Nature by the Sea in the Riviera Maya
Dive into a sample summer itinerary set in Mexico’s Riviera Maya courtesy of our pals at Journey Mexico. . .
All photos courtesy of Journey Mexico
Many think of a trip to Cancun and its surrounds as simply a time to plop down on the beach or by the pool and unwind. While this is a totally valid way to spend your time (who doesn’t need a good bit of relaxation from time to time?), there is so much to explore in the Riviera Maya area that we think it’s a shame to miss it.
We recently sat down with our dear friends at Journey Mexico to discuss all that this vibrant region has to offer, and they shared this fabulous sample itinerary with us. Of course, we had to share these wonderful ideas with you, perfect to inspire your next trip to sunny Mexico.
This sample itinerary is meant for the summer months, perfect if you’re looking for something last-minute this year or planning ahead to 2027, but there’s lots to discover here year-round too. As always, this sample itinerary is just that: a sample. All of our itineraries created in partnership with Journey Mexico are completely customized, so just take these ideas as a way to set yourself daydreaming and contact us for your own personalized itinerary.
Day 1
Arrival Day
Fly from home in the States to Cancun, easily reachable from many US cities. On arrival, enjoy a comfortable private transfer for the one-hour drive to your boutique hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and relax.
Hotel Spotlight: Chablé Maroma*
Chablé Maroma is a secluded gem of a hotel, wonderfully boutique and designed to feed your soul. Set on an exclusive 650-foot stretch of beach and simultaneously submerged in a tropical jungle, Chablé Maroma seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, all tied together by the salty breezes flowing freely between them.
The resort features 70 energy-efficient villas, each with its own private pool, outdoor living space, and terrace. The villas’ large bathrooms boast outdoor rain showers, double-sink vanities, and top-quality linens. The white-sand beach is, at most, a five-minute stroll from any of the villas.
Both of the resort’s restaurants serve up superb plates comprised of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Bu’ul, the resort’s upscale Mexican eatery, features delicious fare tied to this flavorful region. Dip your toes in the sand, margarita in hand, at the pool bar after lunch. Don’t miss Rawbar by Bu’ul, the perfect sunset spot.
Cool off in the infinity pools paralleling the ocean or rejuvenate body and soul at the 1700-square-foot spa and gym. As the day winds down, think yoga by the sea or meditation on your private terrace. This is a place to be able to easily look after yourself and reconnect with both your own body and the incredible nature surrounding you.
This newly built haven is a retreat perfectly suited to family travel, personal-growth trips, and gatherings with friends.
*Please note, this hotel is only a suggestion. We have several hotels we love in the Riviera Maya, including Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, where we can offer lots of Poe Perks due to Belmond’s exclusive Bellini Club, of which we are part! We will help you select the best hotel based on your taste.
Day 2
Caribbean Snorkeling
You will be collected from your hotel this morning to set off on a day of snorkeling. Get up close in the water with the magnificent whale sharks that grace the Mexican Caribbean on their annual migration. Unlike shared group outings, this private experience gives you the gift of time, space, and personal guidance, an intimate encounter with nature’s gentle giants, unhurried and uninterrupted.
Like any natural phenomena, this encounter depends on several factors including the whale sharks’ migration patterns, but the sea currents concentrate food around Isla Mujeres, making this one of the most reliable places on Earth to swim with whale sharks.
Your adventure begins by boat. During the ride, gain insights into the biology, behavior, and feeding habits of the whale sharks from your expert guide. Enjoy endless views over blue waves as your captain navigates to a plankton feeding area where the whale sharks naturally congregate. Grab your snorkeling gear and slide into the water. Take your time to swim and observe as these docile creatures glide effortlessly beneath the surface. This is an ethereal encounter that brings you face-to-face with the wonders of nature.
After snorkeling, you’ll anchor by the beautiful Norte Beach on Isla Mujeres to savor freshly prepared ceviche and perhaps take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean Sea.
Later, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3
Chichen Itza, Valladolid, & Cenote
You’ll be met by your expert guide this morning at your hotel to set out on the two-hour drive to the archaeological zone of Chichen Itza.
