Adventure in , Riviera Maya & the Yucatan!

Chichen Itza

Why Visit?

Discover the Mystical Wonders of Chichen Itza: An Adventure Lover’s Itinerary

Embark on a thrilling journey to Chichen Itza, the legendary Mayan city that promises both adventure and intrigue. Nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage site is accessible from Cancun or Merida; take a two-hour scenic drive from either city to reach this ancient wonder.

Early Morning: Beat the Crowds and the Heat

Start your day early with a pre-dawn departure to witness the majestic El Castillo pyramid bathed in the golden hues of sunrise. An early arrival not only beats the heat and crowds but also offers a mystical experience as the morning mist parts over the Kukulkan Pyramid.

Climbing the Cenotes: Dive into Mayan History

After exploring El Castillo, head to the nearby Cenotes, natural sinkholes that were sacred to the Mayans and used for rituals. Cenote Ik Kil, a short drive from Chichen Itza, offers the chance to plunge into refreshing, crystal-clear waters after a morning of exploration. Adventurous spirits can dive or snorkel among these historical natural pools.

Afternoon: The Great Ball Court and Temple of the Warriors

Post-lunch, visit the Great Ball Court, the largest and most impressive in Mesoamerica. Imagine the ancient sport played here, a game where the stakes were literally life or death. Nearby, the imposing Temple of the Warriors provides an excellent example of Mayan architecture and bas-relief carvings that adventurers will appreciate for their intricate detail and historical significance.

Sunset: A Reflective Moment at El Caracol

Conclude your day with a visit to El Caracol, the ancient observatory. As the sun sets, reflect on the advanced astronomical knowledge the Mayans used to influence their daily lives and cultural practices.

Interesting Fact

Chichen Itza’s El Castillo is astronomically aligned so that during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun casts shadows resembling a serpent slithering down the staircase.

Departure

As night falls, head back to your base city, enriched with the day’s adventures and the timeless spirit of Mayan civilization.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Xcaret

Why Visit?

Embark on a riveting adventure tour of Xcaret, a majestic eco-archaeological park located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Renowned for its lush landscapes and rich Mayan heritage, Xcaret promises a thrilling exploration through Mexico’s natural wonders and ancient culture.

Getting There: Xcaret is conveniently accessible from Cancún and Playa del Carmen. From Cancún, it’s roughly an hour’s drive south via Highway 307. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, you’re just 15 minutes away from an adventure-packed day.

Start Your Day: Dive into your Xcaret adventure with the "Xpiral" - the highest rotating scenic tower in the Caribbean, offering panoramic views that stretch across the park. Reach it by following the signs from the park entrance; it’s a great way to get your bearings and plan your route.

River Journey: Strap on your life vest (provided at the park) and swim down a subterranean river. Choose from three unique routes, each taking about 45 minutes. These rivers meander through ancient caves and natural rock formations, offering a serene yet exhilarative experience. Access points are clearly marked near the park entrance.

Explore Mayan Villages: Journey into the heart of a Mayan village to see stone-carved temples and ‘cenotes’. Learn about traditional Mayan practices and the region’s biodiversity. Guided tours are available, providing fascinating insights into the indigenous culture and architecture.

Evening Show: Cap your visit with the spectacular "Xcaret México Espectacular", a night show that narrates the history of Mexico through vibrant costumes, music, and dance. It starts at sunset at the Gran Tlachco Theater, a grand open-air venue within the park.

Interesting Fact: Xcaret is not just a park but a sanctuary where history and nature coexist. It was once an important ceremonial center and trading zone for the Mayans.

Xcaret offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an unmissable destination for any adventure lover visiting Mexico.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Tulum

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival in Tulum

Kickstart your adventure in Tulum by settling into your eco-friendly lodge. Rent a bicycle, the preferred mode of local transport, and pedal your way to the Tulum Ruins. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these ruins are a window into the ancient Mayan civilization. Explore the Temple of the Frescoes, noted for its preserved paintings and reliefs. Cool off by descending the wooden staircase to the pristine beach below the ruins for a refreshing swim.

