What to do in the Riviera Maya and Cancun in 7 days
The Mexican Caribbean, the eastern flank of the Yucatan Peninsula, runs from the northern tip of the state of Quintana Roo to the border between Mexico and Belize, to the south, and is one of the most spectacular travel destinations in the world. Culture, history, nature, nightlife, art, adventure, sports, shopping, the best hotels… This long strip of jungle, with spectacular beaches and turquoise blue sea, offers everything you’ve always dreamed of to live the best vacation ever.
So, don’t wait any longer and enjoy a few days in Riviera Maya, the central coastal area of the state, with its magnificent beaches and natural treasures. Then, conclude your trip a little further north, discovering the incomparable nightlife and the many attractions in Cancun. Two sides of the same coin so you can experience the astonishing Mexican Caribbean to the fullest.
A tip: Get in touch with the folks at Vacaciones Barcelo a let them take care of all the tours and activities that will make your visit to Cancun and the Riviera Maya a truly unforgettable experience. Best value for money!
Itinerary day 1
10.00 -14.00
In white and blue
Check-in, get your bathing suit on, and head off to the beach! Because a place as spectacular as the beaches of the Riviera Maya just can’t wait. Of the 75 miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort offers you more than a mile-long paradise in white and blue.
14.00 -15.00
A bite with an ocean view
After reading your favorite book under a palm tree, or playing a game of beach volleyball, or taking a fun kayak ride, among a thousand possibilities, stop by the Capitan Morgan restaurant, the delicious beach grill at Barcelo Maya Caribe for a tasty bite with a beautiful ocean view. And this is just one of the many options within Barcelo’s unrivaled All-Inclusive program.
15:30 -18.00
Pool time!
Enjoy the afternoon at the pool... well, actually, in any of the 8 pools at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. You can also take your little ones to the Barcy Water Park or have fun at the amazing Pirates Island (additional charge). Its incredible water slides and attractions are guaranteed fun for the whole family.
19.00 -20.00
A huge playground
Enjoy your time before dinner with some of the entertaining activities at your disposal: ping-pong, darts, giant chess, pool tables, 18-hole mini-golf... Barcelo Maya Grand Resort is an enormous playground, so just choose the games you like!
20.30 -22.00
A taste of Mexico
Traditional Mexican food is an authentic feast of flavor, full of colorful nuances. So, make a reservation at the Mexico Lindo restaurant at Barcelo Maya Beach and savor some of the most typical dishes from different regions in the country. A delight!
22.00 -24.00
A toast
Close your first day in the breathtaking Mexican Caribbean with a toast to all the good things in life. The different bars at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort are the perfect place to enjoy your favorite cocktail, listen to the best music, and share a good laugh.
Itinerary day 2
10.00 -14.00
Adventure morning
The Riviera Maya is the perfect place to live unforgettable adventures. So, for example, head up to the Rio Secreto nature reserve and discover a magical underground world of partially flooded galleries and caves. Or stay at Barcelo Maya Grand and enjoy all the excitement at Ventura Fly and Ride.
14.30 -16.00
“The Fith” at Playa del Carmen
Just 10 minutes away from Rio Secreto, the famous Fifth Avenue of Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to enjoy the rich culinary offer of the Riviera Maya. From delicious street food to high-end restaurants of renowned Mexican and international chefs, choose whatever you like.
16.00 -20.00
Afternoon in Playa
Spend a lovely afternoon in Playa del Carmen, the heart of the Riviera Maya. You can walk along the beach and have a drink at a beach club, or buy a nice souvenir in the shops on Fifth Avenue and visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. There are tons of possibilities!
20.30 -¿?
When the sun goes down
Save enough energy to enjoy the lively nightlife in Playa del Carmen. You will not regret it! After a pleasant dinner, it's time to listen to live music and have a drink in one of the many bars in the city, or go ahead and dive straight into one of the famous discos at Playa, such as the legendary Coco Bongo.
Itinerary day 3
09.00 -12.00
Coba, a treasure of the Maya World
Discover the treasures of the Maya World by visiting the archaeological site of Coba, one of the great capitals of this ancient pre-Columbian civilization. Do not miss its incredible temples and, above all, the spectacular views from the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatan Peninsula and the second in the entire Maya World.
12.30 -14.00
Cenotes, the door to Xibalba
After visiting Coba, you can also get to know some of the most beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya, authentic gems of nature. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of these spectacular sinkholes considered the ancient entrances to the Xibalba, the Maya underworld.
15.30 -16.30
A luscious buffet
Back at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, charge up after a busy morning in a luscious buffet. The Coral Grill at Barcelo Maya Palace or the Mariachi restaurant (also a grill-type spot) at the Barcelo Maya Colonial are just a couple of delicious options.
16.30 -19.30
Time to relax
Everybody likes to discover new things and engage in a thousand activities while on vacation. But certainly, you also wish to forget about time and just live the good life. So, after a morning of action, it's time to enjoy some well-deserved time relaxing on a beach lounge or in a hammock by the pool. Put your feet up!
20.30 -22.00
Flavors of the world
Authentic Italian pasta or pizza in Capri, the best Brazilian-style meat cuts in Rodizio, delicious French cuisine in Brasserie... At Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, you can travel through the flavors of the world by booking at any of the different international restaurants available on site.
