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Riviera Maya ranks among the top destinations in the world for a tropical getaway, with its lush vegetation and coastal location. The popular travel spot sits on the eastern edge of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It has close to 100 miles of coastline to enjoy.

80 miles of beaches make up part of Riviera Maya’s extensive coastline. These beaches consist of a large variety of landscapes, terrain, and character – offering something for each traveler on an incentive group trip. (1)

Divers and snorkelers of all proficiency levels, from first-time snorkelers to seasoned divers, flock to the Meso-American Reef. It is the second-largest coral reef in the world, and it is accessible from the shores of Riviera Maya. Off-shore snorkeling and recreational diving are low-stress in this part of the reef. (1) Divers can also explore over 434 miles of underwater caverns. There is plenty to see on land, as well, including nearly 200 archeological sites on the peninsula. (1)

This is just a sampling of what Riviera Maya has to offer travelers. Below, dive into more unforgettable things to see and do in this spectacular place.

1- EXPLORE A HISTORIC CENTER OF MAYAN LIFE

Considered among the new 7 Wonders of the World (2), the Chichen Itza ruins are an absolute must-see. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a pre-Hispanic era city constructed by the Mayans and founded between 600 and 750 AD. At more than 400 square miles in size, it is clear this city was the center of the Mayan civilization. Notable structures include:

  • Chichen Itza pyramid
  • Temple of Kukulcan
  • Temple of the Warriors
  • Temple of the Skulls
  • The Great Ball Court (yes, an ancient basketball court!)

Booking a guided tour is highly recommended to ensure your travelers do not miss any of the memorable structures that make Chichen Itza so special.

2- GO FOR A SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS

Before striking this idea out of fear, rest assured that whale sharks are not actually sharks – they are whales. And while encounters with any type of wildlife come with risks, these mighty whales are known for being docile overall. Plus, knowledgeable guides are careful to take the proper safety precautions. Offered from May through September, the highly-rated guided tour starts with a boat ride to the whale sharks’ migration route. From there, participants will put on snorkel gear and jump into the water to swim alongside the aquatic creatures. After working up an appetite, participants will lunch at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres.

3- EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF UNDERGROUND RIVERS AND CAVES

How often do you get the chance to see an underground river? Rio Secreto Natural Reserve has some of the most breathtaking underground rivers and caves around. Taking a guided tour is the recommended way to see the best of this hidden gem. Once visitors enter the underground network, they will wade through shallow water as well as walk. Their tour guide will educate your travelers about the rock formations, stalagmites, and stalactites they pass in the caves.

4- ESCAPE THE CROWDS AT A QUAINT SMALL BEACH TOWN

With its many impressive sights and natural splendors, Riviera Maya attracts thousands of tourists. That makes spending a day away from the crowds in a charming small beach town a welcome change of pace. Known as the starting point of the Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos is a quiet respite from the popular hotspots. This little town is free of modern intrusions like resorts and nightclubs, and it has high-caliber beaches to boot.

5- TREK THROUGH A SCENIC JUNGLE TO REACH ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RUINS

Widely regarded as one of the most important Mayan ruins on the peninsula, Coba was once home to an estimated 50,000 inhabitants at its peak as a civilized city. Getting to the ruins deep in the exotic jungle is just as exhilarating as seeing them, which makes this activity doubly worthwhile. A large portion of the site has not been discovered yet, making Coba that much more mysterious. And if your travelers are fit enough to make the ascent, they can climb to the top of 137-foot tall Nohoch Mul. This impressive pyramid is the tallest Mayan structure in the Yucatan and offers sweeping aerial views of the jungle and lagoon that surround it.

6- TAKE AN EXCURSION TO AN IDYLLIC ISLAND PARADISE

One of the most highly recommended excursions from the Riviera Maya is a trip to the idyllic island paradise of Isla Mujeres. The island might be small, but there are plenty of activities on it to fill up a day, with Mayan ruins and Playa Norte beach among them. In addition to exploring what Isla Mujeres has to offer, the boat ride there is a fun trip and an excellent way to get out on the water.

7- SAIL THE TURQUOISE WATERS IN LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS

Speaking of spending time on the spectacular turquoise water, a trip on board a luxury French-made catamaran is perfect for soaking up the sun. Half-day, full-day, and overnight guided tours are available for this five-star-rated expedition. (3)  Guests can stand-up paddleboard and snorkel during the trip while keeping a lookout for vibrantly colored fish, cute sea turtles, and sleek stingrays. They will also get excellent views of the small islands that dot the ocean like jewels.

8- TAKE A DIP IN A CRYSTAL-INFUSED LAGOON

There are crystals in the clear water and soft white “sugar” sand of Bacalar Lagoon. It is one of the few places in the world where the water literally sparkles. Plus, the calm water is perfect for aquatic sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming. The tranquil environment and stunning natural scenery make the approximately three-hour day trip well worth the time spent traveling. Bacalar is one lagoon in a 35-mile stretch of lagoons fed by estuaries, rivers, and the Chetumal Bay.

9- MARVEL AT A NATURE PRESERVE DATING BACK TO MAYAN TIMES

Reserva de al Biósefera Sian Ka’an is arguably one of the most heavenly nature preserves on Earth. It is rich in ecological diversity and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to Mayan times, it includes a canal hand-dug by the innovative people. Animals that live in the preserve include howler monkeys and endangered species. The enormous site is made up of a diverse collection of landscapes and bodies of water that include a jungle, wetlands, mangroves, and Mayan ruins.

From going on adventures in the crystal-clear sea, to finding ancient Mayan ruins after hiking through the jungle, Riviera Maya offers plenty of activities perfect for a group incentive trip. Whether they are listening to the waves crashing on the white sand of a hidden beach or living the good life on a luxury sailing tour, this premiere destination offers your travelers an experience they will never forget.

 

Are you considering a travel incentive program to Riviera Maya, Mexico? Contact Gavel International to help plan a program that maximizes your budget and results in rave reviews from attendees.

 

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SOURCE(S):

1 https://www.locogringo.com/blog/vacation-tips/12-facts-about-riviera-maya-now

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_7_Wonders_of_the_World

3 https://www.viator.com/Playa-del-Carmen/d5501-ttd/p-279586P38

Eloisa Mendez
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