Leisure and Culture

• WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN COSTA MUJERES?

  Vacationing in Costa Mujeres means you’ll want to take advantage of its idyllic shores. The region’s best beaches come with temperate seas, pristine white sand, and waters ranging in hue from aquamarine to teal, commonly found throughout the Caribbean. From the frequently visited Playa Tortugas, Playa Delfines, Playa Chac Mool, and Playa Las Perlas to the quieter shores of Playa Caracol, these are some of the best beaches in Costa Mujeres.

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    PLAYA TORTUGAS

    Caressed by the Caribbean sun’s warm rays, Playa Tortugas is lined with shady palapas and boasts an elevated walkway from which the adventurous can bungee jump off. As one of areas most festive and best beaches in Costa Mujeres, it offers ample activities for the whole family, whether it's sunbathing on its sandy shores, playing volleyball, or snorkeling and swimming in refreshing waters.

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    PLAYA DELFINES

    Catch a few medium-sized waves, spot dolphins frolicking in the surf from the hilltop lookout platform, or relax under cool palapas on the spacious, powdery white shores of Playa Delfines. Patrolled by lifesavers, this beach is family-friendly and ideal for surfers and jet skiers who are confident on medium-sized waves.

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    PLAYA CARACOL

    Playa Caracol’s flat seabed, fine sand, and placid waters are ideal for holidaymakers of all ages eager to swim, snorkel, and relax at the seaside. Its expansive pier provides exquisite panoramic views stretching from the shoreline to the horizon, while its laid-back atmosphere offers beachgoers the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful day at the coast.

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    PLAYA CHAC MOOL

    Named after a Mesoamerican stone statue found throughout Yucatán and central Mexico, Playa Chac Mool is characterized by its wide stretch of beach flanked by the turquoise surf. Its flawless beach – perfect for picnics and sunbathing – coupled with lifeguarded shores befit an array of watersport activities ensuring hours of seaside enjoyment.

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    PLAYA FORUM

    Also called Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Forum’s wide strip of glistening sand and convenient location makes it popular with holidaymakers looking for a beach with a social atmosphere. Its waters are generally pleasant for swimming, and if there’s wind, the waves pick up creating perfect conditions for surfing.

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    PLAYA LAS PERLAS

    Protected by Bahía de Mujeres, the dazzling waters of Playa Las Perlas occupy two distinct stretches of beach. Its extremely shallow waters, suited for swimming, are occasionally filled with turtles and small fish, while its deeper waters are perfect for water sport enthusiasts to boogie board and surf. With free umbrellas to relax under and variety of activities, Playa Las Perlas is a playground for visitors of all interests and ages.

  • The best Costa Mujeres beaches are home to endangered sea turtles. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or touching the turtles, both in and out of the water.
  • Always wash your hands before eating to get rid of harmful germs.
  • Be prepared to negotiate prices at open-air markets. Almost all vendors welcome haggling – just be sure to double-check with the store owner.
  • Don’t disturb sand mounds on the beach
  • Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, especially yogurt and cheese.
  • Before purchasing anything, shop around to determine the average prices of goods to negotiate a fair price for both you and the artisan.
  • The beaches of Costa Mujeres experience intense sun. Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
  • Inspect street food hygiene before eating.
  • Not all markets have ATMs and some vendors only accept cash. Always withdraw money from an ATM before shopping at open-air markets.
  • Keep an eye on beach flags to assess swimming safety. Do not swim if there is a black flag and exercise caution if a red flag is flying.
  • Avoid big buffets, they’re prone to harmful bacteria, and its difficult to determine how long the food has been out in the open for.
  • When buying jewelry, inspect coral, gemstones, and silver to ensure they are not cheap replicas.
  • Costa Mujeres beaches vary in popularity – some are quieter than others, so always be aware of the surroundings.
  • Buy bottled water to drink. Mexican water has unfamiliar bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • Ensure the safety of belongings and only take what's necessary to the beach.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked food for the same reason as above.
• WHAT ARE THE BEST EXCURSIONS IN COSTA MUJERES?

