Tours & Activities
From sacred cenotes to ancient ruins — your complete guide to the best excursions and adventures in the Riviera Maya.
Cenote Tours
Swim in Ancient Underground Wonders
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to over 6,000 cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Cenote tours from Playa del Carmen and Tulum visit open-air, semi-open, and underground cenotes, where you can swim, snorkel, cliff-jump, and explore caverns adorned with stalactites and dangling tree roots.
Best For
Swimmers, nature lovers, photographers, families
Duration
Half day (4–5 hours) or full day (8 hours for multi-cenote tours)
Best Time
Early morning (8–10 AM) for the best light and fewer crowds
What to Expect
- Visit 2–4 cenotes in a single tour, each with its own unique character
- Swim in crystal-clear turquoise water filtered naturally through limestone
- Snorkel among fish and submerged rock formations in open cenotes
- Explore cave cenotes with dramatic stalactites and light beams piercing the darkness
- Cliff-jump from natural platforms (optional, ranging from 3 to 10 meters)
- Learn about Maya mythology and the spiritual significance of cenotes from expert guides
Insider Tips
- Biodegradable sunscreen only — regular sunscreen is banned to protect the ecosystem
- Bring an underwater camera or GoPro — cenote photos are absolutely stunning
- Some cenotes have cold water (around 24°C / 75°F) — it's refreshing but be prepared
- Wear water shoes for rocky entries and jungle paths between cenotes
- Private tours offer more flexibility and less crowded access to hidden cenotes
- Multi-cenote tours often include lunch — check what's included before you book
Featured Experiences
Cenote Suytún
Iconic platform in the center of a domed cave with a single light beam
Cenote Ik Kil
A deep open cenote near Chichén Itzá with hanging vines and waterfalls
Gran Cenote
Crystal-clear snorkeling with turtles near Tulum
Cenote Dos Ojos
Twin cenotes connected by underwater caves — world-class diving
ATV & Jungle Adventures
Off-Road Through the Maya Jungle
Tear through the dense Riviera Maya jungle on powerful all-terrain vehicles, navigating dirt trails, muddy paths, and ancient stone roads. ATV tours combine adrenaline-pumping off-road driving with stops at cenotes, Maya villages, and hidden jungle clearings for a truly immersive Yucatán experience.
Best For
Thrill-seekers, couples, groups, adventure lovers
Duration
2–4 hours depending on the route
Best Time
Morning tours are cooler; afternoon tours offer dramatic jungle light
What to Expect
- Drive single or double ATVs through jungle trails with expert guide leading the way
- Navigate through mud pits, rocky terrain, and shaded forest canopies
- Stop at a cenote mid-route for a refreshing swim
- Visit a traditional Maya community and learn about local customs
- Try zip-lining over the jungle canopy at select combined tours
- Enjoy fresh fruit and traditional drinks at rest stops
Insider Tips
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy — you WILL get dirty
- Closed-toe shoes are required — no sandals or flip-flops allowed
- Bring a bandana or face cover for dusty trails
- Single ATVs are more fun for experienced drivers; doubles are great for couples
- Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off — confirm when booking
- Minimum age is typically 6 for passengers and 16 for drivers (with valid ID)
Featured Experiences
Jungle ATV + Cenote Combo
2-hour ATV ride through jungle trails ending with a cenote swim
Maya Village Experience
ATV ride to a remote village with traditional lunch and cultural exchange
Extreme Off-Road
Advanced trails with mud, hills, and river crossings for experienced riders
ATV + Zip-line + Cenote
The ultimate triple combo — drive, fly, and swim in one adventure
Archaeological Site Excursions
Walk Among Ancient Maya Cities
The Yucatán Peninsula was the heartland of the ancient Maya civilization, and its ruins are among the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Americas. Guided tours from local operators visit Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Cobá, with a guide to explain the history, astronomy, and architecture.
