Top Things to Do and See in Quintana Roo State
When many think of the Caribbean, they think about paradise islands such as Barbados and Jamaica. But other countries get a slice of the tropical blue sea, too – especially Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula, which is also dotted with magnificent Mayan temples. Base yourself in the beach town of Playa del Carmen and get ready to enjoy white sand beaches, mysterious cenotes and captivating wildlife. Here are the best things to do in Quintana Roo.
Cancún Underwater Museum
Museum
Dos Ojos Cenote
Natural Feature
Quintana Roo is a region known for beautiful cenotes, water pools that are either in a cave or in a naturally formed pit once the cave ceiling has fallen. They’re spectacular spots in which to swim, sometimes they have lilies sitting on their glassy surfaces, blind fish hovering in the depths, or stalactites and stalagmites disappearing into the darkness. No one knows exactly how far the myriad caverns at Dos Ojos stretch, but it’s at least 60km (37mi). Come for the day and marvel at their complexity as you dive through them, or snorkel and keep close to the surface.
Enjoy sundowners at Zenzi Beach Bar
Restaurant, Mexican
It’s quite a scene – soft white sand, gently lapping waves, sky fading from pink to star-twinkling peacock-blue over the Caribbean sea – and you can watch it all with an icy mojito in your hand here in Playa del Carmen. It’s only an hour’s drive from Cancun’s big-brand resort beach boulevard, but with boutique resorts and a low-key, small town feel, Playa is a world away. Zenzi, right on the beach, is as laid-back as an Ibiza chill-out lounge… until sunset, that is, when people gather to sip cocktails and prepare for the DJ-driven dance parties after dark.
Eat tacos from Taquería Neza
Restaurant, Mexican
It’s just a simple street stall but Neza, in the little beach town of Puerto Morelos, just south of Cancun, serves some of the best tacos in Quintana Roo. The tortillas are made using traditional masa harina and the taco fillings come in almost limitless varieties. But go easy on the chili sauce – it’s as fiery as a hot coal.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Natural Feature
This free extravaganza takes place every November, when the weather is still surprisingly warm and inviting. Big-name acts, such as George Benson and Herbie Hancock, have been featured on the bill, and the main stage is right on the beach in Playa del Carmen. But be sure to stay in the town itself, and to book ahead – around 20,000 people attend annually, and Playa has limited parking and toilet space.
Cozumel scuba diving
Natural Feature
Cozumel island, a few kilometers off the Playa del Carmen coast, is one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean. Big reef walls covered in brilliantly colored corals and huge barrel sponges drop off into the deep blue. The marine life here is spectacular, with easy-to-spot turtles and nurse sharks, alongside big schools of reef fish. Most dives are drifts, with currents carrying you past the reef like a flowing river.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Ruins
Xcaret
Amusement Park, Park
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Natural Feature
Cycle around Holbox
Natural Feature
This sand island off the north coast of Quintana Roo is a wildlife haven. In the summer, whale sharks congregate offshore and turtles nest on the beaches. The lagoon, which separates Holbox from the mainland, is pink with flamingos all year round. The best way to see it all is slowly, on a bicycle, with a sunhat, sunblock and plenty of water in your bag. Top tip: Holbox is too big to cycle around in one day, so consider staying overnight.