  Few destinations can impress with as much environmental splendor and varied cultural heritage as Costa Mujeres. From its nearby seaside towns to small vestiges of pre-Columbian Maya civilization found throughout its surroundings, vacationers are encouraged to venture out and explore its natural history. Bucket list 1-day excursions in Costa Mujeres include fascinating archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Ek Balam, impressive islands such as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, as well as the scenic coastal town Puerto Morelos.

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    TULUM

    It's paradisiacal beaches, well-preserved Mayan sites and cenotes are some of the out-of-this-world wonders Tulum has to offer. Playa Paraiso, El Gran Cenote, and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve are top attractions, while the grand ruins of Tulum, perched atop a towering 39-foot high cliff face, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea remains an archaeological highlight.

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    CHICHÉN ITZÁ

    The majestic Chichen Itza, located in dense Yucatán Jungle near the village of Pisté, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and Mexico’s most visited archaeological treasure. Its iconic step Pyramid of Kukulcan is a physical representation of the Maya calendar and proof the civilization’s mathematical brilliance, while the surrounding stone structures such as The Temple of the Jaguars and Great Ball Court bears testament to their astonishing architectural capabilities.

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    ISLA MUJERES

    One of the best 1-day excursions in Costa Mujeres is traveling by catamaran to Isla Mujeres, a peaceful paradise, just off Cancún’s coast. See the ruins of Hacienda Mundaca, built by the famous pirate Fermin Mundaca, visit the sea turtle sanctuary, or go on a scuba diving adventure exploring the MUSA underwater sculpture museum, designed to change with time as the underwater coral grows.

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    EK BALAM MAYAN RUINS AND MAYAN CENOTE

    The less-visited but equally breathtaking Ek Balam Mayan ruins make for one of the best 1-day excursions in Costa Mujeres. Most notable is the village’s well-maintained Acropolis with detailed carvings and rare stucco sculptures preserved by its temple’s thatch roofs. Just less than a mile from the ruins is the sublime X’Canche Cenote, once considered a sacred space to the Mayans. This freshwater, aquamarine sinkhole provides a refreshing respite from the sun’s warm rays after exploring the Ek Balam ruins.

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    PUERTO MORELOS

    This quaint coastal town and seaport attracts snorkelers and scuba divers, lured by a closed-in-section of the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which boasts over sixty species of luminescent stony corals. In addition to its peaceful beaches, it's also home to a series of spectacular inland cenotes available for the adventurous to explore.

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    COZUMEL

    Historians believe pre-Columbian Maya women made an annual pilgrimage from all over the Yucatán Peninsula to the San Gervasio shrine to pay tribute the goddess of fertility and love, Ixchel. Besides its pristine beaches, Cozumel is filled with Mayan ruins and beautiful scenery navigable by renting a scooter or convertible VW bug.

  • The best Costa Mujeres beaches are home to endangered sea turtles. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or touching the turtles, both in and out of the water.
  • Always wash your hands before eating to get rid of harmful germs.
  • Be prepared to negotiate prices at open-air markets. Almost all vendors welcome haggling – just be sure to double-check with the store owner.
  • Don’t disturb sand mounds on the beach
  • Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, especially yogurt and cheese.
  • Before purchasing anything, shop around to determine the average prices of goods to negotiate a fair price for both you and the artisan.
  • The beaches of Costa Mujeres experience intense sun. Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
  • Inspect street food hygiene before eating.
  • Not all markets have ATMs and some vendors only accept cash. Always withdraw money from an ATM before shopping at open-air markets.
  • Keep an eye on beach flags to assess swimming safety. Do not swim if there is a black flag and exercise caution if a red flag is flying.
  • Avoid big buffets, they’re prone to harmful bacteria, and its difficult to determine how long the food has been out in the open for.
  • When buying jewelry, inspect coral, gemstones, and silver to ensure they are not cheap replicas.
  • Costa Mujeres beaches vary in popularity – some are quieter than others, so always be aware of the surroundings.
  • Buy bottled water to drink. Mexican water has unfamiliar bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • Ensure the safety of belongings and only take what's necessary to the beach.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked food for the same reason as above.
• WHAT TO EAT IN COSTA MUJERES

