Mexico

Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this archaeological site is a major bucket list adventure. Chichen Itza was the center of pilgrimage for the ancient Mayan civilization for over a thousand years, and El Castillo is the infamous pyramid dominating all of the temples.

Cenotes

These underground water holes are native to the Yucatán Peninsula, which result from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes the water underneath. Because the water has been filtered through the ground, cenote waters are super clear! 

Legend has it that the Mayans used cenotes for sacrificial offerings, and in recent years, divers have found human skeletons in the depths of the underwater caves that are thousands of years old! Don’t worry - there are plenty of cenotes to casually swim in without taking a deep dive into the caves.

Beach life

There are 2 miles of white sandy beaches in Playa that line the coast of the Riviera Maya along the Caribbean Sea. The beachfront comes to life from sunrise til sunset as the main hub of activity for beachgoers, water sports, outdoor movies & festivals, and al fresco dining. You’ll be spoiled for choice with all of the different beaches that each have a unique vibe. And since daily life revolves around the beach clubs, restaurants, and dive shops that dot the coast, the beach will be the centerpiece of anyone’s time here.

Authentic Mexico

There’s more to Playa del Carmen than tropical bliss. You’re in the epicenter of one of the most ancient civilizations, where the pyramids still stand and many heritage sites and museums exist to preserve its history. Mexican culture is all around in the open-air markets where you’ll learn the art of local haggling and in the authentic Mexican cuisine you can’t find anywhere else. The Riviera Maya may look different than the larger, land-locked cities throughout Mexico but you’ll have just as many opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture.

Scuba and snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling take on a whole new meaning in Playa because the waters - both fresh cenotes and ocean - are at the crossroads of both marine life AND ancient civilization. Two for the price of one! Dive the caves and sinkholes where the remains of prehistoric animals have been found, go turtle watching out in the reefs, or explore the shipwrecks not far off the coast. There is an abundance of diverse sea life you won’t see anywhere else, so pack that your GoPro!