In addition to being exceptional destinations, the Yucatan and Riviera Maya have various treasures and cultural heritage of Mexico.
Digging into Mayan culture is an unforgettable experience.
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Nowadays, there is a way to capture this magical territory through tours that will do almost all the work for its visitors.
Historical places
The archaeological ruins of Tulum are a must see. This well-preserved castle is located in a privileged location facing the Caribbean Sea.
Founded over 1,500 years ago, this city was originally called Zamá (dawn) and later changed its name to Tulum (wall). Its primary role was to serve as a base for maritime trade and as an astronomical and military observatory.
In addition to visiting the ruins, the archaeological site has access to incredible beaches, so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit.
The Xcaret Xpeditions tour portfolio takes you to rediscover the customs, architecture, gastronomy and those mysteries of one of the most advanced ancient cultures, located in various archaeological sites such as Tulum and Coba. Also within the Yucatan Peninsula and named one of the seven wonders of the world is Chichen Itza, one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico today, where 26 Mayan ruins come together.
Another must-see is the Pyramid of Chichén Itzá or El Castillo, El Caracol or the Observatory, the Temple of the Warriors and the Mayan Ball Game.
You can take tours to visit these beautiful places. For example, the “Xichén Clasico” tour, which in addition to taking excursionists to the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, takes them to the cultural wealth and magnificent historical buildings of the magical city of Valladolid, the third most populous city in the state of Yucatan. One trip combines diving in the destination’s only cenote with four viewpoints, Xcajum, with a delicious buffet lunch at the same portal’s restaurant.
Sand and sea
The beaches of the Riviera Maya are beautiful, but those of Tulum stand out for their clarity, the intensity of its turquoise blue and the abundant marine fauna. Although this spectacle has been somewhat tainted in recent months by the presence of sargassum, this phenomenon is temporary and does not affect all beaches.
Cenotes are natural “pools” formed by the subsidence of the earth by the action of the underground rivers of fresh and crystalline water that traverse the Yucatan Peninsula. Around Tulum, there are a considerable number of them, for example:
– Cenote Dos Ojos. It is a semi-open cenote that gives the appearance of being divided into two circles.
– Gran Cenote. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling. From its caves, you can see bats and even toucans from January to February.
– Cenote Azul. It is a large cenote ideal for swimming, diving or snorkeling, with options for the whole family and easy access.
– Zacil-Ha. A family cenote with all the essential services to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, even diving.
Groundwater
For those looking for an exclusive and differentiated tour, the Xichén Deluxe tour is available, a deluxe version that starts on a panoramic bus and has a certified guide throughout the tour. In addition to visiting and swimming in the Tsukán cenote, visitors should visit Valladolid, a Pueblo Mágico, a national category for spectacular places. La Casona de Valladolid, recently restored by Grupo Xcaret, is a nice place to have a meal.
The institution retains details of its original architecture that are worth appreciating; through 70 dishes of the famous and exquisite Yucaquecan gastronomy, various pre-Hispanic ingredients are combined with flavors from the other side of the world to delight visitors.
Nature at its best
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (“gate of heaven” in Mayan) is located 10 km south of Tulum and, thanks to its reserve status, has escaped mass tourism and is a haven for the flora and fauna of the Riviera. Enjoy the scenery and the considerable amount of birds and fish, swim/swim in the canals used by the Mayans for trade, enjoy the semi-pristine beaches, boating in the lagoon and visit the underrated ruins of Muyil and its beautiful central building. , among others.
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