Itinerary day 4
9.30 -10.30
It’s a new day
Start a new day with a light breakfast at your favorite buffet. Fresh fruit, yogurt... just enough to make you feel good, but without overindulging. Because you’ll dedicate the day to yourself, to your well-being.
10.30 -13.30
Body and mind
All kinds of treatments, massages, first-class facilities, and a spectacular gym covering more than 32,000 sq. ft.; all of it dedicated to caring for the body and mind. Enjoy the stunning U-Spa Wellness & Fitness Center at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort and focus on yourself for the entire morning.
14.00 -15.30
Caribe
You are on vacation by the sea, so, of course, you have to try the delicious fish and seafood that emerge from the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. So make a lunch reservation at the Caribe restaurant (the name says it all!) at the Barcelo Maya Palace. Bon appétit!
17.00 -20.00
At full sail
And since we are talking about the Caribbean... How about watching the sunset while sailing the crystal clear waters of the Riviera Maya? A super romantic moment, with open bar and snacks included during navigation. The perfect way to end up the first chapter of your trip through the Mexican Caribbean.
Itinerary day 5
10.00 -14.00
Hello Cancun!
Check-in at Occidental Tucancun or Occidental Costa Cancun and start enjoying all the possibilities offered by these two magnificent properties of Barcelo Hotel Group. Splendid beaches, water activities, sports, restaurants, bars... Everything under the unrivaled Barcelo All-Inclusive program!
14.00 -15.30
Different strokes for different folks
Some prefer meat, others like fish, and the next one, a little bit of everything. Don't worry, everyone can eat whatever they want. Stop by the delicious buffet at the Albatros restaurant at Occidental Costa Cancun or the Mirador at Occidental Tucancun and pick your choice.
16.00 -19.00
Choose your perfect plan
The best thing about visiting Cancun is that there’s always a perfect plan for everyone. Spend the afternoon visiting places like the Cancun Interactive Aquarium, an ideal spot to discover everything about the aquatic world. Or like the Maya Museum in Cancun, one of the most important archaeological collections of the ancient Maya civilization in the country.
20.30 -22.00
La Trattoria
Italian cuisine is one of the most famous in the world, and at La Trattoria restaurant at Occidental Tucancun and Occidental Costa Cancun, you can discover why. Enjoy all kinds of pizzas, pasta, and other specialties with the best ingredients and authentic Italian flavor.
22.00 -24.00
Last call
A super fun time, great music, your favorite cocktail... Enjoy the evening before the last call. The Lobby Bar at Occidental Tucancun and Occidental Costa Cancun is the perfect place to end your day on a high note.
Itinerary day 6
09.00 -14.00
Below or above the surface?
The waters of the Caribbean are a great amusement park: enjoy a morning of sport fishing, or a kayak tour among the mangroves of the Nichupte lagoon, or a diving excursion –scuba or snorkel– to the incredible Underwater Museum of Art… So, what's it gonna be, below or above the surface?
14.30 -16.00
La Claraboya
Keep enjoying the treasures of the Caribbean, but this time on the table. La Claraboya restaurant, available at Occidental Tucancun and Occidental Costa Cancun, offers you a delicious buffet meal with the best fish and seafood. Of course, beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea are also included.
16.30 -19.30
Life is cool by the pool
There are 3 pools at Occidental Tucancun and the huge one at Occidental Costa Cancun. In each one of them, you can relax, recharge your batteries, sunbathe, take part in all kinds of fun activities, read your favorite book, have a drink... In short: life is cool by the pool!
20.00 -22.00
Foodie paradise
This stunning destination in the Mexican Caribbean is also a foodie hot spot. The most authentic Mexican recipes, all types of flavors from every corner of the globe, the most amazing fusions... In Cancun, you can taste it all!
22.00 -¿?
Party time!
It’s time to confirm why Cancun's nightlife is so famous all over the world. Check out one of the most iconic nightclubs in Cancun, such as Mandala, Señor Frogs, The City, or Coco Bongo, among many others, and just have a great time.
Itinerary day 7
10.00 -11.00
Need a “detox” breakfast?
After a long party night, come back to life with a good buffet breakfast at Mirador and Albatros restaurants. There’s nothing better to "cure" a hangover. And if you were well behaved last night... you can still enjoy a really delicious breakfast!
11.30 -13.30
Stay fit
Finish your recovery process with a bit of gym time. At Occidental Tucancun and Occidental Costa Cancun, you have state-of-the-art facilities. And if you're not a "gym-goer" then, well... How about a tennis match? Or basketball, or volleyball, or a fun aerobics class in the pool? You really can’t find an excuse!
14.30 -16.30
Delicious reward
After burning those extra calories, you deserve a delicious reward. Visit your favorite restaurant at Occidental Tucancun and Occidental Costa Cancun, or go for a walk around the city and let Cancun surprise you. Just follow your nose!
17.00 -20.00
That little something
The end of your visit to the Mexican Caribbean is near and, of course, you want to buy a nice souvenir, that little special something to take back home, or maybe a couple of pretty things you like. Just across Occidental Tucancun, you can find Plaza Kukulkan, and nearby there's also La Isla, two of the best shopping centers in Cancun.
20.30 -24.00
Amazing vacation
Say goodbye to an incredible vacation in the Mexican Caribbean with a good farewell dinner, a spectacular night show, a drink (or two), lots of laughs, and the company of your loved ones at Occidental Tucancun and Occidental Costa Cancun. After all, that's what we travel for: to live unforgettable moments!