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Shrouded in luxury, surrounded by lush tropical forest and enriched with ancient culture, Fairmont Mayakoba’s convenient setting in the heart of Riviera Maya provides the ultimate escape to one of Mexico’s most coveted destinations. An expansive stretch of Caribbean coastline on the Yucatán Peninsula, Riviera Maya comprises a wealth of intriguing locales like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal and more, all offering endless once-in-a-lifetime experiences. When it comes to visiting this luxuriant region, the question you’ll be asking isn’t “what can I do in the Riviera Maya?” — it’s “how much can I possibly squeeze into my itinerary?” And with Fairmont Mayakoba’s accessible location, you’ll be able to effortlessly check-off your top picks even before you check-out.

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Embark on A Nature Adventure Tour

Mayakoba, the exclusive resort community in which Fairmont Mayakoba is nestled, is home to several lagoons and jungles. Soak in the exquisite natural beauty of the area by boarding a lancha (or covered canal boat) and floating through Mayakoba’s breathtaking scenery. Listen to the soothing sounds that the tropical adventure has to offer as a Tatich (or guide) reveals the various five ecosystems as well as the many flora and fauna native to the area.

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Sail on A Luxury Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

Less than two hours from the resort lies the striking Mexican island Isla Mujeres. Step foot onto a catamaran and set sail on the Caribbean while enjoying refreshing beverages from an open bar. Stop along the way to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and take in the majestic beauty of the coral reef located just offshore. Once you arrive on land, wander the charming streets of the island town to shop from local vendors and delight in fresh savory seafood.

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Light Up The Night in Playa del Carmen

A hot-spot for Riviera Maya travelers, the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen is merely a 20 minute drive from Fairmont Mayakoba. Take a stroll along the main strip — Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) — that runs directly alongside the palm-studded beach. Day or night, you’ll be in awe of the hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs offered. One of the most tantalizing venues for nightlife is Coco Bongo, a vibrant club with incredible live performances, high-energy dance beats and signature drinks. You won’t want to miss the non-stop party.

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Scuba Dive at Cozumel

South of Cancun lies Mexico’s largest island, Cozumel. A world-renowned dive site, Cozumel is located roughly one hour and 40 minutes from the resort. Take a PADI-certified diving lesson in one of the most revered locations to experience the wonder that lies beneath the sea in the world’s second largest coral reef system — the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

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Golf at El Camaleón

No matter your skill level, channel your inner golf pro and tee-off at the championship-caliber El Camaleón golf course, located just a short walk from Fairmont Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen. Designed by golf legend Greg Norman, El Camaleón offers unforgettable views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding tropical landscape. Featuring challenging holes and several diversions like sand dunes, mangroves and four cenotes, the course truly embodies its namesake — the chameleon. Seeking to improve your game? Take a one-on-one lesson at the state-of-the-art Jim McClean Golf School.

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Embrace The Aquatic World at Xel-Há Park

Just a 20-minute drive from the resort sits Xel-Há Park — the largest natural aquarium in the world. Literally meaning “where the water is born” in the Mayan language, Xel-Há is an epic aquatic theme park where you can swim and snorkel with tropical fish, float along a river on inner tubes, walk or bike jungle trails, zipline, rope swing and much more. It certainly is every water lover’s paradise.

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Explore Cenotes

Translating to “sacred well” in Mayan, cenotes are natural underground swimming holes within caves and caverns. There are thousands located within the region, and the ancient Mayans who inhabited the area years ago considered these magnificant sinkholes as gateways to their Gods. One of the most popular cenotes to visit is Rio Secreto — a series of cenotes connected by an underground river featuring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites — in Playa del Carmen.

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Experience Sublime Nature at Sian Ka'an

Located in Tulum about two hours from Fairmont Mayakoba, Sian Ka’an is the largest protected biosphere in the Mexican Caribbean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be in awe of the natural surroundings, which include coastal wetlands, native flora and fauna, various wildlife, ancient Mayan canals, glistening lagoons and more.

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Discover The Ancient Mayan Ruins at Tulum

Also in Tulum, one of the most popular excursions for tourists in the Riviera Maya is the Ancient Mayan Ruins. One of the last places the Mayans built and inhabited, the archaeological site is full of fascinating history and includes impressive structures standing on top of a cliff overlooking the coast.

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