What to do in Riviera Maya in 5 days
Traveling to the Riviera Maya is one of the best options to live an incredible vacation, to disconnect and recharge your batteries. From its breathtaking beaches to the imposing temples and pyramids of the ancient Maya civilization, this area of the Mexican Caribbean offers you a thousand possibilities.
You could be there for fifteen days, a month, or a year and still need more time to enjoy it all, but you can even squeeze 5 days and have a great time. That is precisely the best thing about the Riviera Maya: it’s a destination that allows you to design the perfect plan, whatever it may be. So, check out the suggestions below and start planning your dream getaway to this Caribbean paradise.
Itinerary day 1
10.00 -12.00
To the beach!
If you decide to visit the Riviera Maya, certainly its incredible beaches have some part of the blame, so don't keep them waiting. Stay at any of the six startling All-inclusive hotels that comprise the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort and enjoy a more than a mile-long white sandy beach. Just a few steps away from your room!
12.00 -13.00
Riding the waves
At the beach, you can read your favorite book under a palm tree or work on the perfect tan, but you can also practice a lot of water activities. And besides being fun, they’ll keep you fit! Kayaking, stand-up paddle, sailing, windsurfing… Enjoy the waves!
13:30 -15.00
Authentic flavors
Cochinita pibil tacos, panuchos, ceviche… The most typical dishes of the Riviera Maya are a delight, so recharge your batteries after a morning at the beach with some great snacks. You have excellent options at La Hacienda Buffet at the Barcelo Maya Palace or at Mariachi at the Barcelo Maya Colonial, just to name a pair of tasty spots.
16.30 -18.30
An afternoon together
One of the best reasons to travel to the Riviera Maya is you have a thousand alternatives to have fun with the whole family. At Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, for example, you can play basketball, tennis, paddle tennis... Or how about an 18-hole round of mini golf or a fun visit to the bowling alley!
19.30 -21.00
México Lindo
Keep savoring the best Mexican cuisine! One of your best options is the Mexico Lindo restaurant at Barcelo Maya Beach. Enjoy a wide variety of traditional dishes from the different regions of the country. The best recipes and the original flavors of Mexico's most authentic cuisine.
21.30 -23.30
Curtain up!
Every night a different show, with professional dancers and live music, so you can enjoy a magical evening with your family. You just have to visit one of the theaters at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort or the main theater at the Occidental at Xcaret Destination, among other options.
Itinerary day 2
09.00 -14.00
Tulum, the Maya city by the sea
The heritage of the ancient Maya World is one of the most significant attractions in the Riviera Maya. And the archaeological site of Tulum is one of the jewels that you just can't miss. Spend the morning exploring this incredible Maya city by the sea, located just half an hour away from the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort.
14.30 -15.00
Choose what you like
Take a nice break choosing your favorite food at one of the many delicious buffet restaurants at your disposal, such as the Colonial Buffet at the Barcelo Maya Colonial, the Caribe Buffet at the Barcelo Maya Caribe, or the Tropical Buffet at the Barcelo Maya Tropical.
16.00 -18.00
A refreshing moment
How about spending the afternoon relaxing, cooling off, and just having a good time at the pool? At Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, you have 8 different ones! Pools with specific areas for children, pools for the whole family, and exclusive adults-only pools. And all of them are surrounded by beautiful gardens, hammock areas, and much more.
The world on the table
After a busy day, it’s time to travel the world without leaving the table. How about authentic Italian pasta at the Capri restaurant at Barcelo Maya Tropical? Or the best French cuisine at the Brasserie at Barcelo Maya Palace? Or specialties of the Far East at Fuji in Allegro Playacar? Where do you want to travel?
19.30 -21.30
The world on the table
After a busy day, it’s time to travel the world without leaving the table. How about authentic Italian pasta at the Capri restaurant at Barcelo Maya Tropical? Or the best French cuisine at the Brasserie at Barcelo Maya Palace? Or specialties of the Far East at Fuji in Allegro Playacar? Where do you want to travel?
22.00 -02.00
¡Fiesta!
Fiesta is Riviera Maya’s middle name. So, it's time to celebrate! Dance, laugh, have fun until you drop... you're on vacation! Check out the great atmosphere of Jaguar’s Discotheque at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort or Palenque nightclub at Occidental at Xcaret Destination.
