Mexico · Quintana Roo · Cancun and Riviera Maya
What to see and do in Cancun and Riviera Maya
Tulum, Xcaret and Playa Delfines have different accesses.
Choose your base and distribute the visits: Tulum is south of Playa del Carmen and Playa Delfines in Cancun. Xcaret is a private park between both areas. Each day requires its own transfer; the entrance to one park does not cover the other places.
Duration, budget and itinerary: editorial suggestions adjustable to your trip. No prices or availability in real time.
What to visit in Cancun and Riviera Maya · archeology, park and Caribbean
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES
What to do in Cancun and Riviera Maya · archeology, park and Caribbean
heritage
Tulum Archaeological Site
Maya structures beside the Caribbean distinguish this former walled port. The archaeological site is part of an area with several facilities and admission fees.
Activities for your visit
- Tour the enabled areas of the Mayan site.
- Contemplate the coast from authorized points.
Tips for this place
- Confirm access and all concepts before purchasing.
- Access to the beach from the archaeological zone is not promised.
The current INAH file indicates that its fees include charges from CONANP and/or Grupo Mundo Maya. Confirm the concepts included in your category and avoid adding old rates again. The archaeological zone, the park and services such as a guide, transfers or parking have conditions that you must review before paying.
Reference sources and location
Approximate reference of the place according to its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.
Reference coordinates: 20.2151, -87.4291.
nature
Xcaret Park
The private park of the Riviera Maya combines water tours, natural spaces and cultural presentations. Their admission modalities have different services and inclusions.
Activities for your visit
- Choose the attractions included in your modality.
- Consult the cultural programming of the day.
Tips for this place
- Compare basic and Plus admission before purchasing.
- Check if transportation is included in your reservation.
Buy directly from Xcaret for the chosen date and review the modality's inclusions. Transportation, food and optional activities depend on the product; The entrance does not replace that of Tulum or other parks in the group.
Reference sources and location
Approximate reference of the place according to its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.
Reference coordinates: 20.5808, -87.119.
beach
Playa Delfines · Cancún viewpoint
This public beach in the Hotel Zone offers a wide landscape of the Caribbean and the viewpoint with the letters of Cancun. It is a stop to walk and enjoy the views depending on the sea conditions.
Activities for your visit
- Contemplate the Caribbean from the viewpoint.
- Walk through the enabled public area.
Tips for this place
- The surf can be strong: follow flags and lifeguards.
- The photo with the letters may require waiting your turn.
Cancun Tourism indicates free access to Playa Delfines and its viewpoint. You don't need to book a tour or hotel pass; Rentals and other optional services are paid separately.
Reference sources and location
Approximate reference of the place according to its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.
Reference coordinates: 21.0603, -86.7796.
A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF
3-day itinerary in Cancun and Riviera Maya · archeology, park and Caribbean
- Day 1
Tulum Archaeological Site
Check all applicable admission fees and access conditions before paying, and visit only authorized areas.
- Day 2
Xcaret
Reserve the chosen modality and date; Confirm if it includes transfer from your base.
- Day 3
Playa Delfines
Spend time transferring to the Cancun Hotel Zone and visiting the public beach depending on sea conditions.
How to plan Tulum, Xcaret and Cancún
Choose your base before booking: these are three separate days, and you can change their order to suit your accommodation. Xcaret gives approximate travel times of 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, 45 from Tulum and one hour from Cancún airport; these are not guaranteed journey times from your hotel. Allow extra time for traffic, pickups and the return trip.
Tulum in the morning
INAH lists opening at 8:00 a.m. and last entry at 3:30 p.m. Consider visiting the archaeological site in the morning and leaving the afternoon for a rest or the journey back to your base. Check the current opening hours, admission charges and access arrangements before you go.
Set aside a separate day for Xcaret
Check the activity and show schedule before planning your day. Basic admission includes Xcaret México Espectacular; Plus adds one buffet meal and a locker in the Plus Area, but not transport. If you add a transfer, confirm pickup and return arrangements before booking another timed visit.
Check the forecast well before your visit
Check the date-change terms if the weather affects your plans. Xcaret’s bad-weather guarantee must be arranged 24 hours before your visit, and same-day date changes are not allowed; restrictions apply to specific products or promotions. Do not assume that rain automatically entitles you to a refund.
Keep another option for the beach
Playa Delfines can be a stop for a walk and the viewpoint without entering the water. Decide whether to swim based on the flags and beach staff’s instructions; the itinerary does not guarantee suitable swimming conditions.
- INAH · Tulum opening hours and access
- Xcaret · admission options and included services
- Xcaret · location and approximate journey times
- Xcaret · date changes and bad weather
Editorial content by SoyTurista PR.
This section reviewed: .
Official INAH and Xcaret sources checked for entry hours, admission options, approximate journey times and bad-weather date changes. The morning/afternoon order is an editorial suggestion; journeys were not checked in person, and traffic, capacity and availability were not verified.
Tips for visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya · archeology, park and Caribbean
- In Tulum, it confirms the INAH, CONANP and Jaguar Park concepts.
- Check beach warning flags and consult the lifeguards before entering the sea.
LOCAL FLAVORS
What to eat in Cancun and Riviera Maya · archeology, park and Caribbean
Six flavors to explore Mexico: tacos al pastor, mole poblano, Oaxacan tlayudas, cochinita pibil, birria from Jalisco and fish tacos from Baja. Each guide highlights their regional cuisine; Photos identify your location where indicated and do not represent a recommended restaurant.
Mexico City and taquerias in the country
Tacos al pastor
Small tortillas with marinated pork sliced from a trompo (vertical rotisserie). They are usually topped with onion, cilantro, salsa and, depending on the taqueria, pineapple. They are one of the best-known flavors of Mexico City's street food and are also found in many other Mexican destinations.
Reference: Mexico City Tourism · Street Food
Yucatan and peninsula · Annatto and sour orange
Cochinita pibil
Pork marinated with annatto, sour orange and spices, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earth oven. It is served in tacos, tortas (Mexican sandwiches) or panuchos, with pickled onion and sauces to taste. The image shows a homemade version in a clay pot.
Reference: Ministry of Agriculture · Cochinita pibil
Sources to prepare your visit
- INAH · current information on admission to Tulum
- Xcaret · official ticket purchase
- Cancun Tourism · Playa Delfines and free access
Reference location: INAH · Tulum Archaeological Zone and concepts included.
Reference of a place in the guide; It does not represent the entire region or a route between visits.
Editorial content by SoyTurista PR, based on the linked sources. Confirm details with each provider before traveling.
Report a change to this guide. Include its URL and an official source if available.
Continue discovering Mexico
Check out more guides and combine places that fit your interests.
All Mexico guides →