White-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and hidden caves destined for leisurely (yet adventurous) exploration — it’s no secret that you’ve arrived at one of Mexico’s most coveted beach destinations: Welcome to the Riviera Maya.
Set along the Mexican Caribbean coastline, you’ll discover ancient ruins, rich Mayan culture, otherworldly cenotes (natural swimming holes), and, of course, miles of pristine beaches along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Welcome to the Yucatan Peninsula. (Photo Credit: Matej Rieciciar)
The Tres Rios Nature Park along the Riviera Maya is a site to behold. (Photo Credit: Ana San Juan)
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. We’re sharing some of the best hidden gems in this lush Mexican playground — sunscreen absolutely required.
Visit the Ancient Mayan Ruins
Just an hour south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum is a region beloved for its famed beaches — but did you know it is also a haven renowned for its pristine ruins? Dating back to 564 CE and perched atop rocky limestone cliffs, the town’s namesake archaeological ruins feature a grid-like structure with waterfront temples that back up to azure ocean waters.
Visit the pristine Mayan ruins in Tulum. (Photo Credit: Jorge Fernandez Salas)
You’ll also get the perfect primer on Mayan culture — an ancient group known for its advanced math, architecture, and astronomical studies. (Pro tip: Try to arrive early to beat the crowds — the magic of Tulum is no longer a secret.)
Nearby, take in the deep sensory experience at Mystika Tulum, an immersive 3D venue created by Mexican photographer Pepe Soho, featuring moving photographs (i.e. the Tulum ruins under a starry night sky) and a 360° cosmic dome.
Experience the Magical Cenotes
Once thought to be used by Mayans as a portal to communicate with gods and the underworld, today you can visit a bounty of caves and cenotes — those aforementioned deep swimming pools — along the Riviera Maya. Sandwiched in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos offers stunning natural light and mineral waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and scuba diving.
Cenotes are everywhere along the Riviera Maya. (Photo Credit: Marco Murakami)
Soak in the sunshine at the open-air cenotes. (Photo Credit: Polina Kuzovkova)
Adventure seekers can also explore the nearby open-air cenotes of Tajma Ha, Dos Ojos, Cristialino, and Jardin del Eden (Garden of Eden). For a truly hidden experience ten minutes south of Tulum, spend a day relaxing at Kaan Luum Lagoon, where a deep contrast of blue water will have you grabbing for your camera.
Looking for some tasty waves? Sign up for a beginner surf camp at Nohoch Surf School and paddle out at Puerto Aventuras, one of the top surfing beaches in the Riviera Maya known for its ideal swells and water conditions.
Immersive Art and Mayan Cooking
For a dreamlike art-meets-nature mash-up, SFER IK (pronounced spheric), designed by artists Artur Lescher and Ernesto Neto, doubles as a contemporary museum that allows guests to walk barefoot through beautiful bejuco-lined wood corridors (resembling twisted vines) while taking in groundbreaking art exhibits.
Explore SFER IK, a groundbreaking art exhibit in the region. (Photo Credit: Salome Jangulashvili)
Later, dig into authentic Yucatan and Mayan cuisine and enroll in a cooking class at Mayan Immersion where you’ll learn about traditional Mayan dishes, ingredients, and cooking methods. You’ll also discover how processed masa (corn dough) is made, alongside trying your hand at wrapping mouthwatering tamales.
The best part? Eating your creations, of course.
Welcome to Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya.
Tres Rios is Kimpton’s first-ever all-inclusive resort.
Because it’s time to rest easy.
We’re opening our first-ever all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya is a beachfront resort flush with want-for-nothing amenities, private beach access, and a world-class spa. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya fully embraces its namesake thanks to the three freshwater rivers that flow through the nearby Tres Rios Nature Park’s 300+ acres of well-preserved tropical forest. See you soon!
