3 Fun and Accessible Activities Around the Mayan Riviera

Mayan Riviera is a destination for all types of travelers, from those wanting to enjoy gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, great shopping and lots of activities for families, couples and singles. The Mayan Riviera has a bit of everything, and this also includes some wheelchair accessible options.

Regarding accommodation options, there are a number of resorts you can choose from, some of which offer basic accessibility to others that even include pool lifts. The most advanced ones are located in the Cancun Area, so it’s a good idea to use Cancun as a base and then travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen or Cancun to Tulum.

Doing day trips along the coast is totally feasible and depending on your needs, you can either travel by bus, standard private transfer or also specialized wheelchair transport service. Companies like “Cancun Accessible” focus on wheelchair users and provide special vehicles and trained personnel.

Renting a car is also a very convenient and much cheaper option than private transportation. Some companies even offer adapted cars for wheelchair users if you like to drive. The road connecting Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum is straight and in good shape, making it an easy road to drive. The main advantage of having your own vehicle is that you can stop as much as you like and take your time to explore different spots without being charged for the extra time. 

Some of the wheelchair friendly places and activities include going to the beach, visiting archaeological ruins, adventuring around parks, or exploring the shopping malls. Like in other destinations, also the accessibility in Mayan Riviera is still improving so you might still have some challenges when accessing toilets or rolling around town. But, overall, the area has some good accessibility and the minor challenges won’t prevent you from having an amazing vacation in Mexico.

Relaxing at gorgeous accessible beaches

When it comes to beaches, Playa del Carmen and Cancun have some very accessible beaches with not only accessible toilets, showers and changing room, but also wooden platforms for the wheelchair to reach the water.

They also make sure you can enjoy the beach with specially adapted amphibious chairs that will allow you to sunbathe and even float in the water. There is also trained staff that will be happy to assist you and help to get in the water if you would like to.

The two accessible beaches in Cancun are Playa Delfines, located in the south end of Boulevard Kukulkan, and Playa las Perlas, which is on the same Boulevard, but much closer to the city centre.

You can also find accessible beaches in Playa del Carmen, of which Playa Fundadores was the first accessible beach in the area. It’s everyone’s favorite because it’s very easy to reach. It’s located right next to Parque Fundadores at the end of Quinta Avenida.

Getting adventurous in some well-known Parks and Mayan Ruins

If you are a more adventurous traveler and want to create amazing and fun memories, then the famous Xcaret and Xel-ha parks are for you. The first one is the most wheelchair friendly, but both parks make sure you can take part in as many activities as possible. This includes getting into the water, adapted snorkelling activities, and even swimming with dolphins. 

In both parks, you can also get a discounted entry to compensate for the attractions that still have limited accessibility.

If you love Mayan History, the Tulum ruins are a must-visit in the Mayan Riviera. This archaeological site is a unique complex built right at the beach and dates back to 1200. The Tulum ruins are the third most visited ruins in all of Mexico, after Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. You won’t be able to enter every part, but a great plus is that you can get a free entrance if you have limited mobility.

Shopping in Cancun and Playa del Carmen

For those who enjoy wandering around malls, stores and love shopping, Cancun and Playa del Carmen have some great options.

Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen is famous for its shops and it has a great vibe. Unfortunately, you will notice that some have a step on the entrance or have very steep ramps. A great alternative is the Paseo del Carmen Mall, which is all flat and easy to get around.

In Cancun, you’ll be most likely staying at the beach resort area around boulevard Kukulkan. This is already a great spot for shopping with several different malls. Most sidewalks have a ramp, making it easy to roll around, but be aware that some streets may not have it.

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