Tours in the Riviera Maya: Adventures in Adrenaline, History and Ecology

Action, adventure, adrenaline!

White sand beaches, sparkling blue seas and luxurious hotels are probably what you think of when you hear “Riviera Maya”, but the region has much much more to offer.  Mayan ruins, incredible reefs, cenotes and jungle adventures abound in the region around Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.  While some travellers are content to enjoy their lounge chairs and piña coladas, those seeking thrills don’t have to look very far to find an adventure.

For a taste of history, culture, ecology and adrenaline, the Tulum Xtreme tour is definitely for you.  You’ll visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum, marvelling at the views of the turquoise sea from the ancient buildings set atop a cliff and learning about the history and culture of the Mayan people.  Experience the thrill of flying over the jungle canopy on a zip line circuit, including the longest and fastest zip line in the Riviera Maya!  Guides will set you up with safety gear for your rappel down a rocky cliff down to an underground river.  Submerse yourself in a freshwater cenote (”seh-noh-tay”, a natural limestone sinkhole) and underground river, snorkel in the clear waters and refresh the body and soul in these sacred works of nature.  That’s right, ruins, zip lines, rappeling, snorkeling cenotes and underground rivers all in one day of adventure and nature!  The Tulum Xtreme tour includes transportation from Riviera Maya hotels, lunch and beverages, knowledgeable, bilingual tour guides, safety gear and snorkeling equipment, everything you need for what is sure to be a day to remember.  For Riviera Maya travellers who have already visited the Tulum ruins, we invite you to take the Mayan Xtreme tour, zip lines, rappeling, and snorkeling the underground river and cenote, all the thrills of the Tulum Xtreme tour without a visit to the ruins.

Water lovers will revel in the Mayan Adventure Snorkeling tour, with a taste of three distinct eco-systems in the Riviera Maya.  A visit to the Yal Ku lagoon is the ideal way to experience ocean snorkeling in a protected, calm environment teeming with sea life.  In Yal Ku you’ll find a wide variety of marine animals, multi-coloured fish, plant and coral formations and if you’re lucky, you’ll spy a sea turtle having a leisurely swim with you.  Head into the jungle and make your way into the fresh waters of an underground river, you’ll see fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations and beautiful caverns.  The third part of the adventure takes place in an open cenote, an element unique to the Yucatan Peninsula.  Discover the mystical wonders of these ancient watering holes while enjoying the beauty of the jungle flora and fauna.  Like the Tulum Xtreme and Mayan Xtreme tours, your transportation, lunch and beverages, equipment and bilingual guide are included.

These Mayan Adventure tours are devoted to sustainable tourism and to protecting the environment and the local culture.  All waste is recycled, leftover food is donated to local charities and compost toilets are used on all the tours.  Guides work to ensure the socio-cultural aspects of the Maya are respected, they are happy to share their knowledge and encourage guests to discover all they can about the local culture.  Local outreach programs in the community help spread the word about protecting the environment and the Mayan culture.

Be sure to bring your cameras (waterproof), biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, comfortable clothes and footwear, towels, and water shoes.  Bring cash (not credit cards!) in case you get the urge to purchase souvenirs and to tip your guides.

Contact Dtraveller now to book your Riviera Maya tour, our bilingual customer service reps will be happy to assist you with all your Riviera Maya vacaton plans.

Important recommendations for Tulum Xtreme and Mayan Xtreme tours:
Basic swimming skills required. This tour is not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicap, serious heart problems, pregnant women or people who are not able to handle moderate physical activity. Weight limits 120 kg or 270 pounds . Children over the age of 6 may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in this tour.

Important recommendations for Mayan Snorkeling Adventure:
Basic swimming skills required. These tours are not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicap, serious heart problems, or people who are not able to handle moderate physical activity. Children under the age of 6 may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in this tour.

Chichén Itzá and Tulum News

The famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum may be ancient, but they are still making news.  New discoveries, new activities and age-old experiences continue to attract thousands of visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula each year.

In exciting archaeological news, divers have recently discovered ancient human remains in a “cenote” (natural limestone sinkhole) near Tulum called “Las Calaveras”.  Nearly 120 skeletons have been found and explorers expect to find more, perhaps has many as 200.  The remains are apparently perfectly preserved and archaeologists speculate that they date from 125-236 AD, making them nearly 2000 years old!  The expedition has revealed that the cenote was most likely a burial ground, the skeletons were found with pottery and animal remains, offerings normally associated with burial or sacrifice.  The remains offer scientists an opportunity to study genetics and anthropology of the period.  This is one of the largest discoveries of human remains in the Maya world, a chance for the world to know more about this ancient civilization.

