Quintana Roo is Mexico's easternmost state, stretching along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and encompassing world-famous beach resorts, ancient Maya ruins, and the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. From the glittering hotel zone of Cancun to the bohemian clifftop ruins of Tulum and the tranquil island of Isla Holbox, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Beneath the jungle floor, thousands of cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes—create one of the world's most spectacular cave-diving and snorkeling environments.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Quintana Roo.
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1
Tulum Archaeological Zone
One of the most dramatically situated Maya sites in Mexico, Tulum's walled city perches atop 12-metre limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the site features well-preserved temples including the iconic Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes. Arrive at opening time to beat the crowds and enjoy the sea breeze and stunning coastal views.
Tip: Arrive at 8AM opening to beat crowds · Wear reef-safe sunscreen · A shuttle runs from the parking lot to the entrance · Bring water and a hat
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2
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is one of the world's most extraordinary cave-diving and snorkeling systems, consisting of two sinkholes connected by an underwater cave network that extends for over 82 km. The crystal-clear freshwater (visibility up to 100 metres) is home to stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient fossils. Both snorkelers and certified divers can explore different sections of this spectacular cenote.
Tip: Biodegradable sunscreen only · No sunscreen 1 hour before entering · Cave diving requires certification · Life jackets available for non-swimmers
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3
Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park
Xcaret is Quintana Roo's most ambitious eco-park, built around a natural inlet and ancient Maya ruins 6 km south of Playa del Carmen. Visitors can snorkel underground rivers, swim with dolphins, watch the spectacular México Espectacular folk dance show, and explore the coral reef aquarium. With over 50 attractions, it easily fills a full day and rewards those who arrive early.
Tip: Book online for discounts · Night show included in admission · Bring reef-safe sunscreen only · Water shoes are helpful
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4
Coba Archaeological Zone
Coba is a sprawling Maya city hidden deep in the jungle, featuring the 42-metre Nohoch Mul pyramid—the tallest climbable Maya structure in the Yucatan Peninsula. Spread across a 70 km² area, the site contains thousands of structures connected by ancient sacbeob (white roads). Rent a bicycle or take a tricycle rickshaw to explore the vast ruins, and enjoy panoramic jungle views from the pyramid summit.
Tip: Rent a bicycle at the entrance for easy exploration · Pyramid climb is steep—wear grip shoes · Guides available at entrance for $25-40 · Bring water and insect repellent
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5
Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox is a narrow, car-free island in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve at the northwestern tip of Quintana Roo, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean. Its sand streets, wooden colorful signs, and bioluminescent lagoon offer a dramatically different experience from the Riviera Maya. From June to September, whale sharks gather offshore—swimming alongside the world's largest fish is an unforgettable experience.
Tip: No cars on the island—rent a golf cart · Book whale shark tours through certified operators · Mosquitoes heavy May-October, bring repellent · Cash only at many establishments
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6
Isla Mujeres
Just 13 km from Cancun, Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a narrow Caribbean island with a relaxed fishing-village atmosphere and some of the clearest turquoise water in Mexico. The northern Playa Norte beach is consistently ranked among the world's best, while the southern tip hosts the Garrafón Natural Reef Park and a small Maya shrine to the goddess Ixchel. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transport.
Tip: Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez (15 min, $5) · Rent a golf cart to explore the whole island in 2 hours · Playa Norte has the best swimming · The Sleeping Shark Cave is a nearby dive site
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7
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka'an, meaning 'Where the Sky is Born' in Maya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing 1.3 million acres of tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, and a pristine section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The reserve harbors jaguars, manatees, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Boat tours from Tulum take visitors through ancient Maya canals, freshwater lagoons, and floating through Caribbean channels.
Tip: Book through certified ecotourism operators from Tulum · Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent · Wear clothes that can get wet · Binoculars recommended for birdwatching
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8
Cozumel Coral Reef (Palancar Reef)
Cozumel's Palancar Reef is one of the world's top scuba diving destinations, protected within Arrecifes de Cozumel National Marine Park. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef here features spectacular coral gardens, sponges, eagle rays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks in crystal-clear water with near-perfect visibility. Even snorkelers can appreciate the shallow sections of the reef.
Tip: No sunscreen allowed in the marine park · Multiple dive shops in San Miguel town · Drift diving is unique here—let the current carry you · Snorkeling tours available from $25
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9
Xel-Há Park
Xel-Há is a stunning natural aquatic park built around an inlet where freshwater cenotes meet the sea, creating a rich marine ecosystem. Visitors snorkel through mangrove channels alongside schools of tropical fish, explore the jungle paths, and jump from cliff lookout points into the inlet. An all-inclusive ticket covers food, drinks, and all equipment rental.
