Anyone been to the riviera maya, Mexico? Any hidden treasures I should check out? Something thats not obvious

Question

Anyone been to the riviera maya, Mexico? Any hidden treasures I should check out? Something thats not obvious

Answer 1

The Catolonia hotel the best ever! If your traveling with kid be aware of the topless women and men with G-strings (eww). Otherwise try to have a great time

Answer 2

I have been there twice and loved it.  Don't waste anytime going to Cancun as its all touristy.  Take a day trip to Chichen Itza (the Mayan pyramids).  When you get to your resort, check with their in-house excursion  coordinator.  If you can, go with the smallest group possible.  It may cost a little more, but your trip there and the tour you go on will be well worth it.  We also had a great time at Puerto Adventuro.  We did the dolphin swim and it was AWESOME.  Get the dvd and pics of the encounter.  It is an experience like no other.  I dont recommend going to Cozumel (too touristy with all the cruise lines that dock there) unless you want to dive on the reefs.  At least one night during the trip, go to Playa and have dinner.  Some of the best food (and cheapest) are located on 5th Avenue (I think...you cant miss it, as it the main street down by the ferries).  When I was there last, a hurricane had just passes and the zoo at Puerto Adventura was closed.  I heard it is a great place to go and have hands on experiences with exotic animals.  Just be careful, everywhere you go people will be trying to sell you excursions (trips).  Most resorts have someone who can set up these trips for you and you know you wont be ripped off.  If you want to let me know where you are staying i might can give you some more info.  my email is [e-mail].  Let me know if you have any more questions.

Answer 3

The only treasure I got the last time I went there was a major case of food poisoning.

Answer 4

I'm going in... two hours!

Answer 5

I used to live there. Now, about everybody giving you touristy recomendations, well... this place´s sole economy is based on tourism, they all want to sell you trips... but it is not bad, they want you to be happy, recomend them and come back.

The thing is, if you want to go on your own, you do have to remember there are different laws (especially road laws in Mexico than where you are from), though it can be done.

If you want to go off the obvious, avoid Xel-Ha and Xcaret, also Cancun and Puerto Aventuras, they have theme parks and everything is pre-fabricated and designed for tourists.

Pyramids: visit Tulum, Chichén Itzá (about 4 hours away from Mayan Riviera) and Coba.  

Ecotourism: dive!  if you have ever snorkeled you will love diving, though spending 3 days to get the basic diving course isn´t probably an option, try to get certified (Padi-OW) where you live and dive here, the visibility is incredible.

Cenotes: they are wonderful sinkholes, of crystal clear water and... you have to go.

Also, go to Playa del Carmen, walk the fifth avenue.  Basically ignore the people that tell you to go into their store, see the ones that have no one shouting at the door, these are real handcrafts.

Whatever you choose to do, i am sure you will enjoy it.

have a great holiday!!