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According to reports from the Quintana Roo Secretariat of Tourism, almost half of all tourists staying at all-inclusive resorts venture outside their resorts to experience the diverse attractions of the Riviera Maya.
Although Cancun travel is often stereotyped as isolated tourists hiding away in luxurious hotels, the reality is very different for travelers with a taste for adventure.
Andrés Aguilar Becerril, Quintana Roo Undersecretary of Tourism, said, “around 37 to 40 percent of tourists that use all-inclusive packages leave their hotels to visit entertainment parks and also restaurants.”
In addition, he claimed that “close to half of those who arrive in all-inclusive resorts will carry out an activity outside of the establishment.”
What are the popular attractions that are pulling tourists out of their resorts and into the Riviera Maya?
Before your next visit, let’s look at some of the most popular spots:
Experience Ancient Mayan Civilization At Chichén Itzá
No attraction in the Riviera Maya is quite as iconic as Chichén Itzá.
The UNESCO world heritage site is also one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, and it is easy to see why.
UNESCO says the structures at Chichén Itzá “are among the undisputed masterpieces of Mesoamerican architecture because of the beauty of their proportions, the refinement of their construction and the splendor of their sculpted decorations.”
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It is not hard to see why it is consistently the most popular archaeological site in all of Mexico.
Visitors to Chichén Itzá will be blown away by the magnificent Pyramid of Kukulkan and the mysterious Ball Game Court.
Already a fantastic place to visit, the Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone continues to improve the visitor experience. New initiatives include a museum showcasing the artifacts discovered on site and new hours to give visitors a comprehensive understanding of Mesoamerican life.
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Enjoy Once In A Lifetime Aquatic Activities
Of course, the main attraction in Cancun is the waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Still, tourists not leaving their all-inclusive resorts will miss out on some of the best underwater activities available.
Cenotes are freshwater lagoons nestled in the jungles of the Riviera Maya and a trendy destination for tourists.
Cenotes are known for their beautiful clear water and interesting rock formations hidden in the Mexican rainforest.
In addition to cenotes, the Mexican Caribbean’s coral reefs are an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, especially for tourists who want to catch a glimpse of colorful fish, sea turtles, or non-aggressive sharks.
The MUSA Underwater Museum and Cancun National Marine Park are popular spots for tourists wishing to enjoy ocean activities.
Enjoy Beach Life At Playa del Carmen
Tourists looking for sun and surf flock to Playa del Carmen to enjoy the bustling beachside atmosphere and culture.
In addition to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico, Playa del Carmen is home to Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, one of the best shopping places in the Riviera Maya.
In La Quinta Avenida, street performers add to the vibrant atmosphere created by tourists and locals enjoying beautiful scenery, food, and nightclubs.
At the end of La Quinta Avenida, tourists will find El Faro, or the lighthouse.
El Faro is a beautiful spot to take pictures of the Caribbean, especially at sunset. Tourists can climb to the top of El Faro for stunning panoramic views.
Visit The Mexican Caribbean’s Booming Tourism Hotspot In Tulum
Just 30 years ago, Tulum was a small fishing village with little international presence or tourism.
Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Riviera Maya.
Tulum, which means “wall” in Mayan, also has impressive historical parks.
The Tulum Archaeological Zone is Mexico’s third most visited archaeological site, possibly the most scenic.
Walls surround the ruins on three sides, with the fourth protected by a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Set against that cliff is Tulum Castle, which once may have been used for navigation by Mesoamerican merchants and explorers on their way to Central America.
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