Riviera Maya — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerOct 28, 2026

A Day at Sea With the Octopus Fisherman of the Yucatán

Along the coast of one of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations, writer Megan Spurrell traces the source of her seafood.

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Maroma, a Belmond HotelHotelluxury hotel, three hours from Rio Lagartos
octopusRestaurantwood-grilled, sourced from these waters
Elsewhere
YahilinPlaceRio Lagartos, Mexicoalijo boat captained by Limberth Orlando Alcocer Diaz
meroRestaurantRio Lagartos, Mexicowhite fish loved for ceviche
shrimpRestaurantRio Lagartos, Mexicojuicy, some of the tastiest in the region
octopus mayaRestaurantRio Lagartos, Mexicosmaller than Mediterranean, looks beautiful on plate
jimbasPlaceRio Lagartos, Mexicotwo long pieces of bamboo used for fishing
ikejimePlaceRio Lagartos, Mexicoethical Japanese process for sudden brain death
My Octopus FriendPlaceRio Lagartos, Mexicodocumentary that makes chef Karla Encisco uneasy
El Perico MarineroHotelRio Lagartos, Mexicoportside restaurant serving octopus ceviche
pulpo rojoRestaurantRio Lagartos, Mexicooctopus ceviche, sliced, battered, and fried
Pesca Con FuturoPlaceMexico City, Mexicoorganization connecting chefs with sustainable fishing

AfarOct 6

From sunrise ruins, family-run markets, and quiet cenotes, a resident explains how to experience Mexico’s Caribbean coast on its own terms.

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Hotel EsenciaHotelOnce the private estate of an Italian duchess.
Chichén ItzáSightUNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest Maya cities.
Elsewhere
Sian Ka’an Biosphere ReserveSightTulum, MexicoUNESCO World Heritage site of wetlands, mangroves, and coral reef.
Olas TulumHotelTulum, MexicoIntimate beachfront home with communal dining.
Coqui Coqui Cobá Papholchac Residence & SpaHotelCobá, MexicoTwo limestone towers with dipping pools and suites.
ZacíSightValladolid, MexicoSwimming hole ringed by limestone walls and vines.
SamuláSightDzitnup, MexicoFreshwater pool illuminated by a single shaft of light.
CobáSightTulum, MexicoJungle-covered city connected by ancient stone causeways.
Ek’ BalamSightValladolid, MexicoMaya city with detailed stucco carvings and climbable pyramid.
Community Tours Sian Ka’anPlaceSian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, MexicoCooperative offering boat trips to spot wildlife.
Mercado 28MarketCancún, MexicoOffers family-run stalls serving cochinita pibil and papadzules.
Valladolid central marketMarketValladolid, MexicoServes some of the best regional cooking in the Yucatán.
PacchenPlaceCobá, MexicoMaya community offering ecotourism programs like zip-lining.
Frailes AtelierPlaceValladolid, MexicoShop offering beeswax candlesticks in various forms.
Coqui Coqui PerfumeriaPlaceValladolid, MexicoShop offering bath oils, hammocks, and textiles.

Condé Nast TravelerSep 24

Save up to 20% on your next getaway to Cancún, Riviera Maya, and more destinations with Xcaret discount codes this fall.

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XcaretSightnatural water park with 50+ natural and cultural attractions
Hotel Xcaret MexicoHotelall-inclusive, named readers' favorite hotels in Mexico 2021-2022
Chichen ItzaSightYucatán archaeological site, part of Xcaret tours
TsukánSightcenote, part of Xcaret tours
XoximilcoTheme parkpark with colorful trajinera boat tours, music, and dancing
Xel-HáSightall-inclusive park with water activities and unlimited food
XensesSightrelaxing half-day park with picturesque views
XplorSightadventure park with zip-lining and jungle excursions

AfarSep 16

Solo travel unfolds through inspired design, intuitive service, and rich cultural experiences at Conrad Punta de Mita and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya.

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Aktun ChenSightExcursion includes snorkeling, cenote exploration, and zip-lining.
Elsewhere
Conrad Punta de MitaHotelRiviera Nayarit, MexicoResort stretches along two miles of golden sand on a private peninsula.
Compadre conciergePlaceRiviera Nayarit, MexicoConrad Punta de Mita introduces the Compadre Concierge elevated services for top suites.
Conrad Spa Punta de MitaPlaceRiviera Nayarit, MexicoOffers Kupuri Ceremony rooted in Wixárika traditions.
CodexRestaurantRiviera Nayarit, MexicoTasting menu inspired by regional ingredients and culinary traditions.
Conrad Tulum Riviera MayaHotelTulum, MexicoResort sits between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
AutorRestaurantTulum, MexicoChef interprets ancestral techniques through regional ingredients.
Maestro MezcaleroPlaceTulum, MexicoLearn the craft of agave spirits and create a custom blend.
Maya ruins of TulumSightTulum, MexicoAncient temples overlook the Caribbean Sea.
Conrad Spa TulumPlaceTulum, MexicoOffers wellness rituals rooted in Maya traditions.