  Traditional cuisine in the Yucatán Peninsula is the result of excellent seafood, flavorsome tropical produce, cultivated in the region’s balmy lowlands, and a melting pot of cultures, each of which has added its unique specialties to present-day cuisine in Costa Mujeres, Cancún. Local gastronomy is an inspiring combination of Spanish, Arab, Mayan, Caribbean, and Lebanese flavors, providing visitors with a plethora of delicious food to choose from when deciding what to eat in Costa Mujeres. Popular ingredients in unique Costa Mujeres dishes, such as Cochinita Pibil and Sopa de Lima, include a marinating paste known as achiote or recado colorado, lime, red onion, and oregano. These meals can be enjoyed with Margaritas or Horchata, an icy, non-alcoholic drink made with rice, cinnamon, water, and milk. Here’s a quick guide to the best-loved dishes, as well as some eating dos and don'ts in Costa Mujeres.

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    THE BEST TRADITIONAL FOOD FROM COSTA MUJERES

    Iconic dishes in Costa Mujeres include Cochinita Pibil, slow roasted pork marinated in achiote, as well as Panuchos, refried tortillas stuffed with black beans and topped with lettuce, cheese, avocado, red onion, peppers, and pulled chicken. Sopa de Lima, a lime-flavored chicken soup served with tortillas, is also a favorite meal amongst locals and offers a refreshing alternative to many of the region’s maize-based meals. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts such as Marquesitas, a crispy crêpe with savory cheese and sweet fillings such as melted chocolate, or Dulce de Papaya, a candied papaya dish served with slices of cheese, are highly recommended. Caballeros Pobres (Poor Cowboys), a bread pudding with raisins, is also a must-try.

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    HOW TO MAKE MARQUESITAS

    Add the following ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth: four eggs plus two egg whites, two-thirds of a cup of granulated sugar, three-quarters of a cup of canola oil, one cup of all-purpose flour, half a teaspoon of sea salt, two-thirds a cup of milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.In a separate bowl, mix two cups of grated Edam cheese, one cup of chocolate hazelnut spread, and a jam of your choice. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour a quarter cup of batter and spread out in a circular shape that thinly covers the whole pan. Flip the crêpe once the bottom is toasted and brown. Continue to flip two more times or until the batter starts to crisp.Remove the crêpe from the pan, add the filling and roll up into big, wide roll.

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    LIQUORS AND DRINKS YOU MUST TASTE IN COSTA MUJERES

    Besides sipping Tequila, a unique drink to try in Costa Mujeres is Xtabentún, an anise liqueur made from fermented honey, which is believed to have played an integral role in ancient Mayan rituals. Alternatively, order a Michelada, beer mixed with lime juice and served with ice, or try Mezcal, a smoked agave drink, commonly referred to as ‘workers’ tequila made from the plant of the same name. Non-alcoholic drinks include Horchata and Tepache, a fermented pineapple drink found throughout the region.

  • The best Costa Mujeres beaches are home to endangered sea turtles. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or touching the turtles, both in and out of the water.
  • Always wash your hands before eating to get rid of harmful germs.
  • Be prepared to negotiate prices at open-air markets. Almost all vendors welcome haggling – just be sure to double-check with the store owner.
  • Don’t disturb sand mounds on the beach
  • Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, especially yogurt and cheese.
  • Before purchasing anything, shop around to determine the average prices of goods to negotiate a fair price for both you and the artisan.
  • The beaches of Costa Mujeres experience intense sun. Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
  • Inspect street food hygiene before eating.
  • Not all markets have ATMs and some vendors only accept cash. Always withdraw money from an ATM before shopping at open-air markets.
  • Keep an eye on beach flags to assess swimming safety. Do not swim if there is a black flag and exercise caution if a red flag is flying.
  • Avoid big buffets, they’re prone to harmful bacteria, and its difficult to determine how long the food has been out in the open for.
  • When buying jewelry, inspect coral, gemstones, and silver to ensure they are not cheap replicas.
  • Costa Mujeres beaches vary in popularity – some are quieter than others, so always be aware of the surroundings.
  • Buy bottled water to drink. Mexican water has unfamiliar bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • Ensure the safety of belongings and only take what's necessary to the beach.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked food for the same reason as above.
• WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN COSTA MUJERES?

