The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a dream destination for its world-famous activities such as the archaeological site of Chichen Itza and its many dream beaches.
But do you know any unusual places to discover in Playa del Carmen during a stay on the Riviera Maya?
To escape for a few hours from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera Maya, nothing beats discovering original places.
In this article, discover three of these unusual places to add an original touch to your trip to Mexico.
Discover the Cenotes
The cenotes in Mexico are unusual places not to be missed! Like oases in the middle of the jungle, these freshwater bodies are true water wells essential to the local fauna and flora.
For vacationers staying on the Riviera Maya, visiting a cenote is a great opportunity to enjoy a moment of relaxation and a refreshing swim.
The formation of cenotes is due to the filling of underground caves with rainwater through the limestone rock that makes the Yucatan Peninsula’s soil porous.
Over the years, some of these underground caves have seen their ceilings collapse, giving birth to open-air cenotes.
Do not hesitate to consult this ranking of cenotes in Playa del Carmen to discover these gems of Mexican nature.
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is a very beautiful cenote of the Riviera Maya located near Playa del Carmen.
Very popular, this cenote allows you to spend a few hours enjoying an oasis of coolness during the hot Mexican days.
Among the fish, you can swim snorkeling to observe them up close and even enjoy a natural spa thanks to the small fish that eat dead skin.
The few small pools around the main basin are particularly pretty and allow you to spend some time away from other visitors.
Cenote Nicte-Ha
Cenote Nicte-Ha is one of the Riviera Maya’s gems thanks to its hundreds of water lilies floating on the water’s surface.
By putting on a mask and snorkel, Cenote Nicte-Ha offers even more surprises thanks to its underwater beds rich in fish and vegetation.
The light plays caused by the sun’s rays are also magnificent and add an extra dose of magic to the place.
Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Cristalino is another very beautiful cenote in Playa del Carmen right in the middle of the jungle.
Several pools allow you to spend time swimming among the fish to observe them, rest, and relax in a soothing atmosphere.
Explore an underground river
One of the most unusual activities to do during a trip to Playa del Carmen is to explore an underground river.
Accompanied by a guide, the discovery of an underground river allows you to wander through caves dotted with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites for a breathtaking spectacle.
A vast network of underground rivers flows beneath the Yucatan Peninsula and connects some of the underground cenotes to each other.
The story of these geological formations told by a local guide is always most fascinating.
During a stroll through what the Mayans considered the underworld, one immerses oneself in the history and beliefs of a very mysterious civilization.
For millions of years, stalactites and stalagmites have been growing little by little to give today’s visitors an unforgettable memory of this unmissable experience.
Dinner in an Unusual Restaurant
Among the multitude of restaurants that Playa del Carmen boasts, some of them are totally unusual.
Alux
The Alux restaurant is certainly the most original of the restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
Indeed, this restaurant is located right in the heart of an underground cenote amidst thousands of stalagmites and stalactites.
Once inside the cave, you reach a high-end restaurant with exceptional lighting.
It is definitely the ideal restaurant for a romantic dinner as a couple in Playa del Carmen.
Aldea Corazon
Aldea Corazon is also a Mexican restaurant located in a cenote but this time it is a semi-open cenote.
The setting is magnificent and completely contrasts with the restaurant’s entrance located on a very lively street.
Once inside, you arrive in an oasis of greenery that invites disconnection and enjoying an excellent meal.
The cenote below adds a touch of freshness to the place and the dance and fire shows bring their dose of magic.
Xplor Fuego
The amusement parks of the Xcaret group are well known to the general public for offering many activities and shows to vacationers in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.
But there is also an unusual nighttime version of the visit to the thrill park Xplor called Xplor Fuego for even more adrenaline.
The zip line course is quite incredible to experience at night for multiplied sensations.
In addition to the zip lines, the Xplor park offers a buggy course, an underground river to explore, as well as a water slide and a raft course.
Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden
The botanical garden of Puerto Morelos is one of the most unusual places to discover on the Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen.
A walk of one to two hours in the heart of the jungle allows you to discover an incredible environment.
Among other things, you learn a lot of information about the fauna and flora of the region that you can encounter at any moment during a walk in this magnificent park.
Coatis and monkeys are the stars of this botanical garden; watching them roam freely is always an incredible opportunity.
One can also discover the tree used by the Mayans in the making of traditional chewing gum.
This journey through the Mexican jungle offers an original way to explore the always very fragile ecosystem of the Yucatan Peninsula forest.
