Riviera Maya Vacation Packages

Starting on the east coast, Cancun’s got an epic party scene. Cozumel is the mecca for diving and snorkeling. On the west coast, if you’re into adventure, head to Mazatlan to explore historic ruins or hit Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo for a similar vibe, but a bit more upscale. For those who want to escape into the wilds of nature, Huatulco and Mazanillo are your places to explore. Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos have majestic mountains that kiss their beachy shores, along with amazing golf courses, breathtaking resorts and stunning beaches. But Cabo, situated at the tip of Baja, where the shimmering Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, not only has a hip party scene, it also has the iconic Los Arcos, where you can slow down and let the beguiling magic of Mexico wash over you.

Gotta love those mystical Mayans. They continue to be one of the most awe-inspiring cultures from the ancient world. One of the most iconic examples of these mysterious people is Tulum, a pre-Columbian city that was the major port for Coba between the 13th and 15th centuries, where one of the top trades was, of all things, obsidian–volcanic glass. Grab your walking shoes and get ready to meander around 60 well-preserved structures that are cloistered behind a big stone wall. After you’ve learned about all the enigmatic deities in their culture, marveled at how they constructed such an intricate, sturdy maze, take the staircase down to the sugar-white, sandy beach hugged by turquoise waves and cool off.

More Mayan goodness can be found at these spots. Back in the day (and we’re talking waaay back), Xcaret was once a Mayan port for departures to Cozumel. Since then, it’s evolved into a one-stop shop for exploring the ecology and culture of this unique area with 40 natural attractions: a butterfly pavilion, a beautiful coral reef aquarium, along with a funky cone-shaped Mayan cemetery. Afterwards, you can chill at the beach, swim with dolphins–or even sharks. Xel-ha, known as “the place where water is born,” is an incredible natural aquarium where the ocean and freshwater currents combine to create springs and underground rivers. While it may not be the exact birthplace of water, you'll seriously dig snorkeling and splashing through this rockin’ ecosystem of exotic birds, marine life and other animals. Don’t miss Sea Trek, where with the help of a specialized helmet, you can walk (and breathe) under water on the seabed–without any previous training–and ogle all the ocean eye candy.

These are not just ordinary turtles. They’re endangered green sea turtles. They can weigh up to 700 pounds and live until they’re 80. Their favorite thing to eat is sea grass and it’s found all over the bottom of the ocean floor. And they spend a good long time chowing down, so you can swim up and get a good look at them. Other passersby, like barracudas and sting rays, can be seen after you’ve taken the plunge, so bring your underwater camera and snag some fabulous photos.

Language: The main language in the Riviera Maya is Spanish, but many in the tourism industry speak English. Currency: The official currency is the peso, but USD is also accepted. Electricity: The standard electricity supply in the Riviera Maya is 110 volts with two-prong outlets Passport/Immigration: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport when traveling to and from Riviera Maya. Drinking Water: Drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. Time Zone: Central Standard Time (UTC/GMT -5 hours) Peak Season: The peak travel season for the Riviera Maya runs from December to April.

Rappel into a beautiful cenote to snorkel along the longest underground river system in the Yucatan Peninsula, fly over the canopy on thrilling zip lines, or take the helm of a 4x4 Mercedes Benz truck to see the jungle from the ground. A ceremony led by a local shaman and a buffet lunch round out this complete adventure in the Mayan jungle.

Included:

• Round-trip transportation in an a/c vehicle with capacity up to 12 passengers
• Ride in a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle
• Bilingual tour guide
• First aid trained staff
• Full snorkel and zip-line gear
• Towel
• Bottled water
• Fruit snacks and lunch buffet of home-made Yucatan food

Not Included:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Photographs
• Tips

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Swimwear
• Comfortable clothing
• Extra set of clothing
• Hat
• Sport shoes
• Boots or ankle strap sandals
• Cash for souvenirs or photographs
• Biodegradable insect repellent

Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm depending on your hotel. The duration is 4 hours.

Where to Go:
Meet in hotel lobby for pick up.

Age Restrictions:
It is not recommended for children younger than 6 years old.

Additional Information:
This expedition is not suitable for people with claustrophobia, physical and motor handicap, or heart problems. It is not suggested for over-sized people (over 264 pounds) or people who are not able to handle physical activity. It is not recommended for pregnant women. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate in this expedition.

Amstar DGT Cancun SA de CV - Cancun/Riviera Maya Phone Number: (011 52) 998 881 9500

Explore an underground river system that forms one of the water networks in the area. Head underground for a swim and a unique look at a subterranean world filled with thousands of stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Included:

• Round-trip transportation
• Bilingual guides
• Professional equipment for the activity (wet-suit, helmet and wet shoes)
• Lockers
• Towels
• Light lunch

Not Included: 

• Pictures
• Tips

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Swim wear
• Money
• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sun screen
• Towel
• Camera

Hours:
Daily, 9am and 1pm. Tour duration is 6 hours.

Where to Go:
Depends on your hotel location, confirm with your Amstar representative.

Age Restrictions:
Children under the age of 4 years old may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member.

Additional Information:
This expedition is not suitable for people with severe physical and motor handicap. Please confirm reservation 48 hours in advance with the Amstar Riviera Maya office or see your Amstar representative at your hotel upon arrival. Remember, no refund if unused.