  Idyllic and breathtaking, Costa Mujeres is a Caribbean haven with a host of entertainment available for holidaymakers interested in unique outdoor activities and fascinating historical excursions. From revered cenotes to desolate islands, each experience is bound to create unforgettable memories. Curious about what to do in Costa Mujeres? The best activities include: swimming in the Ik Kil cenote, ferrying to Holbox island, visiting Museo Maya de Cancún, touring the underground caves at Río Secreto, snorkeling near exquisite reefs in crystalline waters, and going to professional tennis lessons at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center.

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    PLAY TENNIS LIKE PRO AT THE RAFA NADAL TENNIS CENTER

    Legendary tennis player Rafa Nadal, together with the Palladium Hotel Group, offers tennis players professional coaching at the state-of-the-art Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa. Guests of all ages and expertise can receive training based on the program devised by Rafa Nadal’s expert team. Play on clay courts, train on the football pitch and paddle court or workout in the fitness center. Training options include premium private and group lessons, as well as specialized training camps.

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    TAKE A REFRESHING SWIM IN CENOTE IK KIL

    Regarded as the most beautiful cenote of Mexico and found in the Ik Kil Archeological Park in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cenote Ik Kil is adorned with hanging vines, small waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Open to the sky and esteemed by the Mayans as a sacred natural phenomenon, a day visit to Ik Kil Cenote is easily one of the best activities in Costa Mujeres.

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    TRAVEL BY FERRY TO THE BEAUTIFUL HOLBOX ISLAND

    Take a ferry to Holbox Island — a car-free paradise separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon and populated by flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic birds. Considered an eco-tourist destination due to its small percentage of outside visitors, it is not uncommon to see local fisherman going about their lives, walking through the village with their catch of the day. Whale and bird-watching enthusiasts will enjoy the solitude provided by this beautiful sanctuary.

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    VISIT THE INFORMATIVE MUSEO MAYA DE CANCÚN

    Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization at Museo Maya de Cancún, designed by Mexican architect Alberto García Lascurain. The museum’s comprehensive collection contains over 3,500 pieces, while its three halls pay homage to significant archaeological finds in the State of Quintana Roo, Mayan culture, and rotating exhibits of contemporary interest. On the same grounds, visitors will find San Miguelito, an archaeological site with forty structures, including a pyramid.

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    GO ON AN UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR OF CRYSTAL CAVES AT RÍO SECRETO

    Those practicing active tourism in Costa Mujeres can book a full-day excursion to explore the Río Secreto Nature Reserve. Wade through dazzling underground caves, filled with thousands of intricate stalactites and stalagmites and experience the hidden beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula. Walk through a maze of spectacular chambers and swim in peaceful, aquamarine waters in this extraordinary location.

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    SNORKEL NEAR SHIPWRECKS AND BREATHTAKING REEFS

    A snorkeling tour of shipwrecks and reef formations is one of the best things to do in Costa Mujeres for those who enjoy traversing the sea’s incredible beauty, no matter their level of experience. Spend the day swimming underwater among large schools of fish, turtles, crabs, and lobsters inhabiting radiant seabeds and underwater ruins.

  • The best Costa Mujeres beaches are home to endangered sea turtles. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or touching the turtles, both in and out of the water.
  • Always wash your hands before eating to get rid of harmful germs.
  • Be prepared to negotiate prices at open-air markets. Almost all vendors welcome haggling – just be sure to double-check with the store owner.
  • Don’t disturb sand mounds on the beach
  • Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, especially yogurt and cheese.
  • Before purchasing anything, shop around to determine the average prices of goods to negotiate a fair price for both you and the artisan.
  • The beaches of Costa Mujeres experience intense sun. Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
  • Inspect street food hygiene before eating.
  • Not all markets have ATMs and some vendors only accept cash. Always withdraw money from an ATM before shopping at open-air markets.
  • Keep an eye on beach flags to assess swimming safety. Do not swim if there is a black flag and exercise caution if a red flag is flying.
  • Avoid big buffets, they’re prone to harmful bacteria, and its difficult to determine how long the food has been out in the open for.
  • When buying jewelry, inspect coral, gemstones, and silver to ensure they are not cheap replicas.
  • Costa Mujeres beaches vary in popularity – some are quieter than others, so always be aware of the surroundings.
  • Buy bottled water to drink. Mexican water has unfamiliar bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • Ensure the safety of belongings and only take what's necessary to the beach.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked food for the same reason as above.
• WHAT TO BUY IN COSTA MUJERES

