Riviera Maya
What an amazing week! As a test we purchased our tours prior to leaving the United States. There were several to choose from and the question was if pre-purchasing them was a good idea. The answer….absolutely YES!
I’m going to share my day by day itinerary and looking back I would not have changed a single thing.
Day 1
I have to say that Frontier Airlines had the most helpful and friendly staff that I have seen in quite awhile. They made the flight enjoyable and entertaining.
Upon arrival in Cancun we made our way through customs and “pushed the button” for bag screening. Once we cleared customs we exited the airport and met our Lomas Travel representative. We were directed to a new deluxe motor coach that would transfer us to the Grand Princess Riviera.
The transfer took approximately 45 minutes. During the transfer we were able to see the area and get a small glimpse of the local culture. Our transfer stopped at a few resorts along the way which gave us additional opportunities to see different locations.
When we arrived at the Grand Princess Riviera we were greeted with a cold drink by an extremely friendly staff. We were promptly checked in and our luggage was delivered to our room before we got to our room.
After we checked in we stopped at the Lomas Travel Tour desk to set the dates for our tours. Jose and Luis were fantastic to work with. They quickly exchanged our vouchers for the date and times we wanted each tour and gave us complete details of when to meet in the lobby and exactly what was included in each tour.
At this time my husband decided to add ½ day deep sea fishing tour and they explained to us that the boats they use have special permits to fish near the reef. This makes the possibilities of catching fish greater.
After scheduling our tours we then went to the concierge desk and made dinner reservations for the week at the specialty restaurants. We wanted to try each one and our requests were quickly confirmed.
We enjoyed a dinner buffet and spent the rest of the evening exploring the beautiful resort.
Day 2
Today we relaxed, walked on the beach and swam in the ocean. We also spent time at the swimming pools people watching and taking in all the different cultures that had come together to vacation at this amazing resort.
Throughout the resort the pathways are lined with Mayan Statues and incredible landscaping. Brilliantly colored flowers and foliage accent the beautiful tile and architecture that surrounds you. The resident iguana provided plenty of photo opportunities from his home in a tree.
The variety at the breakfast and lunch buffets is endless. Fresh fruits and vegetables, grilled specialties, dessert bars and plenty of traditional and international options are always available.
The specialty restaurants amazed us each time with delicious appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Each day we sampled something that we had never tasted before. Getting dress up for dinner was a nice change to your day. A tie was not required.
After dinner the resort provided evening entertainment, dancing and plenty of time for a romantic stroll on the lighted pathways or the beach.
Day 3
After our restful day yesterday we were ready for some activities and culture. Today our tour was The Maya Zip-Line. The transfer from the resort to our destination took approximately 30 minutes. Part of this transfer was through the jungle areas and we saw several small homes of the locals along the way.
Upon arrival we were suited up for the first of three zip lines. The first jump off the rock ledge was the scariest and my fears were quickly diminished as I took in the beautiful view of the water and trees below.
We hiked a short distance through the jungle to the next zip line. This one took us over a large ravine with large rock formations, trees and the sounds of birds. The third zip line started from a high tower that we climbed. This time we were several feet above the treetops and had views of all the surrounding area. It was incredible!
After the zipline we rode mountain bikes through the jungle to a traditional Mayan home. Along the way we viewed local plantations and saw their diverse cultivation while learning about their heritage from our tour guide. When we returned to camp we hiked to a cenote to witness and participate in a traditional Mayan purification ceremony.
Following the ceremony we swam and snorkeling in the cool waters of the cenotes. We had plenty time to explore the extraordinary system of cenotes in the area before enjoying a traditional Mayan lunch.
Throughout the day we had been photographed and our pictures were available to purchase after lunch. In addition to our personal photos you could purchase a CD that had all group photos as well as professional photos of the area and animals. The CD could be purchased for $45.00.
We were given the opportunity to meet several new people and talk with them on the return transfer to the resort.
Later that night we enjoyed an incredible dinner at the Las Olas (seafood) restaurant. The Princess Special included, octopus, lion crab, shrimp, red snapper and scallops. It was delicious and finished the day perfectly.
Day 4
What an amazing week! As a test we purchased our tours prior to leaving the United States. There were several to choose from and the question was if pre-purchasing them was a good idea. The answer….absolutely YES!
I’m going to share my day by day itinerary and looking back I would not have changed a single thing.
Day 1
I have to say that Frontier Airlines had the most helpful and friendly staff that I have seen in quite awhile. They made the flight enjoyable and entertaining.