Bringing an ancient event to modern times, the spring equinox at Chichén Itzá is one of the most anticipated events of the year.  The Mayan stone masons built the pyramid with absolute precision, in perfect alignment with the stars, moon and sun.  On the days of the equinox, thousands flock to the site to witness the play of light on stone as the setting sun projects an image of a serpent descending the stairs of the pyramid.  March 20 and 21st are the zenith of this astronomical event, people claim their spot on the grounds in early morning in anticipation of the evening spectacle. The demand for tickets for these special days is high, book now to avoid disappointment, from Cancun to Chichén Itzá or from the Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, from $69 USD!  A small price to pay to experience the wonders of this mysterious event in a magical place.

Jumping to modern day news, Chichén Itzá once again will be the site of a phenomenal musical event.  Following the success of concerts by Sarah Brightman and Placido Domingo, Sir Elton John will be gracing the stage beside the Kukulkan pyramid on Saturday April 3, 2010.  The acoustics of the ancient city and the incredible voice of this super star promise to make this a night to remember.  Elton John tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from 1000 pesos to 10000 pesos.  Guests of the concert may choose to stay at the lovely Mayaland Hotel on the grounds of Chichén Itzá, a place of nature, peace and history or in the nearby town of Pisté at the Hotel Chichén Itzá.  The Yucatan Peninsula welcomes Sir Elton John, bienvenido!

We hope you are able to join us for one of these very special events, let Dtraveller be your guide to the ancient and the modern of the Yucatan Peninsula.  We’re passionate about our paradise and bring you local, expert knowledge on the region.  Happy trip planning!

Xplor!

Eco-parks are definitely a highlight of any trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, Xel-Ha and Xcaret are tops of most “must do” travel lists.  Now the people that brought you Xel-Ha and Xcaret invite you to take a step up the adventure ladder with the newest, most adrenaline filled eco-adventure park in the Riviera Maya, Xplor!

Immerse yourself in nature in this park located just south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  Set on 145 acres of jungle land filled with cenotes and underground rivers, Xplor offers “extreme” sports in a setting focused on safety and high-octane fun.  Find yourself on top of the world as you fly over the jungle on the zip line circuit, almost 2 miles of lines, with the tallest tower at 131 ft!  The zip line circuit has three water landings, two suspension bridges, one slide and a shot of adrenaline.  Safety comes first at Xplor, helmets are provided, the harnesses are top quality and the guides are attentive and well-trained.  The park utilizes “double lines” for extra safety, distributing your weight more evenly on the line. This is a rush like no other!

Going from high in the sky to the depths below, you’ll find the Stalactite river, created 65 million years ago!  Swim 437 yards in this subterranean river and discover the beauty of the caves with their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.  The water has an average temperature of 77 F, refreshing indeed, hot chocolate awaits you at the end of the journey.  You can further explore the subterranean world on the underground river rafts, a path of 1000 yards through grottoes and between rock formations, paddle your rafts with your hands and soak up the ancient history, this is a world like you’ve never seen!  Feel the need for some speed?  Climb aboard the amphibious vehicles and take a spin on the 3 mile track through lush jungle, rocky caverns, water crossings and over the suspension bridge.

Take a break from the adrenaline and enjoy the natural food and drinks offered at the light buffet.  The refreshments are geared towards health, recharge yourself with a fresh, natural fruit juice or enjoy a light lunch before embarking on the next stage of your adventure.  No soda or alcohol is available and the meals are 70% vegetarian, Xplor is all about energy!

Safety and suggestions

Please note that there is a maximum weight of 300 lbs/136 kgs and children must be over 6 years old, some activities are not recommended for pregnant women, persons with heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension and claustrophobia.  The zip lines have a minimum weight of 88 lbs/40 kgs and minimum height of 55 inches/1.4 m.  The park provides helmets, they are mandatory as are lifejackets for the water activities.  Bring your bathing suit, comfortable shorts and tees, water shoes are recommended and the use of biodegradable sunscreens is mandatory.  Waterproof cameras are a must, capture every moment!  Guests wishing to drive the amphibious vehicles must 18 years old with valid identification.  Lockers are available for your belongings, the dressing rooms and bathrooms are modern and clean.  Guests are asked to NOT TOUCH the stalactities and stalagmites, the fat in human skin can cause serious damage, we want people to be able to enjoy the park for years to come.  Guides are available at all times for assistance, they are trained in first aid and doctors and nurses are on site in case of emergency.  Your health and safety is the number one priority, come, relax and enjoy!

Dtraveller is thrilled to bring you this fantastic day trip.  Guests can book Xplor tour from Cancun including transportation, Xplor from Riviera Maya hotels including tranportation or Xplor entrance only if you’ll be renting a car. However you get there, you’ll be sure to enjoy a day full of fun, sun, refreshing dips, speed, history, nature and healthy food and drink.  This is a “must do” in the Riviera Maya, book now!