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Gonzalo Guerrero 4/5(18 area reviews) If you're spending some time in Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Gonzalo-Guerrero.dx553248635976398190) ![Playa del Carmen](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/864806392606003200/e35b1879-d5d9-4b58-a226-f23519662ecb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Riviera Maya If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Riviera Maya and surrounding area, you can visit Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Riviera-Maya.dx864806392606003200) ![Cool monument on the beach of Playa del Carmen.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601751/9c1c6a4c-f7dc-470d-9b26-ded7d3bbf25c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Playa del Carmen Centro 4.5/5(12 area reviews) A noteworthy feature of Playa del Carmen Centro is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Playa-Del-Carmen-Centro.dx3000662985) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Riviera Maya ![Half Moon Bay showing a beach and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6074378/29e3bf5c-71fc-4062-a130-1ca7f5fcd755.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Akumal ![Cancun showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/179995/1d2c3f9b-5a1a-4305-b0e2-9bef30204118.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cancun ![Puerto Morelos which includes a coastal town, tropical scenes and boating](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180137/0314afde-9141-4a8b-a52e-3ca9d636835e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Puerto Morelos ![Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/182189/9f4f0895-07b7-4acc-b937-9590cd423293.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Tulum ![Awesome pools and swim up bars and great location. The staff was awesome, the beach bar with swings was awesome. There's scuba right there, first time diving off a boat, scary ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/319626427869693651/060a9232-599e-406d-821d-407a38ac014f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Puerto Aventuras ![Playa del Carmen showing a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601751/1c1d7f1f-5fab-480a-a288-e2b55d188149.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Playa del Carmen ![Ecopark Kantun Chi featuring caves](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6231994/f4abe9e7-e87b-405b-bfea-24a4382dca7b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Xpu-Ha ![Morning at Ancha Beach in Cancun](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6023370/590c8dd7-1f63-40a6-9d9e-51c1066edba8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kantenah ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Accommodation - Flights - Packages - Cars - Other - [3 Star Hotels in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/3Star-Isla-Contoy-Hotels.s30-0-d6359749.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [4 Star Hotels in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/4Star-Isla-Contoy-Hotels.s40-0-d6359749.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [5 Star Hotels in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/5Star-Isla-Contoy-Hotels.s50-0-d6359749.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Garrafon Natural Reef Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Garrafon-Natural-Reef-Park-Hotels.0-l6126115-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Resorts in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy-Hotel-Resorts.d6359749-aaHotelResorts.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [All-Inclusive Hotels in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy-Hotels-All-Inclusive-Hotel.0-0-d6359749-tAllInclusiveHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Beach Resorts & in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy-Hotels-Beach-Hotels.0-0-d6359749-tBeachHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Luxury Hotels in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy-Hotels-Luxury-Hotel.0-0-d6359749-tLuxuryHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Isla Contoy Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy-Hotels.d6359749.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Hotels near North Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/North-Beach-Hotels.0-l6282771-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Playa Xcalacoco ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Xcalacoco-Hotels.0-l687399908502200320-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sian-Kaan-Biosphere-Reserve-Hotels.0-l6347846-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Sol Caribe Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sol-Caribe-Beach-Hotels.0-l6283915-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Xcacel Beach ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Xcacel-Beach-Hotels.0-l6159550-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Flights to Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Isla-Contoy.d6359749.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Garrafon Natural Reef Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Garrafon-Natural-Reef-Park-Mexico.d6126115.Attraction) - [Isla Contoy Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy.d6359749.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Isla-Contoy.dx6359749) - [Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sian-Kaan-Biosphere-Reserve-Mexico.d6347846.Attraction) - [All inclusive Holiday Packages Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/theme-holidays/all-inclusive-holidays/6359749/Isla-Contoy) - [Centauro Rental Cars in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Centauro-Car-Rentals-In-Isla-Contoy.d6359749-c1015.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers) - [Interrent Rental Cars in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Interrent-Car-Rentals-In-Isla-Contoy.d6359749-c1115.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers) - [Localiza Rental Cars in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Localiza-Car-Rentals-In-Isla-Contoy.d6359749-c1063.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers) - [Things to do in Isla Contoy ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Isla-Contoy.d6359749.Travel-Guide-Activities) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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