Upon arrival in Cancun we made our way through customs and “pushed the button” for bag screening. Once we cleared customs we exited the airport and met our Lomas Travel representative. We were directed to a new deluxe motor coach that would transfer us to the Grand Princess Riviera.
The transfer took approximately 45 minutes. During the transfer we were able to see the area and get a small glimpse of the local culture. Our transfer stopped at a few resorts along the way which gave us additional opportunities to see different locations.
When we arrived at the Grand Princess Riviera we were greeted with a cold drink by an extremely friendly staff. We were promptly checked in and our luggage was delivered to our room before we got to our room.
After we checked in we stopped at the Lomas Travel Tour desk to set the dates for our tours. Jose and Luis were fantastic to work with. They quickly exchanged our vouchers for the date and times we wanted each tour and gave us complete details of when to meet in the lobby and exactly what was included in each tour.
At this time my husband decided to add ½ day deep sea fishing tour and they explained to us that the boats they use have special permits to fish near the reef. This makes the possibilities of catching fish greater.
After scheduling our tours we then went to the concierge desk and made dinner reservations for the week at the specialty restaurants. We wanted to try each one and our requests were quickly confirmed.
We enjoyed a dinner buffet and spent the rest of the evening exploring the beautiful resort.
Day 2
Today we relaxed, walked on the beach and swam in the ocean. We also spent time at the swimming pools people watching and taking in all the different cultures that had come together to vacation at this amazing resort.
Throughout the resort the pathways are lined with Mayan Statues and incredible landscaping. Brilliantly colored flowers and foliage accent the beautiful tile and architecture that surrounds you. The resident iguana provided plenty of photo opportunities from his home in a tree.
The variety at the breakfast and lunch buffets is endless. Fresh fruits and vegetables, grilled specialties, dessert bars and plenty of traditional and international options are always available.
The specialty restaurants amazed us each time with delicious appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Each day we sampled something that we had never tasted before. Getting dress up for dinner was a nice change to your day. A tie was not required.
After dinner the resort provided evening entertainment, dancing and plenty of time for a romantic stroll on the lighted pathways or the beach.
Day 3
After our restful day yesterday we were ready for some activities and culture. Today our tour was The Maya Zip-Line. The transfer from the resort to our destination took approximately 30 minutes. Part of this transfer was through the jungle areas and we saw several small homes of the locals along the way.
Upon arrival we were suited up for the first of three zip lines. The first jump off the rock ledge was the scariest and my fears were quickly diminished as I took in the beautiful view of the water and trees below.
We hiked a short distance through the jungle to the next zip line. This one took us over a large ravine with large rock formations, trees and the sounds of birds. The third zip line started from a high tower that we climbed. This time we were several feet above the treetops and had views of all the surrounding area. It was incredible!
After the zipline we rode mountain bikes through the jungle to a traditional Mayan home. Along the way we viewed local plantations and saw their diverse cultivation while learning about their heritage from our tour guide. When we returned to camp we hiked to a cenote to witness and participate in a traditional Mayan purification ceremony.
Following the ceremony we swam and snorkeling in the cool waters of the cenotes. We had plenty time to explore the extraordinary system of cenotes in the area before enjoying a traditional Mayan lunch.
Throughout the day we had been photographed and our pictures were available to purchase after lunch. In addition to our personal photos you could purchase a CD that had all group photos as well as professional photos of the area and animals. The CD could be purchased for $45.00.
We were given the opportunity to meet several new people and talk with them on the return transfer to the resort.
Later that night we enjoyed an incredible dinner at the Las Olas (seafood) restaurant. The Princess Special included, octopus, lion crab, shrimp, red snapper and scallops. It was delicious and finished the day perfectly.
Day 4
Today was an early morning. Our transfer from the hotel left at 7:50am and we were on our way to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen-itza. Lomas Travel provided a very entertaining and knowledgeable guide. The drive to the Mayan Village took about 2 hours and we learned all about the Mayan culture along the way. Our tour guide joked and visited with the group while providing pastries and cold beverages including sodas, bottled water and beer.
The bus drove through a small Mayan town so we could see their culture in action. Small children walked along the road smiling and waving at the bus. Older women and men sat outside their stick homes visiting and watching us as we passed by. Some of the older homes were simply made of sticks. Due to tourism in the area they are now starting to build homes from cinder blocks. The Mayan people were very friendly and although they seemed shy, they always smiled. They seemed genuinely happy.
We enjoyed a Mayan buffet lunch while being entertained by traditional dancers. They wore colorful costumes and also performed the Ribbon Dance. Our lunch was included in the cost of the tour. Beverages were extra.