Tip: All-inclusive ticket includes food and drinks · Bring only reef-safe sunscreen · Book online for 10-15% discount · Lockers and showers available
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10
Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida)
La Quinta Avenida is the vibrant pedestrian spine of Playa del Carmen, stretching over 4 km from the ferry pier past boutique shops, restaurants, cenotes-turned-bars, live music venues, and rooftop terraces. The street pulses with energy day and night, offering the best people-watching in the Riviera Maya and easy access to the nearby beaches.
Tip: Best shopping and dining in the 1-20 blocks · Live music at night from 7PM onwards · Great street food between Calle 2 and 12 · Walk to Mamita's Beach from Calle 28
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Clifftop Maya walled city with Caribbean sea views
Coba Nohoch Mul Pyramid
Tallest climbable Maya pyramid in the Yucatan
Fort San Felipe Bacalar
18th-century Spanish star fortress on the lagoon
El Rey Ruins Cancun
Maya ruins in the Hotel Zone surrounded by iguanas
Muyil Archaeological Zone
Ancient Maya site inside Sian Ka'an Reserve
Museums
Museo Maya de Cancun
Modern museum housing over 350 Maya artifacts with an open-air archaeological zone
Fort San Felipe Museum
Piracy and Caste War history museum inside the Bacalar fortress
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
Natural history and cultural museum in a colonial building in San Miguel
Nature
Cenote Dos Ojos
World-class cave system for snorkeling and diving
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO World Heritage marine and jungle reserve
Laguna Bacalar
Magical 42-km freshwater lagoon with seven color zones
Akumal Bay
Snorkel with wild sea turtles in a natural bay
Cozumel Palancar Reef
World-top scuba diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Gran Cenote
Open-air and cave cenote near Tulum with stalactites and turtles
Cenote Azul Bacalar
90-metre deep open cenote with turquoise waters
Cultural
Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue
Vibrant pedestrian boulevard with shops, restaurants, and nightlife
Tulum Pueblo
Bohemian town with street food, artisan markets, and yoga culture
Xcaret México Espectacular Show
UNESCO-recognized cultural pageant celebrating Mexican history
Isla Holbox Village
Car-free sand-street village with bioluminescent lagoon
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most archaeological sites open 8AM-5PM daily. Cenotes and eco-parks typically 8AM-6PM. Natural reserves require advance booking.
- Fees
- Archaeological sites: $4-10 USD. Cenotes: $10-25 USD. Major eco-parks (Xcaret, Xel-Há): $59-109 USD.
- Best Times
- Early morning (8-10 AM) for archaeological sites and cenotes to avoid crowds and heat. Cenotes are coolest midday but busiest. Eco-parks are best on weekdays.
- Booking
- Book Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Xplor online for 10-20% discounts. Sian Ka'an tours must be booked through certified operators. Cenote tours can usually be arranged same-day.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Always use reef-safe (biodegradable) sunscreen at cenotes, beaches, and marine parks—chemical sunscreen is banned and will be confiscated at many sites
Carry cash (MXN) for entrance fees, colectivos, and tips—many cenotes and small sites do not accept cards
Book popular sites (Tulum, Xcaret) and tours (whale shark, Sian Ka'an) in advance during December-March and July-August
Rent a car or hire private transport to reach multiple cenotes or lesser-visited sites in one day
Bring insect repellent for jungle ruins (Coba, Muyil) and morning/evening activities
The Riviera Maya Card (available from tourist offices) offers discounts at some attractions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Quintana Roo?
November to April for dry weather and manageable heat. January-March has the most pleasant temperatures. June-September is whale shark season on Holbox but also brings afternoon rains.
Are guided tours available for Quintana Roo's attractions?
Available at all major sites. Rates: $20-40 at ruins, $60-120 for full-day eco-park tours, $70-150 for Sian Ka'an specialist tours. Free walking tours available in Playa del Carmen.
Can I take photos at attractions in Quintana Roo?
Permitted at all outdoor archaeological sites and natural attractions. No flash in cenotes (disturbs bats). Drone permits required at ruins. Always ask permission before photographing people.
How much time do I need for Quintana Roo's main attractions?
Cancun day: 1-2 days. Playa del Carmen: 2-3 days. Tulum: 2-3 days. Coba + cenotes: 1 day. Bacalar: 2-3 days. Island hopping (Holbox + Mujeres): 3-5 days. Full state: 14+ days.