Best For
History buffs, culture enthusiasts, families, photographers
Duration
Full day (8–10 hours including transportation) or half day for Tulum
Best Time
Early morning departure (6–7 AM) to beat crowds and midday heat
What to Expect
- Guided walk through world-famous archaeological sites
- Learn about Maya astronomy, mathematics, architecture, and daily life
- Photograph iconic structures like El Castillo, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Nohoch Mul pyramid
- Explore lesser-known areas and hidden structures most tourists miss
- Enjoy traditional Yucatecan lunch at a local restaurant or hacienda
- Combine with cenote stops for swimming on the return journey
Insider Tips
- Chichén Itzá: Arrive at opening (8 AM) — by 11 AM it's packed with bus tour groups
- Tulum: The ocean-view ruins are the most photogenic at sunrise — book the earliest slot
- Cobá: climbing Nohoch Mul is no longer allowed (closed since 2020); the bike paths through the jungle are the draw
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of water
- Private tours offer flexibility to skip the crowds and visit at your own pace
- Chichén Itzá + Cenote Ik Kil + Valladolid is a popular full-day combination
Featured Experiences
Chichén Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the iconic pyramid of Kukulcán
Tulum
Stunning clifftop ruins overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea
Cobá
Jungle ruins linked by long paths, with the 42 m Nohoch Mul pyramid (no climbing since 2020)
Ek Balam
Beautifully preserved stucco frieze and fewer crowds than Chichén Itzá
Snorkeling & Diving
Explore the World's Second-Largest Reef
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-largest coral reef system on Earth — runs along the Riviera Maya coast, offering world-class snorkeling and diving with incredible marine biodiversity. From swimming with sea turtles in Akumal to diving the famous underwater museum MUSA, snorkel and dive tours visit some of the Caribbean's best underwater landscapes.
Best For
Snorkelers, certified divers, marine life enthusiasts, couples
Duration
Half day (3–5 hours) or full day for multi-site diving
Best Time
Morning for calmest waters and best visibility; whale shark season is June–September
What to Expect
- Snorkel alongside sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish in protected bays
- Dive the underwater sculpture museum MUSA with 500+ submerged art installations
- Explore coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and barracuda
- Night diving and cenote diving options for certified advanced divers
- All gear provided; instruction included for beginners
- Boat trips to offshore reefs with panoramic Caribbean views
Insider Tips
- Akumal Bay is the best spot for sea turtle encounters — almost guaranteed year-round
- MUSA diving requires Open Water certification; snorkeling the shallow section is also available
- Cenote diving (Dos Ojos, The Pit) is a bucket-list experience for certified divers
- Whale shark snorkeling (June–September) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — book early
- Apply biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water
- If prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boat departures
Featured Experiences
Akumal Sea Turtle Snorkeling
Swim with green and loggerhead sea turtles in a protected bay
MUSA Underwater Museum
500+ submerged sculptures creating artificial reefs off Cancún
Cozumel Reef Diving
World-renowned wall dives with 60m+ visibility and drift currents
Cenote Dos Ojos Diving
Crystal-clear cave diving through connected underground cenotes
Zip-lining & Rappelling
Fly Over the Jungle Canopy
Soar above the treetops on zip-line circuits that span the Riviera Maya jungle, or rappel into deep cenotes and limestone sinkholes for an adrenaline rush like no other. These aerial adventures combine stunning views, physical thrills, and the lush natural beauty of the Yucatán in unforgettable ways.
Best For
Adrenaline seekers, active families, team-building groups
Duration
2–4 hours
Best Time
Morning for cooler temperatures and better light for photos
What to Expect
- Fly across zip-line circuits with lines up to 800 meters long over the jungle
- Rappel down into cenotes from 15–30 meter heights
- Cross hanging bridges and navigate aerial obstacle courses
- Combine with cenote swimming and jungle walks for a full-day adventure
- Professional safety equipment and certified guides at all times
- Superman-style zip-lines for the ultimate flying sensation
Insider Tips
- Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes — you'll work up a sweat
- Secure cameras and phones with lanyards or leave them with your guide
- If you're afraid of heights, start with shorter lines and work up — guides are very supportive
- Gloves are usually provided but bring your own if you prefer
- Most circuits have weight limits (typically 45–115 kg) — check when booking
- Combined zip-line + cenote + ATV packages offer the best value
Featured Experiences
Jungle Zip-line Circuit
10+ lines spanning the canopy with platforms in ancient trees
Cenote Rappelling
Descend into a deep cenote on a rope, then swim in the underground pool
Superman Zip-line
Fly face-down over the jungle at speeds up to 60 km/h
Aerial Adventure Park
Obstacle course, hanging bridges, and zip-lines in one circuit
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Contact us for help planning tours, custom multi-day itineraries, or activities to add to your Xcaret hotel stay.