I went to the Riviera Maya and this is what happened...

What is it like in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos in 2023? Join me in this Mexico vlog for breathtaking views of the Caribbean, a terrifying cenote free-fall, macrame, crocodiles, mouthwatering food, and more!
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I spent a week in the Riviera Maya to rediscover Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. My explorations led me to one of my favorite restaurants in the Mayan Riviera, Lola & Moya with its crave-worthy coffee from Nayarit and delicious traditional Mexican food. The turquoise-blue sea here is absolutely stunning.
From Puerto Morelos, my friend and I drove through the Ruta de Los Cenotes (cenotes road) to Cenote La Noria where we played in the crystal clear waters of this underground freshwater pool (including a scary jump from a ground-level platform).
The next day, we traveled to Tulum for tacos, fresh squeezed chaya juice, Talavera Poblana and macrame shopping in the nearby town of Uh May, and a stop at a unique boutique hotel in the jungle. I ended my trip watching a spectacular sunset from a rooftop terrace in Tulum.
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❁❁ABOUT ME❁❁
Hi, I'm Maddie, former partner of Tangerine Travels, a travel vlog with over 350 videos that I helped build for 4 years to over 250k subscribers. I'm originally from Arizona and have been living in Mexico since 2018. These days, I'm traveling around Mexico, doing the "solo female travel" thing.
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#MaddieGold #RivieraMaya #Mexico

[@MaddieGold]

What's your favorite tropical destination in Mexico? 😎🌴🐠 Where should I travel next? Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter for MaddieGold "tea" between videos: maddiegold.aweb.page/p/1c1d4297-44aa-4e36-8d2a-cec315e981ea

[@tanischwarz1053]

I would love it if you would go back to Aguascalientes!!

[@urielsilva8102]

You hat is of don Ramón

[@bidhanshrestha787]

Isla mujeres

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

You can't go wrong with most of the riveria maya. It not only has beautiful beaches but snorkeling & scuba diving, cenotes, pyramids, and lots of good restaurants. Since I'm no longer in my 20's, I prefer Playa Del Carmen because it's a mix of tourists and tourist related business but also local Mexican neighborhoods and restaurants. It's also much cheaper than Cancun. Cancun seems like South Beach Miami and it's not walking distance to actual local neighborhoods. It's been a while since I went to the west coast such as Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan -- I've never been to Acapulco or Cabo. But what Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan and probably most others on the west coast has that Riveria Maya doesn't are mountains near the beach and larger traditional Mexican cities. Cancun and even Playa Del Carmen are newer Mexican cities which means it doesn't have a long history thus doesn't have the culture and older buildings that make the rest of Mexico charming. My next trip would likely be to the west coast since it's been many years since I last went there.

[@whenzezrubenlazgardajehova3022]

MaddieGold good heart

[@fasteddylove-muffin6415]

I agree with so many of the comments. What a great, shining bright person Maddie is. Vids always great. I'm so happy for Maddie that she stayed in Mexico & is finding her own way--post "Tangerine's".

[@wsue1038]

Amen!

[@zulie9378]

I can listen to her talk all day

[@lionsofgods]

Look at you surpassing the view count of your former channel. 🥳 you may not have as many followers yet but you’re on the way. Congratulations Maddie. Always been rooting for you

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks for the support! 🙌

[@JP-sb6ll]

@@MaddieGold Maybe next time you can take a selfie with that Crocodile. Trust me, you will get a lot of views. 📸 👩 🐊 👀👍

[@gkitty512]

Maddie I love to see your channel thriving ❤you deserve it! You can tell you are genuinely interested and in love with the Mexican people and culture, and it’s amazing how well you are doing in your Spanish! Hope nothing but the absolute best for you, thanks for your videos 💖

[@lindaobrien8538]

I like Jordan. Maddie and May.each has their own contribution and very informative.

[@lionsofgods]

@@lindaobrien8538 to each their own. The quality of tangerine travels videos have plummeted IMO.

[@nohemisolis-df6jz]

Hola Maddie, generalmente dejo comentarios en inglés, en esta ocasión dejaré uno en español para mostrar mi apoyo como mexicana a toda tu labor. Me encantan este tipo de videos donde muestras las bellezas de mi país que en mi caso no he conocido. Y lo vivo un poco a través de tu canal. Sigue así!! Mucho amor y buenas vibras 😊😊🤩🤩

[@ofsoundmind143]

Building a house in Tulum. So excited! Hope to see you in your travels someday. You’ve given me bravery to go to Mexico as a woman from the US.

[@AmandaMcGee]

Yay!! Good for you!!

[@helpis0ntheway]

That's awesome! How's it going?

