Picking a Park on the Riviera Maya — Xcaret or Xel-Ha?
Xcaret and Xel-Ha are two of the most popular parks in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Ideally, both places will be on your list. But if your time is limited, which one should you choose?
Mexico
For both of us, early trips to Mexico when we were children were transformative experiences. We both remember the poverty and nearly third-world status of our neighbors to the south. Those days are long gone. By nearly every economic measure, Mexico is a middle-class country. There’s still a disparity and our dollars go further, but Mexico has changed…for the better.
In recent years, we’ve fallen in love with this beautiful country; it’s proud, hard-working people; and the food…the food we love above all others. From scuba diving in Cozumel to the beaches of Riviera Maya, this is one of our favorite places on the planet to visit! But there’s so many other things to do here: swimming in cenotes, zip-lining in the forest canopy, whale-watching in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, hiking in the mountains, and wandering the narrow lanes of local markets in nearly every town you visit. Here are some of our favorite experiences in Mexico.
How to Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal, Mexico
The highlight of our entire trip to Mexico was a visit to Akumal bay for a snorkeling adventure to swim with green sea turtles in the wild. Akumal is a wonderful day in the sun and the sea, where the turtles are the stars of the show.
Soaring and Swimming at Mexico’s Xplor Adventure Park
When’s the last time you soared above the treetops or swam in an underground river surrounded by million-year-old stalactites? At Xplor adventure park in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, these are just two of the exciting ways to spend the day.
Mexico’s Intriguing Wine Country: The Valle de Guadalupe
In Mexico, we discovered one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Yes, you heard that right: Mexican wine. In the Valle de Guadalupe wineries, we found viticultural excellence.
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico
The colors, sights, and frenetic energy of the festival came flying at us. There were people everywhere—some in traditional clothing searching for the face painting station, some making their way to the next cultural performance, some just looking for the nearest taco stand. We were swept up in it all.
The Oasis of Hacienda Tres Rios
The Hacienda Tres Rios is an ecological oasis amid the busy resorts of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast. It’s a great base to explore the Riviera Maya.
Defy Your Senses at Xenses Park in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Xenses park defies explanation. And that’s kind of the point.
Adventure on the Ruta de Los Cenotes
Visiting a cenote is one of the most popular things to do on a trip to Mexico. These fresh water sinkholes are the perfect way to cool off after exploring the Mayan ruins or simply on a hot day. This is the Ruta de Los Cenotes (or the Cenotes Trail).
Just Be In the Moment at Hotel B Cozumel
The Hotel B Cozumel is the perfect home away from home for a relaxing vacation. This is the place for scuba diving or simply to just be in the moment.
Close Encounters of the Shark Kind on a Cozumel Dive
Before heading to Mexico, we knew we wanted to go scuba diving in Cozumel. But we had no idea that our trip would end with an extremely close encounter with sharks!