The Riviera Maya is located just south of Cancun, on the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico. It encompasses the popular resort of Playa del Carmen, the island of Cozumel and the ancient ruins of Tulum.
The riviera is swamped with all-inclusive resorts and luxury hotels, however there are plenty of backpacker hostels and numerous options to cater for those on a budget. The area is highly geared for tourism and there are plenty of day trips and activities on offer – it is a perfect family holiday destination. There are beautiful beaches with plenty of surf, snorkeling parks abundant with marine life and adventure parks where you can zip line through jungle and raft through stalactite caves.
Here are our suggestions for some fun and exciting day trips you can take whilst holidaying on the Riviera Maya:
1) Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha is a natural marine park and is a great example of sustainable eco-friendly tourism. Here you can snorkel and see a huge variety of marine life including stingrays, parrotfish, angel fish, puffer fish, damsel fish and barracuda. You can also tube through the rivers and explore freshwater marine life. The river tubing route takes you to the Cliff of Courage (an exhilarating 5 metre cliff jump into the water), the Trepachanga (a test of balance, strength and agility walking across a single rope bridge over the waters) and the Salpichanga (a circuit of 6 zip lines). All activities listed and equipment hire is included in the entrance ticket.
(source: Wikipedia)
2) Xplor Park
Xplor Park is a jungle adventure park located in Quintana Roo. There are plenty of activities on offer for all the family, including zip lining, rafting & wading through underground caves with glowing stalactites dripping from the ceiling.
(source: Pinterest)
3) Xenote Oasis Maya
One of the natural wonders that Mexico is famous for is its Cenotes. A Cenote is a natural sinkhole that is made when rainfall causes limestone to collapse creating a natural cave or lake. These fill up with fresh water and provide beautiful and refreshing swimming holes, lined with wild vegetation and often steep walls. It is a swimming experience truly like no other.
The Xenote Oasis Maya tour takes you to four different cenotes. On the tour you have the option to kayak and snorkel in the cenotes and even zip line across one.
Health on the Riviera Maya
Even though Mexico is a very well developed country, especially the Quintana Roo region, there are still a number of precautions that visitors should take. Ensure that your Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio vaccination is up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are contracted via contaminated food and water, so it is vital that these are in date too. There is also a risk of Rabies, so anyone that is bitten by any mammal should be treated urgently! Preventative vaccination may be considered by some travellers.
There is a low risk of Malaria, so anti-malarial medication is not required. A DEET-based mosquito repellent should be used at all times, because they carry other nasty diseases such as Dengue Fever and Zika virus.
Do not drink the tap water; ensure all water you drink is sterilised and from a bottle. Most hotels and restaurants will provide sterilised water, but always double check before consumption and that includes ice in drinks too!
Contact us now to book an appointment with one of our specialist nurses to discuss your holiday and get everything you might need.
