Things to do
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Cenote Azul
Terraces of clear pools in the jungle off the highway near Puerto Aventuras, shallow enough to stand in at the edges and deep by the far wall, where a low ledge serves as a jumping rock. Small fish nibble at ankles. Families fill it at weekends and by mid-morning in season; two similar cenotes sit within walking distance along the same road.
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Jardín Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín
Spider monkeys move through the canopy of this research garden off the highway at Puerto Morelos, where trails wind through orchids, palms, ferns and stands of chicozapote trees still scarred by the cuts of chicle tappers. A reconstructed tapper's camp, a small Maya structure and a lookout above the mangrove sit along the loop, and mosquito repellent is essential in the wet season.
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Punta Esmeralda
North of the resort blocks, a freshwater spring rises in a shallow rock pool a few steps from the sea, and the two waters meet across the sand. Local families claim the shade of the palms at weekends, and the pool is shallow enough for small children. It lies at the north end of town, beyond the Quinta Avenida shops.
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Quinta Avenida
Pedestrians took this street from cars decades ago, and it now runs several kilometres parallel to the sand: jewellery shops, taco counters, tequila tastings and touts working every doorway. The blocks south of the ferry pier are loudest, those beyond Calle Twenty-eight calmer, with wine bars and small hotels. Walk it in the evening when the heat drops and the dancers come out.
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Río Secreto
Wetsuit, helmet and headlamp go on before a guided walk and wade through a half-flooded cave, water at the waist and stalactites close overhead. Groups are small and the guide turns the lamps off for a minute of absolute dark. Cameras stay in the lockers. A nature reserve covers the surface above. Cool underground, which makes it the useful option in a heatwave.
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Rosewood Mayakoba
Suites stand on the banks of freshwater lagoons and canals dug through the coastal forest north of the town, inside the gated Mayakoba development, with others on the beach. Waterways thread the estate between the rooms, spa and restaurants, and the beach lies at the seaward edge. Playa del Carmen centre is a short drive south.
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Xcaret Park
Underground rivers are the signature: a long float through limestone tunnels, wearing a life jacket, ending at the sea. Above them sit an aviary, a butterfly pavilion, turtle pens and reconstructed Maya buildings on the site of a real port. Biodegradable sunscreen only. Plan a full day and stay for the evening show, hundreds of dancers and musicians working through the regional repertoire.
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Xplor Park
Two zip-line circuits run above the forest canopy south of the town, and amphibious vehicles grind along dirt tracks and through caves between them. Rafts and swimmers follow lit underground rivers past stalactites and hanging roots. Admission covers every ride and the buffet, and helmets and harnesses are issued at the gate.
