Adventures

2019 ADVENTURES

ATV/ZIPLINES
Golf Outing
Catamaran Catamaya
Chichen Itza
Jungle Maya
Rio Secreto
Xel Ha
Tulum Day Trip
COBA MAYA
Paradise Lagoon
VALLADOLID & CENOTE MAYA
TEMAZCAL HEALING & WELLNESS

ATV/ZIPLINES

Get to know some of Mexico’s most picturesque backcountry (according to Picturesque Backcountry Magazine) by flying through a 7-phase zip line circuit and tearing it up in the jungle on a guided ATV tour. This Adventure will be sure to get the adrenaline pumping! Cap off the excitement with a a peaceful dip in a freshwater sinkhole (also known as a “cenote”). After getting out of the water (also known as “agua”) we’ll bring that unforgettable day to a close with a late lunch buffet of fantastic local cuisine including grilled chicken, rice, beans, a salad bar, corn chips and hot sauces. Es muy bueno! More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 11 AM
  • Approximate return time – 5 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 4 out of 5
  • Expect moderate to light hiking. All participants must be able to swim, and be capable of handling a motorized vehicle over long distances.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 20 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 20 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 25 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 15 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 10 minutes

Packing List

  • Swimsuit
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Comfortable Shoes (flip flops not advised)
  • Water Shoes (optional)
  • Lockers included

Golf Outing

The El Camaleon Mayakoba is a masterpiece as unique as its creator (the legendary and world renowned Australian golfer Greg Norman) featuring three diverse ecosystems: the tropical Mayan jungle, mangrove wetlands and the beach. This par 72 layout plays along several miles of crystal clear fresh water canals surrounded by mangrove and limestone walls. The course boasts two ocean holes with astonishing views of the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean Sea and Cozumel Island. There also may be a couple of a-holes. El Camaleon made golf history in 2007 when it became the first PGA TOUR event to be contested outside the US and Canada. Playing at 7,024 yards from the longest tees, this is truly championship golf at its finest. Guests can compete with others as we host small competitions throughout the day, with lots of festival swag and prizes! Join us for a wonderful day on the links (that’s Mexican for golf). GPS golf cart & open bar provided. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 8 AM
  • Approximate return time – 4 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 3 out of 5
  • Carts provided in pricing

Distance from resorts

  • Barcelo Maya / Palace: 35 minutes
  • Esencia: 35 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 30 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 55 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 40 minutes

Packing list

  • Golf Clothes
  • Golf Clubs (Bring your own or rent for $50)
  • Golf Shoes (Bring your own or rent for $20)
  • Sunscreen
  • GPS Golf Cart included
  • Open Bar included
  • Ala Carte Food available for purchase
  • One of these

Catamaran Catamaya

Explore the dazzling depths of the Caribbean on the snorkeling adventure of a lifetime! Sail from Puerto Aventuras to the second largest coral reef system in the world on a luxury 65-foot catamaran. Swim among hundreds of tropical fish species, turtles, sting rays, tour guide Benito, and fabulous coral reefs on this guided snorkeling adventure. While you swim, a meal will be prepared on board. Enjoy an exquisite lobster or New York strip steak with a full open bar including mixed drinks, beer, margaritas, soda and purified water. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 9 AM
  • Approximate return time – 3 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 1 out of 5
  • Honestly, you’ll spend most of the day kicking back aboard our luxury catamaran, but you must have the ability to swim/snorkel freely if you wish to participate in that portion of the adventure.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 20 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 15 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 10 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 30 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 20 minutes

Packing List

  • Swimsuit
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Sunglasses
  • Water Shoes
  • Light sweater
  • Lunch Included

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is the capital of the ancient Maya empire. Its majestic buildings date back to 435 and 455 BC, and it’s geographically located in the middle of the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula. At this site, declared as one of the 7 Wonders of the World (by Wonders of the World Magazine), you can visit magnificent temples such as the Kukulkan Pyramid and the Pok ta Pok ball game court. The Pyramid of Kukulkan is the most impressive temple in Chichen Itza. It’s renowned for the number of tombs beneath its towering 91 steps. After your journey through Mayan history with tour guide Benito, you’ll head towards Valladolid for a wonderful lunch and a refreshing cenote swim at the beautiful Selva Maya. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 8 AM
  • Approximate return time – 5 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 1 out of 5
  • You can expect moderate to light hiking.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 2 hours 10 minutes