Itinerary day 3
09.00 -14.00
The gates of the underworld
For the ancient Maya, cenotes were considered the door of Xibalbá, the underworld. Today these incredible natural wonders, produced by the outcrop of underground rivers, are just the perfect place to swim, snorkel or dive, and enjoy nature.
14:30 -15.30
A grill with ocean view
There's nothing like grilled delicacies to regain strength, and if the place has a splendid view of the Caribbean then you've got the whole enchilada. Head over to Rancho Grande, at Barcelo Maya Beach, or Captain Morgan, at Barcelo Maya Caribe, among other options, and… Bon appétit!
16.00 -18.30
Relax and stroll along the beach
You are on vacation, so it’s okay to slow down, let the hours pass, and escape from the overwhelming rush of everyday life. So, relax at the beach, enjoy a pleasant walk with the sand caressing your feet, contemplate a spectacular sunset – in short, enjoy paradise!
19.00 -20.30
Impossible to get bored
Come back to Earth after a relaxing afternoon and, while dinner time arrives, enjoy the many entertaining activities you can find at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort: ping-pong, billiards, foosball, video games at the Strikers Sports Bar (open 24 hours)... How about a bit of shopping time at the Maya Mall? It’s all within the premises!
20.30 -22.00
Taste of the sea
You are in the Mexican Caribbean, and fish and seafood are, of course, a substantial part of the culinary offer of the region. Book at restaurants such as the Marenostrum at the Barcelo Maya Colonial, or El Pescador, at Occidental at Xcaret Destination, and enjoy the best flavors of the sea.
22.00 -00.00
Care for a nightcap?
Life is a collection of moments, and the idea is that the good ones, the most pleasant ones, should always be the majority. Close a long day by sharing laughter, anecdotes, and good music in any of the bars at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. You have about a dozen options!
Itinerary day 4
10.00 -17.00
Adrenaline and fun
Discover the dazzling theme and amusement parks of Rivera Maya, natural wonders full of fun and adrenaline. You can visit great "classics" of the area, such as Xcaret and Xel-Há. And you can also have a great time at the Ventura Fly & Ride, located within the Barcelo Grand Maya Resort complex.
18.00 -20.00
Shopping on Fifth Avenue
If Playa del Carmen is the heart of the Riviera Maya, its Fifth Avenue is the soul of this stunning city. Walk this pleasant pedestrian street and look for that unique souvenir or the perfect gift in its handicraft shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques...
20.00 -22.00
A taste of Playa
Since you’re already at Playa del Carmen, enjoy its delicious food scene. There are options for every taste and budget! Look around Fifth Avenue and just follow your appetite. You can also explore the surrounding streets because you'll definitely find more than one tasty surprise.
22.00 -¿?
Disco night
And to finish off the day, there’s nothing better than the unmatched nightlife of Playa del Carmen. Don't miss out on the great nightclubs on 12th Street: Palazzo, Mandala, Coco Maya, La Vaquita… and, of course, the mythical Coco Bongo, one of the most famous clubs in the world!
Itinerary day 5
10.00 -11.00
Breakfast in bed
Start the day with a pleasant breakfast in bed and all the calm in the world. Room service at Barcelo Grand Maya Resort, as well as at Occidental at Xcaret Destination, Allegro Playacar, or Royal Hideaway Playacar–Adults Only, has all kinds of treats for you.
11.00 -13.00
Taking care of body and mind
Saunas, steam bath, tropical and bi-thermal showers, immersion pools, treatments, massages... The U-Spa Wellness & Fitness Center at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort (nominated as Best Spa in Mexico in the World Spa Awards 2020) is the perfect place to take care of your body and mind.
17.00 -20.00
Sailing at sunset
To fill the light breeze while cruising the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, with the sun falling down on the horizon is quite an experience. Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise and be captivated by all the charm of this beautiful destination. The open bar and snacks on board will only make the occasion better.
20.30 -23.00
End on a high note
End your visit to Riviera Maya on a high note with an unforgettable dinner. Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, Occidental at Xcaret Destination, Allegro Playacar, and Royal Hideaway Playacar–Adults Only offer you all the flavors of Mexico and the World. Surely it will not be a goodbye, but a see you soon.