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Summary : The Riviera Maya 7-Night Itinerary
Day1
Welcome to the Riviera Maya!
Not long ago, the entire eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula consisted solely of virgin beaches with long, luxurious stretches of white sand, contrasting against the turquoise sea.
Today, a wealth of internationally-recognized hotels boasting all modern conveniences stand amid the spectacular natural beauty.
Relax and familiarize yourself with the hotel, restaurants and amenities offered to you. Our island representatives are ready to welcome and assist you.
Day2
All hotels offer a wide variety of breakfast selections (fresh tropical fruit and juices, omelets, waffles, or even such local specialties as re-fried beans.
Today you can enjoy the main attraction that the Riviera Maya has to offer, its endless beaches. Here you will find the same powdery white sandy beaches as in Cancun -- but in the Riviera Maya an offshore reef and the Island of Cozumel break the waves, making the surf gentler.
Tonight is a great night to check out the main thoroughfare of Playa del Carmen known as Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue. Only 10 blocks long, you can dine at one of the many outdoor, international eateries, as well as shop for an assortment of handicrafts from all over Mexico. Specialty stores here live up to their name - they feature such goods as masks, handmade jewelry and pottery that would virtually be impossible to find in New York, Rome or even Paris. Here the people are both fun-loving and friendly.
Day3
Today we invite you to cross the Great Maya Reef on a 45-minute boat ride to Mexico's largest inhabited Caribbean island, Cozumel. Only 10 miles wide and 28 miles long, a car or moped can easily take you along its coastal highway.
The internationally famous Palancar reef is located just a few minutes offshore and is a favorite destination for qualified divers. There are many other reefs of incredible beauty and diversity that are suitable for snorkeling, such as Chankanaab Lagoon (a national park) where the reef is just off shore. One can rent snorkeling equipment or try a beginner's dive course. The park also hosts a botanical garden, museum and a magnificent beach for sun worshiping.
Early afternoon is the best time to explore the main town of San Miguel where the principal commercial activity takes place. (The main square is another good place to sample margaritas.)
Tonight we recommend a long leisurely dinner at one of the specialty restaurants in your hotel, remember to make reservations one day in advance!
Day4
Today we invite you to take a short trip down the coast to visit Aktunchen, which in Mayan means "cave with underground river inside." The park is an area of almost 1,000 acres of unexplored Rainforest in which the only thing that has been exploited is the gum of the local tree called "chicozapote."
At the park, a specialized guide will welcome you and escort you on an hour-long journey. You will learn the use that the ancient Mayas gave to the caves and about the formation process of stalactites and stalagmites, which may remind you of a Gothic church. After touring all the formations in the cave, you will be mesmerized as you stand in front of a breathtaking "cenote" of crystal clear water and a no less magnificent vault with thousands of stalactites all formed by water and calcium carbonate throughout five million years. Incomparable!
Later you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the Palapa where you may see some of the local wildlife such as white tail deer, spider monkeys, badgers, wild boars, iguanas and colorful local birds.
This afternoon we want you to relax and enjoy the modern comforts of your hotel, soak up the sunshine at the beach, enjoy a lazy margarita or even be pampered by a soothing aromatherapy massage.
Day5
Today we suggest you put a visit Chichen-Itza Archaeological site, the capital of the Mayan Empire, on your agenda. This is one of the most advanced civilizations in the human history. Professional guides, certified by the secretary of tourism, will escort you through the major center of Mysticism, dedicated to the Sun, the Phallus and the Serpent. It is said that to know the true feeling of Chichen Itza it is necessary to interpret the carvings on each of the temples while in a mystical frame of mind. There will be plenty of time for you to do so at your own pace. Dinner in an exotic Mayan restaurant with folkloric entertainment is included, as well as some time to relax. You can stay and experience the Light and Sound show this evening, where you will have a chance to hear, see and feel the experience of a majestic Mayan night. You will arrive late at your hotel this evening, but the full day will have been well worth it, you'll see!
Day6
This morning you can enjoy a long walk to one of the many secluded beaches. Bathing au natural is quite acceptable in Mexico. Collect shells to bring home. Or even participate in that beach volleyball game you've been watching.
On this night, we often offer a Bon Voyage party at Senor Frogs. We'll pick you up and take you along with our other guests to the famous pier side landmark. There, we can live it up under the stars, pier dancing to popular and reggae music while cashing in on our all-you-can-drink promise. There is supposed to be magic in tequile. It's a great way to enjoy your last evening.
Day7
Today it is time for us to say good by! We'll make sure that you get to the airport on time with your blankets, sombreros and all. And even though it's time to say good-bye, we know that you will treasure the places you visited, the friends you made. We hope you'll return someday to the Mayan Riviera that long ago was the chosen ground of Mayan Kings!
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