Top 5 Mexican things to do in Riviera Maya

Top 5 Mexican things to do in Riviera Maya

There are hundreds of things to do in the Riviera Maya – that’s one of the reasons why it is such a popular destination. Snorkeling with whale sharks, riding jet skis, ziplining, tequila tasting – you name it! However, if you’re hungry for an authentic Mexican holiday, this is what you have to do:

• Travel before September 15th

September 16th is Mexico’s independence day. Nevertheless, it is celebrated the night of the 15th with the three F’s: fireworks, food, and fiesta! There’s a pretty big chance your resort will host a party to celebrate with a show, drinks and lots of food. But if you want to go full Mexican you can head downtown – To Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum – to the City Hall before midnight and watch the main event.

The independence war started with a scream – ¡Viva México! – So to commemorate this special date, the mayor shouts that phrase, among other things, from a balcony of the city hall. Hundreds of voices repeat after him, and finally, dozens of fireworks close the event. 

2. Eat outside of your resort

The best things to do in the Riviera Maya involve either eating or drinking. Our recommendation is to not settle for the food from your resort – go downtown and explore the city to find the most authentic flavors. They are usually on street stands and small restaurants – just ask the locals!

And if you’re afraid of what street food could do to your stomach, opt for the fancier version of exploring the city and check TripAdvisor for the best restaurants near you. Don’t worry about how to get there; Land Savvy has you covered with its personalized transfers.

3. Explore the local hot spots

The Riviera Maya is a long strip of land going from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen – check where your resort is located and find exciting places nearby. These could be cenotes, museums, archeological sites, beaches, etc. 

While going to touristy areas may not sound too Mexican, it definitely is because you get to understand what makes Mexico such a unique country.  

4. Soak in Mexico’s culture

The most cultural things to do in the Riviera Maya have to be, aside from eating, exploring archeological sites. These ancient ruins are full of history that you can learn about with a guide or by yourself with a brochure. And the best part is that the Riviera Maya has plenty of different archeological sites nearby like Chichen Itza, Uxmal, San Gervasio, El Meco, etc.

Another iconic cultural event is the Day of the Dead – this colorful celebration takes place from October 31st to November 2nd. An excellent way to form part of it is to assist to festivals like “El Festival de Vida y Muerte” in Xcaret or “Cena de las Ánimas” in Cancun. 

5. Tequila & Mezcal tastings! 

Finally, there is nothing more Mexican than enjoying life! And one of the most helpful tools for that is called Tequila! Get your yearly dose of tequila shots and dance to the beat of cumbias, bachatas, and reggaeton in popular night clubs like Coco Bongo. 

For an even more Mexican option, Xoximilco is a fantastic choice because it is a party that takes place in an authentic trajinera. It includes great food, drinks, and entertainment. Once again, don’t worry about having a designated driver. Land Savvy has round transfers from your hotel to Xoximilco, Coco Bongo, Chichen Itza, and most of the places mentioned in this blog post.