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2017
9
August
Looking for fun in Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya? What are the best excursions?

Question:

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Hope

Hey folks! What are the best excursions for Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya? We probably only want to do two.
We are 28 and 30, somewhat adventurous.

Humans say...

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Keith

Following. But id do tulum. And xche hal. Next time cenotes. Maybe chichen itza pyramid.

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Hope

I've read about those. My husband would like to snorkle and I'm interested in Xplor Park, perhaps.

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Lynley

My husband and I did Xplor and thought it was really fun. Touristy for sure. But we had a great time!

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Talia

Ek balam + Mayan village and including cenotes was amazing just a week ago for me!

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Keith

I visited a mayan village as well. It was great. I would very much like snorkling and scuba as well!

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Emilia

take ferry to Cozumel, they have snorkeling tours, you can rent a car or scooter and drive around the island, beaches on the other side is to die for

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Meghan

Yep, I definitely second the trip to Cozumel!! Something to remember for renting a scooter is to wait until you arrive on the Cozumel side of the ferry and walk a block or two in from the docks and main shopping square - you’ll get far better prices! And if that isn’t your comfort, you can almost always play the bigger companies off each other to get their rates down
There are great paths around the entire island that are mostly separate from the main road so you can enjoy at your own pace.

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Hope

Thanks!

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Steph

Make sure you get insurance! Pay the $15 US. It’s worth it!

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Alli

Grand Cenote. You can swim or scuba dive.

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Coreen

Snorkel with turtles off Akumal beach

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Molnar

Xcaret Amazing!

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Margot

Xel-ha and Xplor are both great.

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Kim

X plor

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Tanya

Xplor and xelha

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Steph

Luxury sailing was nice with adventure tours

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Dawna

Yukatreks

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Erin

Nessa - Check out this thread. Hope it helps! Have a lovely wedding and honeymoon

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Hope

I recommend not doing the chichen itza ruins if you like adventure. Its a whole day and there isnt much to see when you get there. Maybe tutum is nicer because it is only part of a day.

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Brenda

Chichen Itza and Coba - separate cultural/archaeological tours- try for a tour where you also get to swim in a cenote and/or visit a Mayan Village. I’ve been to a few ruins in Mexico and Chichen Itza is so far the best in that country.

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Hope

I was bored. For me, we were on a bus for 2-3 each way to spend 2 hours taking photos. It was good, but I wouldnt do it knowing the cost vs what you get.

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Brenda

I was far from bored. The bus trip was so worth it.

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Kimberly

Xplor park! So fun!

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Jamie

XPlor !


A.I. says...

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The Best Excursions in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico offer a wealth of exciting excursions and adventures for those seeking an unforgettable experience. With its stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant natural wonders, this area has something to captivate every traveler. As a young, adventurous couple, here are two excursions that should be on your radar:

1. Explore the Cenotes (Underwater Sinkholes)

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its cenotes, which are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock. These geological wonders reveal crystal-clear underground pools, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even diving. Some of the most breathtaking cenotes near Playa del Carmen include:

  • Cenote Dos Ojos: This stunning cenote features two connected pools, one open to the sky and the other underground. Dive or snorkel through the otherworldly formations and spot stalactites, stalagmites, and even fossils.
  • Gran Cenote: One of the most popular cenotes, Gran Cenote offers a otherworldly experience with its limestone formations, crystal-clear waters, and countless fish species.

2. Explore the Ancient Mayan Ruins

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization by visiting some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region. Two must-visit ruins near Playa del Carmen are:

  • Tulum: Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the walled city of Tulum is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved Mayan sites. Explore the El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the iconic El Palacio.
  • Chichen Itza: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is a massive complex featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Mayan culture and architecture.

No matter which excursions you choose, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya promise an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, rich history, and a taste of the vibrant Mexican culture.









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