Best way to Avoid the Crowds and Enjoy Easter
in the Riviera Maya 2023

Easter, or Samana Santa as it’s known in Mexico, is one of the most popular times to visit the Riviera Maya for both nationals and international visitors. This year, over 1 million tourists are expected to visit the Riviera Maya this Easter. The mayor of Playa del Carmen, Lili Campos, has stated that she projects 113,300 in Playa del Carmen, a further 351,600 between Cancun and Playa and another 573,200 dotted throughout the rest of the Riviera Maya.

Thanks to the popularity of the beautiful beaches and quaint towns of the Mexican Caribbean, spending a relaxing Easter with the hustle and bustle of all the extra tourists can be a little tricky. That’s why we’ve put together the best ways to avoid the crowds and enjoy Easter in the Riviera Maya this year.




Visit Chichen Itza by Night

One of the most popular destinations for any tourists visiting the Riviera Maya are the famous Chichen Itza pyramids. Waves of tourists from all over Mexico and the world flock to this incredible archeological site to take in the wonders of the Mayan pyramids. However, due to its popularity, visiting during Easter can mean long lines, lack of space and crowds that ruin those amazing photo-ops. Instead, why not visit Chichen Itza by night? Not many people know that during the spring months, there’s a magical and sound show that fire cascading colours down the famous pyramid of Kulkukan, truly bringing the ancient Mayan empire to life.




Marvel at the Los Coloradas

Everyone has heard of the beaches in Tulum, the cenotes of Valladolid and the lagoon in Bacalar, but very few know about the natural wonders of Los Coloradas. These cotton candy coloured lakes are sure to take your breath away, and they’re a perfect way to avoid the crowds this easter. Located around 3 hours away from Playa del Carmen, Los Coloradas are far enough away for you to avoid the tourists, but they are also easily accessible by car or private tour. Spend the day marvelling at the naturally pink lakes and then enjoy a spot to eat in the nearby 16th-century hacienda or at a local fishing village that overlooks a breathtaking lagoon.




Explore the Ruta de los Cenotes

One of the best ways to cool off in the Easter heat is to visit a cenote. However, with their never ending popularity, most cenotes are packed full of excited tourists during Easter. If you’re wanting to enjoy the crystal clear waters and tranquillity of a cenote this weekend, don’t worry, there are plenty of quiet spots to choose from on the Ruta de los Cenotes in Puerto Morelos. The “cenote route” is over 50 km long and is home to 57 different types of cenote. You can choose to explore open air cenotes, caverns, underground cenotes and even a few sacred spots. Plus, with so many different cenotes to choose from, there are never any crowds along this wonderful route.