2 National Park Visits on the Riviera Maya to Build a Day Around

1.Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote and Mayan family

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 489 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $184Our pick

Spend about eight hours combining Coba’s jungle ruins with Punta Laguna’s monkeys, canoeing, and zipline. You’ll also share a Mayan meal, visit an animal sanctuary, and swim in a quieter cenote. Guides such as Carlos, Marco, Alonso, and Tzamn are praised for clear history and local insight.

“Great itinerary and such a fun day! Saw monkeys, zip lined, Mayan village and had a fantastic lunch in a Mayan family home. Coba is amazing and biking there was such fun!”

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2.Río Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen Entrance or Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 168 reviews · 3 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $89Best value

Swim and wade through Río Secreto’s crystal-clear underground river on a guided 1-kilometer route. You’ll receive a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp, water shoes, life vest, locker, towel, and lunch. Add transportation, Tulum, Puerto Morelos snorkeling, or other options when available.

“This was truly a magical experience. To experience a small portion of this cave system was a special experience. We had a great guide, Imelda, and the entire experience was very well organized. I would not recommend this for young children or elderly travellers, but overall this was a wonderful day. We had the great fun of torrential rains coming down as we got ready, which got us, was just another fun part of the day.”

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