The 17 Best Instagram Spots In The Riviera Maya Mexico
The 17 Best Instagram Spots In The Riviera Maya Mexico
Who doesn’t want an Instagram feed filled with sparkling white sand beaches, luxurious jungle tree resorts and a legion of other tropical hidden gems.
Well for those of you that can relate, the Caribbean coast of Mexico is guaranteed to deliver the goods. With every corner of the Riviera Maya being pure Instagram eye candy, flexin’ some tropical goodness for the gram has never been so easy.
So, without further ado, these are the 17 best Instagram Spots in the Riviera Maya.
Ik Kil Cenote
There is no doubt that the Yucatan Peninsula is overflowing with beautiful cenotes, however Cenote Ik Kil is unquestionably the most famous of the bunch and for good reason.
This massive cave cenote is embellished with aesthetically suspended vines and roots, most of which hang all the way down into the water. In addition, the walls of this nearly perfectly circular sinkhole are lined with beautiful lush green foliage that only further adds to its eye-catching appearance.
Interestingly enough the waters of Ik Kil are considered sacred to the Mayans, who in the past, regularly performed human sacrifices here to their rain god.
Throughout the year’s archeologists have even recovered bones, jewelry and other artifacts from the bottom of this cenote which is approximately 90 ft deep. As one of the best Instagram spots in the Riviera Maya, the decision to visit the Ik Kil cenote should be a no brainer.
Dos Ojos Cenote
Cenote Dos Ojos which can be translated as “two eyes”, is one of the most popular cenotes in the Riviera Maya.
Under the waters’ surface, this top Riviera Maya Instagram spot features one of the largest and most complex underwater cave systems in the Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, Dos Ojos gets its name from the two different cenotes, that are located 230 feet apart from each other, which are connected through a 1312-foot underwater passageway.
Though most of this cenote’s beauty is found underwater, Dos Ojos still promises enough beauty topside to attract those who are not quite up to the challenge of navigating the intricate underwater labyrinth.
Tulum Ruins
The cenotes are not the only beautiful things to see in the Riviera Maya. In fact, the Yucatan Peninsula is riddled with ancient Mayan ruins that are scattered throughout the area and among the most popular of them are the Tulum ruins.
Boasting one of the most visually appealing locations of any ancient Mayan temple easily qualifies the Tulum ruins as one of the best Instagram spots in the Riviera Maya.
Historical significance aside, the backdrop which features a sparkling turquoise blue seascape and an array of idyllic palm trees blowing in the wind brands this place as total eye candy.
Azulik Hotel & Maya Spa
Sitting majestically along the shores of Tulum, Azulik Hotel & Maya Spa is a haven for those in search of disconnect from the world as they enjoy the perfect combination of relaxation and pure tropical bliss.
Boasting majestic and uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea, all from within your lush cliffside treehouse villa, Azulik Hotel & Maya Spa seems almost too beautiful to be real. Located in the heart of Tulum, just a day spent at this beachside jungle paradise will leave you speechless.
Click Here For The Azulik Hotel & Maya Spa Official Website
Cenote Suytun
As one of the best photo spots in Mexico, cenote Suytun sits atop a long list of must-see places in the Riviera Maya.
Although it is located around 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Tulum and just over 2 hours from Cancun, I suggest you make Suytun cenote a priority because this place is guaranteed to do wonders for your Insta-feed.
In order to capture the dazzling light spectacle, be sure to arrive sometime between 11 a.m and 1 p.m just as the sun is passing overhead and shining down on the center of the stone platform. However, as one of the best Instagram spots in Mexico, don't expect to be the only one there.
Must Read | Cenote Suytun Valladolid {The Most Stunning Riviera Maya Cenote}
Papaya Project
Designed to be a summer camp for the soul as well as a sanctuary for eco-conscious travelers, Papaya Project is the exact opposite of the stereotypical all-inclusive resorts that you will find in Cancun.
Absent of most modern comforts, travelers can immerse themselves in nature as they relish in the dreamy ocean views from their stunning cabanas as they discover the true beauty of Tulum. Though most of the 13-acre jungle paradise is off-limits to anyone who are not guests of the property, visitors can still access the restaurant and beach area.
However, if you wish to explore the rest of the property you are required to be a guest of the hotel, which will set you back a couple hundred a night or more. Nonetheless, as one of the best Instagram spots in Tulum, for some, the hefty price tag might be worth it.
Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool is your standard yet absolutely magnificent Caribbean beach that will always be considered one of the best Instagram worthy spots in Riviera Maya.
Lined with towering high-rise all-inclusive resorts, the silky white sand and aqua blue water beach of Chac Mool in Cancun is quite the sight to see.
Keep in mind, the beach is located right along the hotel zone in Cancun, so despite it being one the best Instagram spots in Cancun, don’t expect to be the only ones out there.
