Riviera Maya & Yucatan: Top Sightseeing Tour Reviews

Thinking of visiting the Riviera Maya or Yucatan and want someone to show you around? Very, very cool! There are lots of amazing tour options that really give you different perspectives on what the place is all about. From checking out super old Mayan ruins to chilling in cool, underwater caves (cenotes), there’s pretty much something for everyone. What follows will cover some solid sightseeing tours, hitting up what’s worth the time and, just maybe, giving you a little heads-up about some hidden gems you might seriously want to know about before you finalize those holiday plans. What’s great? You might uncover your next great adventure right here. You can explore some cultural tour.

Chichen Itza Early Access Tour

Been wanting to get up close and personal with one of the New Seven Wonders of the Planet, right? Well, the Chichen Itza Early Access Tour is just the ticket for anyone looking to beat those mid-day crowds and that crazy Yucatan heat. Typically, the tour will have you getting picked up super early in the morning (we’re talking way before breakfast for some) so you make it to the ruins almost when they open. Is that a bit early? Quite possibly, but, basically, you’re dodging loads of tourists and getting prime photo ops with the iconic El Castillo pyramid without strangers getting in the shots. As I was saying, beyond just walking around, the guide will let you in on all the stories and some interesting trivia about the Mayan civilization and the significance of each structure. Then, afterwards, most tours swing by a local cenote where you could take a dip, which is obviously really needed after walking around. Seriously, consider bringing swimwear! Now, a few providers will take you to a traditional Yucatecan lunch; it’s usually included and provides a taste of regional eats.

Expect it, though, that you may be getting herded around a bit – early access is popular. More or less, tour guides try hard to give everybody personal space, that’s something I always see in tours.

Tulum and Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Trip

Combine history with an awesome waterpark? Absolutely! The Tulum and Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Trip is actually pretty ideal if you have folks in your group with different interests. First, there is Tulum; it sits on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, which is seriously gorgeous, just a visual feast. A local guide takes you through the ruins and fills you in with everything regarding their use as a major trading and religious spot. Or, should I mention, just the view alone makes the visit worth it, honestly. The ruins are nice, the setting is magnificent. Actually, from Tulum, you go to Xel-Ha, a huge natural aquarium. You can seemingly spend the rest of your afternoon snorkeling, floating down rivers, or just testing out all the zip-lines and rope swings. Did you know Xel-Ha is all-inclusive? Clearly, that means food and drinks are covered for most of the day!

Keep in mind, the amount of walking at both spots could get tiring, is that it? Very true, thus, bring comfy shoes. On the other hand, is all-inclusive actually all-inclusive? Absolutely, in the sense that the main stuff is. The tips generally are not included, though.

Rio Secreto Underground River Tour

Think you can see something incredible, right? Rio Secreto is where you can experience one of those things, truly; It’s a network of underground rivers and caves, that just might completely blow you away. Once there, visitors put on a wetsuit, a helmet and a lamp before heading underground to sort of wander around a bit (wading/swimming!) in the crystal-clear water. It sounds cold, really, it might seem a bit cold. Basically, as you walk along, you get to witness incredible rock formations – stalactites and stalagmites – and learn all sorts of interesting facts regarding their formation and the general geological shenanigans involved. Just saying, the water feels refreshing, it’s a pleasant surprise after a hot day.

Make sure, though, that if you are someone who gets very claustrophobic easily this might be a tough one. Then again, a small space for seeing wonders might sound interesting, truly it will not leave you the same. In fact, cameras are restricted, that’s something, right? So there’s, anyway, somebody to photograph and capture your time down there, and it’s best to be mindful.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Adventure

Ready for something that combines nature, adventure, and a little bit of off-the-beaten-path stuff? That, very possibly, sums up a trip to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which, really, translates to “Origin of the Sky.” Typically, this tour sees you hopping in a 4×4 for an early-morning trip out to the reserve. Or, as you bounce along those unpaved roads, keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife—loads of birds, maybe the odd croc, and possibly some dolphins or sea turtles if you decide to take a boat ride out on the lagoon. There are guided tours available. Plus, guides know tons of facts about local flora and fauna.

Note, for something a little different: This trip may sometimes involve bumpy rides. Also, just so you’re prepped: sunscreen (that’s reef-safe), hat and bug spray, are pretty indispensable things. A few tour packages provide lunch, so check out all that beforehand. That might mean eating whatever is local, honestly.

Coba Ruins and Mayan Village Tour

Fancy seeing another collection of Mayan ruins, then experiencing modern-day Mayan life? Anyway, the Coba Ruins and Mayan Village Tour does just that; Coba’s interesting, is that right? Basically, it’s largely unexcavated, really different in comparison to Chichen Itza or Tulum, meaning, seriously, you have the jungle vibe, so it is something amazing! Usually, you can rent a bike at the entrance to cycle around to the major spots or just get a ride in a Mayan taxi (tricycle with a driver). That way you have to see Nohoch Mul pyramid; really that’s the tallest in the Yucatan Peninsula, as a matter of fact, but still. If you want, feel absolutely free to climb up it. Also, tours frequently include going to a real, live Mayan village to meet the people, look at the way they are doing it, plus usually get some pretty amazing traditional lunch prepared from scratch.

Be sure to carry lots of water; Coba is quite a bit more spread out in comparison to any of the other places and you are going to do quite a lot of walking, basically. Actually, remember your mosquito repellent. Since, basically, there will be lots of them there, just naturally!