  Markets and malls around Costa Mujeres offer an eclectic array of interesting souvenirs, such as Talavera pottery, dreamcatchers, and decorative Huichol skulls, to be passed on as gifts or kept as cherished tokens of remembrance. Coral jewelry, fine silverware, durable leather goods, and traditional serapes and huipiles are some of the best Costa Mujeres souvenirs to buy.

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    WHERE TO SHOP IN COSTA MUJERES

    While there’s no shortage of contemporary malls such as Kukulcan Plaza and Plaza la Fiesta, most holidaymakers will enjoy the authentic goods presented at local outdoor markets such as Ki Huic, Mercado 23, Mercado 28, and Mercado Coral Negro. These incredible shopping destinations are highly recommended when deciding what to buy in Costa Mujeres.

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    KI HUIC

    This open-air market on Avenida Tulum is one of the oldest of its kind and tends to be somewhat quieter than neighboring markets. Filled with a hundred or so local artisans, it caters best to discerning travelers who are looking for authentic memorabilia. Renowned for its hand-woven local garb such as huipiles and serapes, it’s a go-to destination for those wanting to purchase traditional Mexican clothing.

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    MERCADO 23

    From herbal remedies to handmade pottery, Mercado 23 offers a miscellany of mouthwatering produce and memorabilia to choose from. While the main attraction is its tantalizing array of street food and fresh fruit and vegetables, visitors can purchase hammocks, small pieces of silver jewellery and pinatas, as well as religious and spiritual items, making it ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in Yucatán folklore and taste local cuisine.

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    MERCADO 28

    No shopping in Costa Mujeres is complete without a stop at the most significant market in Cancún, Mercado 28. Taking up a vast area filled with maze-like isles arranged around a square, Mercado 28 offers quality souvenirs, for a fraction of the commercial store prices. Buy colorful handcrafted jewelry, rugs, and excellent leather goods.

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    MERCADO CORAL NEGRO

    In the center of the hotel zone lies Mercado Coral Negro. It's much like Mercado 28, except it’s smaller in size and has an incredible jewelry quarter selling prized Mexican silver and collectible gemstones. Other shopping highlights include traditional Alebrije sculptures, charro suites and sombreros.

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    KUKULCÁN PLAZA

    From luxury brands located on the mall’s south side to traditional trinket stores, Kukulcan Plaza shopping mall offers a selection of high-end and novel Costa Mujeres souvenirs. Purchase handmade coral jewelry, where no two pieces are alike, or look for a bottle of Xtabentún, Yucatán’s famous aniseed liqueur.

  • The best Costa Mujeres beaches are home to endangered sea turtles. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or touching the turtles, both in and out of the water.
  • Always wash your hands before eating to get rid of harmful germs.
  • Be prepared to negotiate prices at open-air markets. Almost all vendors welcome haggling – just be sure to double-check with the store owner.
  • Don’t disturb sand mounds on the beach
  • Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, especially yogurt and cheese.
  • Before purchasing anything, shop around to determine the average prices of goods to negotiate a fair price for both you and the artisan.
  • The beaches of Costa Mujeres experience intense sun. Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
  • Inspect street food hygiene before eating.
  • Not all markets have ATMs and some vendors only accept cash. Always withdraw money from an ATM before shopping at open-air markets.
  • Keep an eye on beach flags to assess swimming safety. Do not swim if there is a black flag and exercise caution if a red flag is flying.
  • Avoid big buffets, they’re prone to harmful bacteria, and its difficult to determine how long the food has been out in the open for.
  • When buying jewelry, inspect coral, gemstones, and silver to ensure they are not cheap replicas.
  • Costa Mujeres beaches vary in popularity – some are quieter than others, so always be aware of the surroundings.
  • Buy bottled water to drink. Mexican water has unfamiliar bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • Ensure the safety of belongings and only take what's necessary to the beach.
  • Don’t eat raw or undercooked food for the same reason as above.