The must-do things in Cancun and the Riviera Maya: Experiences you'll remember long after your tan fades

I've been sending clients to Cancun and the Riviera Maya for years, and I still get excited every time someone books this trip. There's a version of this destination that some people never see: the one full of ancient cities, hidden cenotes, and reefs that have been growing since before recorded history, and adventures that take it all in. That's the version I want for you.

But I also know this region has its share of tourist traps, and I'd rather you hear it from me now than learn it the hard way at the airport. So here's my honest list: the experiences I tell every client not to miss, and the things I tell them to walk right past.

Swim in a cenote

I promise you, nothing quite prepares you for your first cenote. A cenote is a natural freshwater sinkhole formed thousands of years ago when limestone caves collapsed, revealing crystal-clear underground water. The ancient Maya believed these sacred pools were gateways to the underworld.

Today, they're simply magical.

Some are open to the sky, surrounded by jungle. Others are hidden inside caves where sunlight filters through openings above, creating beams of light that look almost unreal.

The water is refreshingly cool, incredibly clear, and unlike anywhere else you'll ever swim. There are literally hundreds of these throughout the Yucatan Peninsula; they’re so fun!

Don’t forget to bring:

• Water shoes

• Swimsuit

• Biodegradable sunscreen only (or skip sunscreen before entering to help protect the fragile ecosystem)

• Waterproof camera or waterproof phone protector

Visit Isla Mujeres

If I'm booking you in the Cancun area, I'm going to push for a day on Isla Mujeres. A short ferry ride gets you to this small island, and the pace shifts the second you step off the boat. Golf carts instead of taxis, beach clubs instead of resort pools, and an easy energy that feels like a separate vacation tucked inside your vacation.

One of the highlights is Playa Norte, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. The water is shallow, calm, and every shade of blue imaginable. Every time a client comes back from there, they tell me the same thing: the water is so shallow and calm you can wade out a hundred feet and still stand. And, bonus: Isla Mujeres is a great place to avoid the seaweed found in some places along the coast.

Snorkel Cozumel's reef

If you're staying near Playa del Carmen, I'm getting you to Cozumel. That reef system is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The visibility is exceptional, the marine life is everywhere, and the drift snorkeling (where the current gently carries you along the reef) means you barely have to work for one of the best views of your trip.

I know it sounds like the obvious tourist activity. It's obvious because it's that good.

Depending on where you go, you may see:

• Sea turtles

• Eagle rays

• Colorful tropical fish

• Coral gardens

• Nurse sharks (harmless to people)

• Occasionally dolphins

Even if you've never snorkeled before, there are beginner-friendly excursions with experienced guides.

Explore the ancient Mayan cities

The Riviera Maya isn't just beaches.

It's home to some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Americas.

Tulum

The only major Mayan city built directly on the Caribbean Sea.

Its dramatic cliffs overlooking turquoise water make it one of Mexico's most photographed historic sites.

Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The iconic pyramid of El Castillo is just the beginning. The site also features an enormous ball court, observatory, temples, and fascinating engineering that still amazes archaeologists today.

It's worth arriving early before both the crowds and the afternoon heat.

Cobá

If you like a little adventure with your history, Cobá is a favorite.

Unlike many archaeological sites, much of Cobá remains surrounded by jungle. Walking—or renting a bicycle—to explore the ancient roads adds to the experience.

Its towering Nohoch Mul pyramid remains one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in the region, and simply standing beneath it gives you a sense of just how impressive this civilization was.

Catch Xcaret's Mexico Espectacular night show

Even if you don't spend the entire day at Xcaret Park, the evening show alone is worth planning around.

Xcaret's evening show tells the story of Mexico through music, dance, and theater, and it's genuinely one of the best cultural performances I've seen at any resort destination. Expect elaborate costumes, a full cast, and a finale that pulls the whole night together in a way photos never quite capture. I like pairing it with a full day at the park, exploring the rivers, cenotes, and wildlife exhibits before the show starts.

Spend a day at Xplor

If there’s only one day outside the resort for you, I will always recommend spending it at Xplor. Xplor has a little bit of everything:

• Some of the highest ziplines in Riviera Maya

• Underground rivers

• Amphibious ATV’s through jungle trails

• Cave rafting

• Hammock splash landings

• Underground caverns

This is a full day all-inclusive experience, not a quick stop. It's especially great for multigenerational groups, where I've watched teenagers and grandparents both come back grinning.

Bonus experiences

If you have extra time, these are also fantastic additions:

• Snorkel with sea turtles near Akumal (always with responsible, conservation-minded operators)

• Take a sunset catamaran cruise

• Explore Puerto Morelos, a charming fishing village with a laid-back atmosphere

• Visit Valladolid when combining a trip to Chichen Itza

• Book a traditional temazcal ceremony if you're interested in wellness and local culture

Listening to a timeshare rep

Now, here's what I need you to avoid

Airport timeshare reps. 

The moment you land, people may approach you offering a "free" shuttle, gift, or excursion in exchange for sitting through a presentation. These presentations run long, get high-pressure fast, and are built to wear you down until you buy. I call them the 3-hour, $20,000 trip add-on that you never wanted. Smile, say no thank you, and keep walking. If a stranger at the airport seems unusually generous, there's a reason.

Airport taxi scams. 

Skip the taxi stands right outside arrivals unless you already know the fixed rate. I always pre-arrange transportation for my clients, which takes this whole headache off your plate. If you ever do hop in a taxi on your own, agree on the price before you get in, not after.

Tours booked from street vendors. 

Anyone approaching you on the beach or sidewalk with a "great deal" on a tour is not someone I want handling your day. These bookings often skip real insurance, come with unreliable guides, and leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong. Let me book it through a trusted operator instead. It's what I'm here for.

A few more things I always tell my clients

Pack reef-safe sunscreen. Many cenotes and protected reef areas require it, and some will actually check before letting you in the water.

Bring small bills. Pesos come in handy if you’re going to be outside your resort on your own much: use them for tips, small purchases, and any moment where a large bill just creates a hassle for everyone. But if your excursions are pre-booked and you’re at a resort, you probably won’t even need pesos. Dollar bills will be just fine.

Don't overplan. This region rewards a slower pace. I always build in room for a lazy beach afternoon, enjoying the water and the sun.

Hydrate more than you think you need to. Between the heat, the humidity, and the excitement of exploring, it's easy to underestimate how much water your body actually needs here.

I love this destination, and I love sending people to it, to discover how amazing the Mexican Caribbean is. If you're ready to start planning, reach out and let's build a trip that hits the best things on this list, minus every headache on it too.