The Riviera Maya reaches the Day of the Dead long weekend with a full calendar: festivals, special dinners and nights of tradition by the sea and the jungle.

What's making news this week

Mayakoba celebrates Day of the Dead from October 30 to November 1 (with a few activities on October 29 and November 2): every night from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. the boat show Between Worlds departs from Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and its hotels are preparing themed dinners, ceremonies and an altar contest. According to its official site, locals and visitors are also welcome by booking another service the same day, such as a dinner or a spa treatment. At Xcaret, the Festival of Life and Death opens October 30 and runs through November 2, from 4:00 to 10:30 p.m. On connectivity, a direct Milan–Cozumel flight starting December 24 was announced during the Cancún Travel Mart, and according to SITURQ figures the Riviera Maya had 56% occupancy last week: there's still good availability for the holidays.

Must-do activities

  • Between Worlds at Mayakoba — a nighttime boat show through the canals, October 30 to November 1, no reservation needed for the show.
  • Cenote Calavera — a cenote near Tulum with openings in the roof to jump into the water, right in the spirit of the season.
  • Yal-Kú Lagoon — a cove in Akumal where the sea meets fresh water, ideal for easy snorkeling.
  • Cenote Jardín del Edén — an open, crystal-clear cenote surrounded by jungle, between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras.
  • Punta Venado — an eco park with a near-pristine beach, horseback riding and kayaking, south of Playa del Carmen.

Best spots to visit

If you'd like to experience Day of the Dead inland, Valladolid is a day trip from Tulum (about an hour and a half by road): a Pueblo Mágico of colorful houses, cenotes right in town and traditional altars at this time of year.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • Alila Mayakoba — a wellness hotel with contemporary design, host of Mayakoba's Day of the Dead ceremony and altar.
  • Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort — steps from Fifth Avenue, with a rooftop pool and beach access.
  • Thompson Playa del Carmen — a design hotel with a rooftop and beach club, for an urban, modern vibe.
  • Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya — luxury between jungle and sea, with spacious suites and a spa.
  • Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort — a spacious all-inclusive, a good option for families.

Where to eat

In Tulum, Taquería Honorio is a must for cochinita and relleno negro; in Playa del Carmen, Axiote Cocina de México reinterprets traditional dishes with local ingredients. And if you'll be at Mayakoba, Rosewood is hosting a Day of the Dead themed dinner on November 1 at Aquí Me Quedo (reservation required).