After shopping for a short time we boarded the motor coach to the ruins. It was a short 5 minute drive. Our guide had already purchased our entrance bands which saved time for the group. He escorted our group through the ruins for about 1 ½ hours. He shared incredible information about the Mayans that we had never known before. The escorted part of the tour was the perfect length and provided the most important information.
We were then able to explore the ruins on our own and take as many pictures as we liked. There were several Mayan vendors selling their crafts around each monument. It was exciting visiting with them and learning about the skills involved in making their crafts.
At the entrance to the ruins were gift shops, ice cream vendors and snack vendors. Once back on the bus we were again offered cold beverage for the drive back to the resort. We arrived back at the resort about 8pm. What an incredible day!
Day 5
Today we took the day off. We slept in and spent the day at the pool and beach enjoying the 88 degree weather. The service at the pool was frequent and friendly. While on the beach we collected seashells and small pieces of coral to use on a picture frame of our favorite vacation photo.
For dinner we ate at the Italian restaurant, Mamma Mia. It was incredible! The appetizers were creative and delicious, the cannoli was amazing and the veal was perfect.
Tonight at the resort there were several vendors in the main square that had all types of crafts, leather goods, silver, and unique items available to purchase. As always, barter…you can always get the price lower than the original offer.
Day 6
Today we were off to Xcaret. The best way I can describe it is the Yucatan version of Seaworld and Polynesian Cultural Center combined. Make sure you have the Xcaret plus package. This will include admission to the park, 2 beverage vouchers, 1 snack voucher, locker and towel rental, snorkel gear and buffet at your choice of several restaurants. There is no need to bring you own mouth piece as each piece is new and you keep it as a souvenir.
There are several different types of animals that can be seen in the park, sea turtles, jaguars, monkeys, deer, wild pigs, Poloc, manatee, lemon shark, stingrays, dolphins and more. There is also a butterfly sanctuary and bat cave.
Papantla Flyers perform a pre-Hispanic ritual dedicated to the Sun God as they circle their way to the ground from high above in a unique show of courage and faith. There is also a horseshow with traditional riders and trick ropers.
You can take a 20 minute float down a tropical river on the Paradise River. It is a peaceful, quite ride surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls and beautiful jungle. As you turn a corner you will see iguanas resting quietly on shore and hear the sound of birds flying overhead.
The underground river’s light current lets you gently float and snorkel at your own pace while admiring the limestone formations on the ceilings and fossil encrusted walls. Peaceful caves open up to jungle and mangrove surroundings throughout the tour. Be sure to use the locked bags for your towel and flip flops to be transferred to the end of the river so you will have them for your continued walk through the park.
As if all that wasn’t enough there are still beaches, natural pools and inlets, a coral reef aquarium, Mayan Village and a beautiful stained glass butterfly display. You can pay extra to swim with the dolphins, scuba dive or get a relaxing massage nearby a lagoon.
We used our snack and drink vouchers for a light lunch and then enjoyed a delicious Mexican buffet before attending the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular. What an incredible event! More than 280 performers dressed in authentic costumes entertained and told of the history of the Mayan culture and the different dances from each region of Mexico.
Don’t miss this one!
After the show we transferred back to the hotel and arrived by 8:30pm.
Day 7
Our final full day we decided to incorporate our personal hobbies with the Yucatan. We departed the hotel at 9:30 am and went to Maromoa Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the Yucatan. The beaches were groomed and beautiful! Take bug spray……that was the only downside to this area.
We started off on an ATV ride through the jungle. The course took us through heavily wooded areas and exciting trails, around ponds and down country roads. We then drove a course on the beach weaving in and out of palm trees and sand hills. I could have spent the rest of the day riding ATV’s it was so much fun. We finished the ride through the mangrove area and thoroughly enjoyed this experience.
After the ATV’s we went to the beach and took speed boats out on the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. These small two person speed boats were fantastic! We were jumping waves and circling all around the coast. Photographers captured our excitement as we splashed by their small sail boat. This was a great activity to compliment the ATV experience.
When we finished with the speed boats light snacks and sodas were waiting for us in the beachside restaurant. From here I went back to the hotel for my last chance to enjoy the beach at the resort while my husband set sail for some deep sea fishing.
The crew was very friendly and took care of all the details. They were able to fish near the reef and he caught red and yellow snapper, groupers and other tropical fish. After a few hours the boat went out to sea even further to try for larger fish. My husband hooked into a beautiful sail fish and two hours later had it on board. That was the perfect finale for the trip!
Day 8
Our transfers were right on time to take us to the airport. We were bid farewell by our Lomas Travel representatives and we can hardly wait to return.
Report written by: Launa Walquist
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