Relaxation is always on the top of my list during vacation, but as an avid traveler, sightseeing is equally as important. If you find yourself headed to Riviera Maya, Tulum, Playa del Carmen or even Cancun in the near future, here are the must-see sites that you shouldn’t miss!
1. Chichen Itza
It may be about a two hour drive from Riviera Maya, but trust me when I say it is well worth it. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Mayan cities.
The archaeological site is so large it would take days if not weeks to explore it in it’s entirety. Also it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
2. A Cenote.
A cenote is basically a giant sinkhole caused by the crumbling of limestone.
The Ik Kil Cenote, or Ikil Cenote, is almost like an underground cave housing a deep well. The water is incredibly cool and refreshing. Swimming there might have been one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.
3. Akumal Bay.
Image via The Barefoot Nomad (Their post has tips!)
This was something we planned to do but missed due to that other thing we did on vacation – relaxation. Both locals and travelers alike rave about the reefs and the turtle-spotting! Next time we’re in the area, Akumal will be my priority!
4. A Tequila Tasting! (Yes, this isn’t a site, but it’s still a must-do.)
I’ll be honest, my tequila knowledge was incredibly limited. Outside of the occasional margarita or tequila shot, I knew nothing. 
Learning more about the tequila-making process was interesting, and tasting the different types made me feel like a downright connoisseur. With our newly found knowledge, I was able to pick out a tequila that I can actually enjoy. If you’re not a Jose Cuervo kind of person, still give it a try. Mexican tequila is quite different from the cheap stuff we’re used to shooting with salt and a lime!
Looking for more travel tips? Check out What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation, my advice for Beach Resort Wear, or What to Wear on a Plane when traveling to a beach vacation!
Swimming in the cave looks so cool! I’ve never heard of anything like that.
Kristina does the Internets
The cenote looks so awesome! I typically do the sightseeing thing with no relaxation, but that’s because my trips are usually short. I also live at the beach, so it’s easier for me to do the relaxation thing at home.
Oh my goodness…I want to go swimming in a cenote ASAP…that looks SO cool! Such great tips and photos Lauren 🙂
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
We honeymooned in Cancun and went to Chichen Itza and a cenote too…definitely both were a sight to see!
-Sharon
http://pinterest.com/pin/197595502373701342/
I was near the Riveria Maya for a service trip a few years ago! Obviously we didn’t do much sight seeing, but there was a day when we traveled to the pyramids/beach. Of course by that point, I had Montazuma’s revenge (misery) and hardly enjoyed it, but I’d love to go back!
So fun! I think the only reason I would go to Mexico would be for the Mayan cities and the cool caves, haha…I’d rather go to other beaches 😉
http://www.closet-fashionista.com
The cenote looks amazing! I definitely missed that when we were there and will have to do it next time! I would say I prefer 75% relaxation with 25% sightseeing on vacation… definitely a mix of both!
Such great photos!!! I like a mix of sightseeing and relaxation..mostly relaxation, depending on where we go! xo, Julie
Tequila tasting in Mexico sounds so cool, well more the education part than the tasting (i’m not much on tequila). And that cenote looks BEAUTIFUL!
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
That cave looks gorgeous! I like to mix it up; relaxation is the number one priority, but if we don’t have ANY plans then I get antsy to go do something. So we usually plan an activity or two per day while on vacay, just in case.
These pics are gorgeous! I’ve never been but am dying to go. You’re making me want a vacation!
xo Dina
Sweetest Somethings
This is such an awesome post! I’m definitely the person who likes to relax on a vacation- but I also try to plan them around new places and things to see! This sounds like an A+ trip to me!
I’d love to head out there someday!
Love this post! I would love to go to Mexico on vacation, but I couldn’t sit around the resort for too long. Chichen Itza is high on my list of places to visit, but I didn’t know about the other things. I’ll definitely send it to Adam to try to get him on board. 😉
Love your blog! Happy to be following!
vodkaandcupcakes.com
When we were in Mexico last Spring we saw the Chichen Itza and swam in cenote’s. We will definitely have to go to the turtle sanctuary next time. THey have amazing Tequila in Mexico.
Don’t forget to link up today for my Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Oh I am so happy I happened upon your blog. 🙂 We are headed to Cancun this December and Chichen Itza is definitely on my list. Where did you go for tequila tasting? 🙂
I’m sure you’ll love Cancun! We stopped in Valladolid for the tasting, which is a colonial city only two minutes from the cenote we visited!
Wow, that cave is the most beautiful cave ever!
Life is Beautiful
So cool!
Well I’ve never been, but now I must add it to my list. Except for the tequila part. We had a bad meeting once and I’ve avoided it ever since.
What a gorgeous place – the water is so clear and blue! Thanks for sharing these photos, adding this to my wishlist! x, Kat
Love and Ace
Beautiful pictures! I need to travel soon and visit Mexico!
-Vogue&Heels
http://www.vogueandheels.com
WOW, I totally wish that I was there right now! Looks like you saw some really beautiful things. PS Did you change up the design of your blog? I LOVE it! xo
I can not believe you went to a sinkhole, thanks is my bucket list!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Those archaeological sites are amazing! So beautiful. I bet the tequila making process was interesting.
Oh goodness, that underground cave is just too much. What a spectacular vacation you lucky girl!
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Well done article. Cenote Ik Kil was my favorite place to go.