Amstar DGT Cancun SA de CV - Cancun/Riviera Maya Phone Number: (011 52) 998 881 9500

Xplor takes you soaring over unspoiled Mayan jungle on zip lines, swimming in underground rivers, riding on amphibious vehicles and rafting through mystical underground waters. A place for thrill-seekers!

Included:

• English speaking guides
• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Entrance fee
• Zip-line gear
• Snorkeling equipment
• Amphibious vehicles
• Lockers
• Showers
• Towels
• Lunch buffet & drinks

Not Included:

• Tips
• USB memory with pictures that will be taken at all attractions

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Money
• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sun screen
• Hat or cap
• Mosquito repellent
• Camera

Hours:
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Pick up time depends on hotel of stay. Confirm times with Amstar rep.

Where to Go:
Meet in hotel lobby for pick up.

Age Restrictions:
This tour isn't recommended for children younger than 5. The minimum height for participation is 40 inches.

Additional Information:
This tour isn't recommended for pregnant women or people with severe physical handicaps, heart diseases, claustrophobia or asthma. The zip lines have a maximum of 300 pounds of weight per person. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs won't be allowed to take the tour. Please confirm reservation 48 hours before at the Amstar Cancun office or see your Amstar representative upon arrival. Remember, no refund if unused.

Amstar DGT Cancun SA de CV - Cancun/Riviera Maya Phone Number: (011 52) 998 881 9500

One of the hautest spots on this part of the Yucatan, this nosh spot boasts an open-fire grill and wood-burning oven. The menu includes snacks like luscious gorditas made from Oaxaca cheese and epazote. Small plates like grilled avocado, seasoned with aromatic salt, ponzu and almonds. Large plates like whole roasted fish with tomatillo salsa and cilantro. Desserts include guava cheesecake with amaranth graham cracker crust and raspberries. If you think this sounds delicious, wait until you experience the intoxicating atmosphere (and we’re not talking just the drinks). You’ll dine outside in a magical, open-air setting with the flora as your ceiling. Sparkly lights are hung from the trees, the drinks are stellar and the vibe is effortlessly chic.

Least you think Tulum is just a boring lot of dusty ruins, you’d be wrong. This iconic edifice on a towering cliff has blossomed into a haven–a backdrop–for hipsters from all over the world. You can thank many New Yorkers who have come in and converted a wild tangle of roots and trees into eco-boho-crunchy meccas, aka Soho in the Jungle. Gourmet spots, toney boutiques, green smoothie stands and yoga pants aplenty can be found in this tropical earth heaven. Bike riding is also the thing to do here and how everyone gets around.

After you’ve made the trek all around this imposing, vast Mayan complex and learned about all the half-human, half-animal deities, marveled at the meticulously sculpted corners of buildings and watched the iguanas bravely guard their scaly harem, you’ll be very happy to head down the stairs to the beach just below the ruins. The water is pure heaven: clear blue, perfect temp and refreshing beyond words.

Day of the Dead, otherwise known as Halloween most everywhere else, is a big, big party in Riviera Maya full of festivals and parades. But it’s not like your typical trick or treat thing: it lasts from October 31 to November 2. On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make altars and invite spirits of angelitos (the dead children) to visit. November 1, All Saints Day, the adults come to visit. And November 2, All Souls Day, is when families go to the graves to decorate those of their loved ones who have passed on. But it’s far from somber. All over this tropical wonderland, you’ll see faces painted, people in costumes and shrines set up to honor those they’ve lost. A totally unique experience to witness!

Beaching with the kiddos is always a blast, but sometimes with their limited attention spans, you might need some help. Enter, shipwrecks– sunken treasures and mysteries of the deep at the CEDAM Subaquatic Museum. Here, your munchkins can become engrossed in artifacts recovered from ship wrecks around the area that were discovered by early pioneers of diving, along with awesome relics from pirates, wenches and marine warfare.

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the second busiest airport in Mexico. With over 200 flights a day, Cancun International Airport has recently undergone a massive expansion project to accommodate the influx of passengers and cargo for years to come. For more information on current travel advisories for Mexico, please visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_6033.html

When you reach the arriving terminal, you’ll be guided to the immigration hall where you’ll form a line and wait for your turn with the immigration officer. Supply the officer with your passport and answer a few routine questions about the nature of your stay. Regarding customs, for US and European travelers, all you need to do is produce a current passport in order to enter and leave Riviera Maya.

Some travelers often have concerns about vacationing in Mexico. For the past several years, Cheapcaribbean.com has partnered with Amstar as our premier transportation company to provide safe, comfortable and professional transportation for our clients from the airport to and from your hotel and back. They’ll also provide transportation to any excursions booked through our site that you’d like to take while you’re in your destination. Amstar is also the official transportation rep for CheapCaribbean.com excursions when you book vacations to Mexico on our site. The majority of our partner hotels have an Amstar desk in or near the lobby so they’re easy to find, should you need them. For this reason, we suggest that our guests do not rent cars while in the Caribbean or Mexico as traffic laws and road quality and street signs are not the same as they are in the US.

The overall layout of Riviera Maya is tourist-friendly and easy to explore. If you need to get around the area, the bus is the preferred mode of transportation as it's both affordable and operates throughout the day. If you'd rather have some privacy, taxis are always available, but can be a bit expensive to use so make sure you agree upon the fare before getting in. Another popular way to get around Riviera Maya is by renting a car, but make sure the car is in good condition or the police may stop you.