Packing List

  • Hat
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Swimsuit (optional)
  • Towel (optional)
  • A refreshing bottle of Tea-Lite Peach-Apple Iced Tea #sponsored

Jungle Maya

If our adventures have got the explorer in you all fired up, you don’t want to miss the ultimate Jungle Maya tour. Discover the breathtaking Sistema Sac-Actun – the world’s longest underground river! Visit this historic natural landmark and participate in thrilling local activities – snorkel in the Nohoch Nah Chiich cavern, navigate through the forest in an all-terrain vehicle, rappel down into a cenote to swim, and even fly over the jungle on a 5-phase zip line circuit! We put the “action” in “Sac-Actun” (just go with it). More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 7:30 AM
  • Approximate return time – 2:30PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 4 out of 5
  • Expect moderate to light hiking, driving in off-road vehicles over uneven terrain, and ziplining. You must have the ability to swim/ snorkel in open water

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 19 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 25 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 30 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 10 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 10 minutes

Packing List

  • Swimsuit
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Comfortable Shoes (Flip Flops not advised)
  • Biodegradable Bug Spray (optional)
  • Lockers included
  • Light Lunch included

Rio Secreto

If you thought Riviera Maya was beautiful, just wait till you get a look at what’s underneath the hood! Rio Secreto is a natural underground river and cave system filled with a kaleidoscope of speleothems. The speleothems are insane. It’s just, like, speleothems as far as the eye can see. If you’re a hardcore speleothemecist, you’re going to speleothem all over yourself. Embark on a journey back through the ages as you hike and swim through this half-mile route. Marvel in this magical ancient subterranean world that until recently had remained unexplored and untouched for millions of years. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 10 AM
  • Approximate return time – 3:30PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 4 out of 5
  • Expect numerous hours underground navigating these underwater caves. Must have the ability to swim. Not recommended for people with claustrophobia.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 16 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 15 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 20 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 35 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 25 minutes

Packing List

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Water Shoes
  • Lockers included
  • Light Lunch included

Xel Ha

Spend an action-packed day exploring Xel-Há, the world’s largest natural aquarium park! Your ticket allows full-day access to the park and more than 20 incredible activities and attractions. Swim and snorkel with more than 90 marine species, Huck Finn your way through cenotes and mangrove trees, cliff dive, traverse rivers on ropes and zip lines, explore history on jungle trains, or just kick it with a drink on Hammock Island (named after Lord General Edwin Hammock). As always, breakfast, lunch, and drinks are included. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 9 AM
  • Approximate return time – 4:30PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 2 out of 5
  • Y’all can choose your own adventure at this park, so swimming levels of all types are welcome. Expect moderate walking distances.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 18 minutes
  • Barceló Maya Palace: 25 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 25 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 10 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 10 minutes

Packing List

  • Swimsuit
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Water Shoes
  • Hat
  • Lockers included
  • Lunch and Drinks included

 

Tulum Day Trip

Tulum is one of the most idyllic towns in Mexico and a must-visit when you’re in Riviera Maya. With an extraordinary blend of unspoiled beaches, intimate clubs and bars, ancient Mayan architecture, and languid laid-back vibes – there ain’t nowhere out there quite like Tulum. Tulum is situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and it served as the major port for the ancient city of Coba. Your day starts with a little bit of history at one of the last inhabited Mayan temples which were built over 600 years ago. After checking out the ruins, you can then head to Villa Pescadores – our official Phish: Riviera Maya beach club hang spot where you can relax on sugar-white sands, enjoy a couple of cold ones, grab a bite (we highly recommend the ceviche and the rock shrimp), or take a dip in the Caribbean Sea. Please note: food, drink, and admission into the ruins are not included, only transportation to and from your resort. This Adventure is free-roaming style. That being said, our Adventure tour guides (ask for Benito!) will be located all over the site in order to answer your questions, point you in the right direction, and coordinate your shuttles back to the resort. There is so much to see in Tulum and we recommend that you explore as much as you can at your own pace. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 10:30 AM
  • Approximate return time – 4:30PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 1 out of 5
  • You can expect moderate to light walking.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 31 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 35 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 40 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 15 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 20 minutes

Packing List

  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Biodegradable Bug Spray (optional)

COBA MAYA

Be transported back in time to the Ancient Mayan city of Cobá, where majestic pyramids (including Nohoch Mul, the tallest temple in the Yucatan Peninsula) rise above the lush vegetation of the Rainforest. From the top, you will have stunning views of the jungle canopy. Following the short climb, guests will visit a secluded Mayan village to enjoy its well-preserved natural beauties such as lagoons, cenotes, jungle paths, tour guide Benito, and a pristine reserve that protects the local flora and fauna. Rappel down thrilling cenotes and soar the canopy on breathtaking ziplines, swim in hidden caves and walk through the jungle as you learn about this unique environment. Afterwards a lush meal will be prepared including soup, chicken, vegetables, rice, beans, handmade corn tortillas and flavored water. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 8 AM
  • Approximate return time – 5 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 1 out of 5
  • This adventure is not recommended for guests who suffer heart conditions, respiratory or back problems.