Learn all about Maya cosmology, religion, and the dualism of life and death from your guide as you traverse the site, visiting the Temple of Warriors, the ball court, and the sacred cenote (sinkhole). Visiting the “Castillo” or Pyramid of Kukulkan, discover the ingenious architecture depicting the figure of a snake descending and ascending the steps during the equinox, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Continue on to Valladolid, a charming colonial city and the region’s first capital. Stop for lunch (your guide can make recommendations) and explore the historic city center and convent accompanied by your bilingual guide. Afterwards, you will be returned to your hotel to relax at your own pace.
Day 4
Tulum & Sea Turtles
Today takes you to the ancient Maya city of Tulum, where you can dive into history with a seasoned expert and snorkel alongside green sea turtles in an idyllic bay.
Tulum’s stunning location on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the world’s most picturesque archaeological zones. Learn the local Maya history as you walk amongst the remains of a once-thriving port town, observing temples built centuries ago.
Continue to Akumal for a tranquil snorkeling session with green sea turtles, gentle creatures who love the bay’s abundant seagrass. The shallow waters here make it an ideal spot to snorkel close by the turtles without disturbing their natural environment. Led by your guide, swim from the shore to get up close with one of the ocean’s most peaceful inhabitants.
After a day of history and nature, you will be privately transferred back to your hotel.
Day 5
Cruising & Swimming a Tropical Reef
Set off from the marina on a snorkeling adventure to explore the mysteries of the Mexican Caribbean’s underwater world, all while enjoying a private luxury catamaran. The catamaran is well set up for first-class enjoyment, thanks to its double hull for a smooth ride and spacious deck with sunbathing nets. Take in breathtaking 360-degree views from the fly bridge or cool off with a drink in the shaded rear seating area. Inside, the catamaran is decked out for comfort with four cabins, four full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a large living room with air conditioning.
Cruising around an hour north from the marina, you’ll reach the calm, tropical waters of the sheltered INAH Reef. Jump into the Caribbean Sea to observe tropical reef fish. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter sea turtles once more.
Continue cruising to an area protected by rocks with tranquil, chest-deep water, where your captain will drop anchor. Swim and relax in the beautiful scenery, enjoying the attention of service-staff and an onboard chef. Sip a top-shelf, specialty cocktail and savor an extraordinary meal.
Day 6
Picnic & Swim at the Cenotes
Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to transfer to you to a nature park with beautiful cenotes, where you can swim, snorkel, and unwind.
Become immersed in wild beauty, where underwater passages connect caves and caverns that open at the Earth’s surface through three cenotes, each with their own character. These stunning swimming holes are native to the Yucatan Peninsula, formed over millions of years. Take the day at your own pace, strolling the short distance between the cenotes and soaking in your natural surroundings.
Between your adventures in the Maya wilderness, rest, take it easy, and savor a tasty picnic in an area set up just for you. As the day comes to a close, you’ll be privately transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 7
Rio Secreto
Spend your final morning relaxing at your hotel, taking in all it has to offer, and perhaps booking in one last pampering spa treatment. In the afternoon, take a journey to the amazing Río Secreto, the longest cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula, one that is semi-submerged in crystal clear water. This place is so special and looked after that cameras are not permitted, nor are chemical products such as sunblock, repellants, or even excessive makeup!
When you arrive at the natural reserve, you’ll meet your specialist guide before heading inside. After a safety briefing, follow your guide inside for a Mayan welcome ceremony.
Upon entering the underground cave system, you’ll take in the natural museum of rock formations, which tells the geological history of the area. Led by your guide, walk and swim following an otherworldly route, which takes about an hour and a half. Along the way, admire hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites in a surreally beautiful setting.
As you exit the caves, toast to a truly unique experience with Xtabentún, a regional Yucatecan liqueur made from anise seed, honey, and rum. To complete your adventure, refuel with a regional buffet and fresh, flavored waters before continuing back to your hotel.
Day 8
Departure Day
After checking out of your hotel, a private transfer will return you to Cancun Airport for your onward travels home.
To Go Away to Mexico with a completely bespoke itinerary, contact us. We will take your personal taste, energy levels, and travel wishes into mind to set you on your way.