discover mexico

destinations

C I T I E S | riviera maya

  • playa del carmen | a pedestrian-friendly coastal resort town often simply referred to as “playa”. one of jorge + aracely’s favorite travel destinations. be sure to stay at one of the many boutique hotels near quinta avenida. you will have access to the best shopping, restaurants, bars + nightlife. the beaches at nearby tulum and cancun are better, but the atmosphere in playa is unmatched.

  • tulum | turquoise waters, preserved mayan ruins and wellness-focused everything. if you are looking for a place to drink green smoothies and practice yoga on the sand, this is the place for you.

  • isla holbox | a car-free island with crystal-clear waters; the kind you see on instagram fully equipped with beach swings. it is laid back and cool. sometimes referred to as “new tulum”.

  • bacalar | a sleepy lagoon of seven colors near the belize border. the latest trending mexican beach destination has arrived. check it out before swarms of tourists kill the vibe.

  • valladolid | another spanish influenced city brimming with sixteenth century colonial charm. if you are making your way between merida and cancun, this place is worth the stop.

H O T E L S | riviera maya

  • thompson | playa del carmen | adults-only luxury boutique hotel perfectly positioned right off quinta avenida. fully equipped with the best rooftop infinity pool in playa. if you do not stay here, definitely consider purchasing a day pass to enjoy the 360-pool views, good food and chill electronic beats.

  • grand hyatt | playa del carmen | luxury beachfront resort with every amenity imaginable. picturesque pool views and a holistic spa sanctuary.

  • xcaret arte | playa del carmen | a sprawling 900-room all-inclusive resort with a unique concept celebrating mexican artisanry. schedule your choice of art classes; including pottery, textile making, dance + others. choose from twelve on-site restaurants, two of which have michelin star stand out chefs.

  • hm playa | playa del carmen | a hip moderately priced hotel centrally located within walking distance to everything.

  • habitas | bacalar | luxury teepee style accommodations. this wellness retreat is made for the health-nuts that are looking to disconnect from everything but

  • kapok | bacalar | conceived on principles of regenerative living and built using a bio-architecture approach emphasizing local materials, this retreat is a truly a place to heal and renew.

  • casa del jaguar | isa mujeres | barefoot luxury located on the pristine beaches of world renowned isla mujeres.

  • el nido | holbox | a minimalist meets boho boutique hotel equipped with all the necessary amenities for modern mexican vacation.

attractions

B E A C H E S | riviera maya

  • isla mujeres | a small walkable island in the caribbean sea known directly across from cancun. you can snorkel or scuba dive in the turquoise waters and surrounding corral reefs.

  • cozumel | located in the second-largest coral reef system in the world, snorkeling + diving afficionados will be delighted to visit this island located directly accross from playa del carmen.

  • bacalar | closet to the belize border than to the main-stream mayan riviera tourist destinations, it is roughly 2h 30m driving from tulum. definitely worth hike if you are looking to make a daytrip some of the most pristine waters found in mexico. consider adding chetumal to the agenda to experience another sleepy mexican port town.

  • isla holbox | the beaches here are shallow and crystal clear. plenty of laid-back places to eat and some of the best street art found in mexico. you can access the island from the port in chiquila; approximately 1h 45m from playa del carmen.

R U I N S | riviera maya

  • zona arqueologica de tulum | perfectly preserved sixteenth century mayan ruins. located within walking distance from the tulum hotel zone. make a stop at playa pescadores after your visit for a well rounded sun-drenched day.

  • zona arqueologica de muyil | strategically located in the sian kaan biosphere, your journey will take you through easily walkable lush jungle. consider adding nearby coba to your day’s agenda.

  • more | follow the link for more archeological sites found nearby + throughout greater mexico.

C E N O T E S | riviera maya

  • gran cenote | an expansive collection of underwater caves with crystal clear waters. the cool fresh water is the perfect antidote to the heat + humidity.

  • sac actun | part of the longest underwater cave network in the world, this cenote is located 35 min driving from tulum centro. if underground freshwater caves are really your thing, consider combining with a trip to dos ojos that is located just 8 min driving from sac actun.

  • dos ojos | probably the most popular cenote in the area. located 30 min driving from tulum centro. it is called “two-eyes” because it is actually two cenotes connected by an underwater tunel.

  • more | follow the link if freshwater cave dips are your thing and you would like to know more about other cenotes found nearby.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T | riviera maya

  • coco bongo | a non-stop party with amazing impersonations + wild shows; think vegas style show-girls and acrobats dancing to the theme of your favorite movie. located just steps off quinta avenida in playa del carmen. even if this isn’t your thing, we recommed everyone experience it at least once.

  • xcaret | an eco-archeological water/theme park with a full day of activities culminating in a nightime show honoring the distinct history of mexico.

  • xoximilco | a mexican floating fiesta. if you have been fortunate enough to visit the original xochimilco in cdmx, than you will have an understanding of the amount of fun it is to hop on a raft, eat, drink + dance the night away.