Day 2: Cenote Trail Bike Adventure

After an energizing local breakfast of chilaquiles or huevos rancheros, join a guided bike tour to some of Tulum’s famous cenotes. Start with the Gran Cenote, perfect for snorkeling among stalactites and turtles. Next, bike to Cenote Calavera, offering thrilling cliff jumps. Wrap up your cenote hopping at Cenote Carwash with its open waters and lush surroundings. Each cenote has its own unique ecosystem, making this an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Day 3: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Dedicate your day to exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this reserve is a patchwork of tropical forests, marshes, and a barrier reef. Take a guided kayak tour to spot dolphins, turtles, and countless bird species. The afternoon is perfect for fishing or even a tranquil float down the ancient Mayan canals.

Day 4: Kite Surfing and Beach Relaxation

Head to the windswept beaches of Tulum for a day of kite surfing. Whether you"re a beginner taking a lesson or an experienced kiter, the sea here offers something for everyone. After an adrenaline-packed morning, relax on the beach, visit local boutiques, and enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront café.

Day 5: Departure

Reflect on your adventures as you prepare for departure. Tulum offers not just a getaway but an immersion into nature, adventure, and ancient cultures, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.

Getting Around

Renting a bike or a scooter in Tulum allows you easy access to most attractions while being eco-friendly. For longer distances, local taxis are readily available and reasonably priced.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

Why Visit?

Day 1: Journey into the Subterranean Wonderland of Rio Secreto

Start your adventure to Rio Secreto Nature Reserve, a hidden gem on the Yucatán Peninsula, just a few kilometers from Playa del Carmen. To reach this mystical underground river and cave system, it"s best to drive or take a guided tour that picks you up directly from your hotel in Cancún or Playa del Carmen. Upon arrival, prepare for an otherworldly experience.

Guided tours begin with gearing up in wetsuits, water shoes, helmets, and headlamps — all provided on-site. Your guide, an expert on the cave’s geology and history, will lead you through a maze of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites in near-silence, only broken by the gentle drip of water. It’s a moderate physical challenge, wading and swimming through the cool, crystal-clear cenote waters, which have carved out this incredible underground landscape over centuries.

Along the way, learn about the reserve"s commitment to conservation and the delicate balance required to maintain the pristine condition of this unique ecosystem. The tour spans about 90 minutes, culminating in a moment where all lights are turned off, allowing you to soak in the profound silence and darkness of this ancient world.

Post-tour, relish a regional buffet lunch, which includes Yucatecan specialties, providing a taste of local cuisine. Reflect on the experience as you dine in the reserve’s eco-friendly facilities, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Wrap up your visit by exploring the nature trails on the reserve’s surface, spotting exotic birds and lush vegetation, making Rio Seco not just a tour, but a profound communion with nature.

Rio Secreto is more than just a cave exploration; it’s a journey into the heart of the earth, offering a rare glimpse into the planet"s past and an unparalleled adventure for those who dare to delve beneath the surface.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Cave of the Sleeping Sharks

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating underwater adventure to the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, a mysterious and captivating destination located off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Renowned for its unique phenomenon where sharks are found in a seemingly dormant state, this cave offers a rare spectacle that beckons the most intrepid of adventure seekers.

Day 1: Arrival in Cancún

Fly into Cancún International Airport and check into a local eco-lodge. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and enjoy a brief city tour, exploring vibrant markets and sampling local cuisine.

Day 2: Journey to Isla Mujeres

Catch an early morning ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and takes about 15 minutes. Upon arrival, head to a local dive shop for an orientation and gear up for your dive. Expert guides will brief you on safety and the unique environmental aspects of the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.

Diving the Cave

Board a small boat to the dive site, located just a short distance from the island. As you descend into the blue waters, keep your eyes peeled for the resting sharks, typically nurse sharks, which are drawn to the cave due to its low-oxygen environment created by the overhanging rocks and decomposing organic matter—a natural phenomenon that reduces their need for constant movement.

Witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience! Dives typically last about 45 minutes, during which you"ll also encounter other marine life such as barracudas, lobsters, and rays.

Day 3: Explore Isla Mujeres

Spend your last day relaxing on the pristine beaches of Isla Mujeres or choose to explore the turtle sanctuary. Reflect on your incredible shark encounter and enjoy a sunset dinner by the sea before your ferry ride back to Cancún.

Departure

Return to Cancún for your onward journey or extend your stay to explore more of the Yucatán Peninsula"s rich offerings. This adventure to the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks is not just a dive; it"s a profound journey into the mysterious lives of one of nature"s most fascinating predators.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.