Distance from resorts

  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 50 minutes
  • Esencia – 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 1 hour

Packing List

  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Comfortable Shoes (whatever you do, take care of them)

Paradise Lagoon

Swim in one of the oldest subterranean river systems in the world! On the Paradise Lagoon adventure you get to explore the incredible Cenote Santuario de los Guerreros. Then you’ll have a one of a kind snorkeling experience at Lagoon Yal-ku where fresh subterranean waters mix with warm tropical Caribbean waters. Light snacks and drinking water will be provided to help sustain you along the way. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 8:30 AM
  • Approximate return time – 2:30 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 2 out of 5
  • All participants must be able to swim and be capable of treading water for extended periods of time, as well as properly operating snorkeling equipment.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 20 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 25 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 30 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 25 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 10 minutes

Packing List

  • Swimsuit
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Water shoes (optional)
  • Lightly-worn paperback of “MAD’s Dave Berg Looks At the U.S.A.” (optional)

 

VALLADOLID & CENOTE MAYA

Visit the magical town of Valladolid, an ancient and colorful city rich with Mayan culture and European influence. Discover the charm of the “East Pearl”, with its colonial architecture, picturesque streets and historic squares. Here you’ll get a taste of history as you explore the city (according to Taste of History Magazine), including the impressive Valladolid Cathedral and former San Bernardino Convent. Marvel at the regal details of City Hall and stop at a local museum along the way. After exploring town, you’ll be amazed by the majestic Cenote Maya, the biggest vaulted cenote in Mexico (over 60 meters in diameter!). When you arrive, you’ll participate in an authentic Mayan blessing ceremony (Gesundheit!). Then you’ll have two options for entering the cenote: rappelling down 75ft (the adventurous option!) or by simply taking the stairs. Once inside this natural jewel you can swim in crystal clear water amongst otherworldly rock formations and even fly on 2 different zip lines. After your doses of history and excitement, a traditional buffet with organic vegetables and Mayan flair will be provided for your post-activity enjoyment. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 8:00 AM
  • Approximate return time – 5:30 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 3 out of 5
  • All participants must be able to swim and should expect moderate to light hiking.

Distance from resorts (to Valladolid)

  • Esencia: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 2 hours
  • Dreams Tulum: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 2 hours

Packing List

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Biodegradable Bug Spray (optional)
  • Cash for Benito

 

TEMAZCAL HEALING & WELLNESS

The perfect adventure after a long night of music and dancing on the beach. The Chaak Tun Eco Park is the ultimate setting for an encounter with the Mayan jungle’s impressive beauty. Your healing and wellness retreat begins with a refreshing dip into the waters of a several-thousand-year-old cave lined with magnificent limestone rock formations. Then you’ll experience a traditional fire ceremony that will prepare you for purification (in accordance with the demands of Gozer the Gozerian) in the temazcal (the indigenous name for “sweat lodge”). The pre-hispanic temazcal ritual has been used for hundreds of years for hygienic, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. By taking part in this ritual, you will have the opportunity to cleanse your mind and body – and to realign your spirit with mother earth (the indigenous name for “earth”). After the temazcal ritual, it’s time for a gratifying and relaxing 30-minute massage… You are on vacation after all! Once finished, a seasonal fruit bar accompanied by fresh natural waters awaits while you share your experience with the rest of the group. More Info  

Shuttle departure and return times

  • Approximate departure time – 11:30 AM
  • Approximate return time – 5 PM

Difficulty rating + explanation

  • 1 out of 5
  • This adventure is not recommended for guests who are more than three months pregnant or currently suffering from asthma or heart disease.

Distance from resorts

  • Esencia: 35 minutes
  • Barceló Maya / Palace: 30 minutes
  • Hard Rock: 35 minutes
  • Dreams Tulum: 55 minutes
  • Secrets Akumal: 40 minutes

Packing List

  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Biodegradable Bug Spray (optional)
  • Infinity stones (optional)