Follow That Dream Sign
If you still need some more reassurance to follow your dreams, than this is it.
Located right along the main road at the Lolita & Lolita boutique and across from Sueños Tulum, this iconic sign is has become an absolute must for anyone searching for all the top Instagram spots in Tulum.
Chichen Itza
Claiming the illustrious title as one of “The New Seven Wonders of The World”, Chichen Itza has every reason to be atop your Riviera Maya bucket list.
Estimated to be around 1000 years old, Chichen Itza is arguably the most idolized Mayan Ruins in all of Mexico if not Latin America. Located in the Yucatan, Chichen Itza is around 2 hours away from Tulum and around 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Cancun.
Though the journey is quite far, if you aren’t comfortable driving yourself, then there are plenty of tour services that will gladly take you. Although whatever you decide, just make sure you don't miss your chance to visit one of the top attractions in the Riviera Maya.
Cenote Azul
Located along the main highway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is the charming Cenote Azul.
Distinctive of the other cenotes on this list, cenote Azul is not an underground cave, but rather more like a lagoon. Another huge difference between this cenote and the others on this list is Cenote Azul’s’ deepest point is only 15 feet as opposed to others like Ik Kil that reach depths of 90 feet.
Nonetheless, despite all of its dissimilarities, Cenote Azul remains one of the best photo spots of the Riviera Maya.
Cenote Cristalino
Situated just around the corner from Cenote Azul, is the equally as charming Cenote Cristalino. Similar to its nearby cousin, Cenote Cristalino is also an open-type cenote that is basically a shallow tropical swimming pool.
In Spanish, Cristalino means “crystal-clear” and holy smokes, whoever named this cenote could not have been more accurate if they had tried! The water here is legitimately clear as a crystal.
In addition, the surrounding lush green foliage makes cenote Cristalino quite a piece of eye candy, that well deserves to be on the list of the most Instagrammable places in the Riviera Maya.
Isla Mujeres
Located 8 miles off the shores of Cancun, lies the tropical island paradise of Isla Mujeres.
Whether you come for the day or spend a few nights here recovering from the rambunctious Cancun nightlife, Isla Mujeres is full of beauty and adventure.
Gran Cenote
Though its name might suggest that this is one massively large cenote, in fact, Gran Cenote is actually just several small lagoons interconnected through an assortment of walkways. Nonetheless, this top Riviera Maya Instagram spot is an instant favorite for anyone who is lucky enough to visit.
Boasting perfect snorkeling conditions with crystal clear turquoise blue water and a colorful range of marine life, it is no surprise why this is the most popular cenote in Tulum.
However, given its substantial popularity and relatively small size, Gran Cenote often becomes flooded with tourists. Therefore, it’s best to arrive either early in the morning or just before the park closes in order to avoid the influx of tourists.
Jungle Gym
It’s not hard to fathom why an outdoor beach gym comprised of all equipment made entirely from pieces of the jungle would be on our list of the best Instagram spots in the Riviera Maya.
A day pass to this popular Tulum jungle gym will cost you $20 USD, so once you finish snapping all of your pics for the gram, you might as well put down the camera and get your jungle workout in.
Secret Beach
What if I told you that in a booming tourist destination like the Riviera Maya, you could have a gorgeous powdery white sand beach all to yourself. Probably wouldn’t believe me, right?
Well located just 45 minutes south of downtown Tulum, awaits the secluded tropical paradise of Secret Beach. Totally living up to its name, deep in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Secret beach offers a secluded off the beaten path experience like few other places in the area.
Be sure to stay for sunset and I have no doubt you will capture some of your best photos of the Riviera Maya.
Cenote Calavera
It’s almost as if Cenote Calavera was purposefully handcrafted by nature to eventually become one of the most Instagrammable places in the Riviera Maya. Located in Tulum, just a short drive away from Gran Cenote, aside from just photographers, this little swim hole is perfect for any avid cliff jumpers and divers.
Cenote Calavera is classified as a “Cantaro” or jug like cenote given the small openings in the roof of the cenote are narrower than the main lagoon down below. Not to mention, it is approximately 53 feet deep so hitting the bottom is virtually impossible.
Xcaret
It’s impossible to have a list of the top Instagram spots in the Riviera Maya without including the Xcaret Eco Park. From the moment you enter through the front gate, you are instantly transported to a tropical paradise where new adventures lurk around every corner.
Bursting with a collection of caves, sparkling lagoons, and hidden jungle passageways, photographers will go into an all-out frenzy trying to capture every beautiful moment.
However, despite your best efforts, attempting to see all of Xcaret in one day is futile given the colossal size of the Eco Park. Although, with a one-day basic ticket costing $110 USD, it is completely understandable why you would want to.
With that being said for those who are able to pay the hefty entrance fee, Xcaret is hands down one of the coolest things to do in the Riviera Maya as well as one of the best Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen.
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