[@GringosRUs]

This is literally one of your best videos, Maddie. Everything from the information, music selection, and narration, to transitions and more! Well done!

[@garyjunge2854]

It's great to see you back in Puerto Morelos again. It was your old videos that made me decide to retire down here and it's been one of the best decision I've ever made. Now please delete this video to keep it secret 🤣

[@lizyeffa7185]

Looks great

[@TobyNomad]

What an interesting comment. I’ve recently given up on Riviera Maya due to all the hideous sargazo. Are you able to find so many other things that you love that make the unusable Beach more than half the year now worth it? Curious to hear.

[@gloriaheinze4142]

Love your videos Maddie, so informative and interesting!Thanks for including food and other day in the life.👏🏾🙏🏼💖🌸

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@TobyNomad Toby, you have made a fascinating comment regarding the seaweed. That problem has practically convinced me to want to forget about any vacationing in that region in favor of the west and Baja California.

[@helpis0ntheway]

Come on guys & gals, let's get Maddie to 100k which she well deserves! 💛🌺💛🌺

[@CariStrep]

I've been watching you for past few years. At first I thought I'd be torn on which to watch after tangerine duo parted ways. You win Maddie! Your content is truly interesting for ppl like me who love to see different cultures. You hit on all the details.

[@NancyChasteen]

So happy you have Matt with you! He's a cutie, and can tell you are comfortable enough with this friend to be yourself! Missed your laugh, and your bold activities! Cenotes look so deep! Glad you got to play and have fun. Thank you for sharing your travels with us! ❤️

[@deshonjb]

He’s so hot!

[@oscaspunkja]

As a mexican, I think the "Tren Maya" (mayan train) will help to spread tourists through all the different tourist destinations in the peninsula, and will help on reducing traffic and congestion in the main cities (Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Merida) also it will help the cities/towns which aren't connected that well like Chetumal, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox. This will also increase the tourism in the other 3 states that are part of the peninsula (Tabasco, Campeche, Chiapas) which aren't as popular as Quintana Roo or Yucatan for tourists. However we need to note that the impact that nature is experiencing in the peninsula right now has no precedence... Most of mexicans see the train as an incredible opportunity to get passenger trains back in business in the whole country but at the same time we want the federal and state governments to invest the profits of all these in giving back to the nature and the communities in the peninsula, otherwise it might be a project to enrich a few which will have a very deep environmental impact

[@visulino]

It will also help "spread" as you call it, drugs and criminals will have another way to escape and go somewhere else to commit more crimes. Many people are being killed in Cancun every day (read Noticaribe, for example) It will just get worse.

[@tolowreading6807]

@@visulino You'd best stay away then

[@mexicanspec]

YOU have to know the profits will not be re-invested in the environment.

[@petgranny194]

A thoughtful comment, Oscar. I don't now if the train will be elevated on its entire route but it was good to see this section elevated so wildlife can pass through safely.

[@63saruman]

Just like Cancun, Tren Maya will favor the international tourists and the Mexican ones will be treated like second class citizens.

[@ellensiniscalchi1482]

Your videos just keep getting better and better-keep up the good work! Great content, sites, narration, editing, etc. I predict you'll have 500K subs by year's end-mark my words.

[@TobyNomad]

She’s killin it!!

[@andrewdavis-rb9th]

Maddie - you truly are a “ golden girl “ … 🤩 Your videos over the past couple of years have been delightful additions to my own travels in Mexico 🇲🇽. Your energies and passions for travel in Mexico are appreciated and addictive 😂🤣 …! In a week from now I will be back in Mexico for a month , and will continue to search out your videos and share with friends there. Time to “ escape “ the winter in Vancouver , Canada , as nice as it is here …😉 Dios te bendiga siempre , y disfruta cada hora ! So lovely to have you share your experiences . Muchísimas Gracias 🙏.

[@EveningTV]

Love to see you doing so great in your new life. Very inspiring that you didn't head back to Arizona after the break up. Takes guts, but that's you! And now you have a thriving channel all on your own. Celebrate you.

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that 🤗

[@marjorykephart4700]

Love traveling with you via your vlogs. Always interesting and informative. I may moving to Mexico soon. Such an amazing country with such diverse places to visit.

[@HuatulcoGuy]

Miss Maddie never disappoints. Great video!

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Cenotes are always a must due when in the riviera maya! The video you took looks amazing and makes me want to return soon just for the cenotes!

[@MaddieGold]

Agreed! And thank you :)

[@harnaamkaur3020]

Awesome trip you had! There was a moment when you came out of the water and you looked so radiant! Happy for you Maddie keep shining!

[@laurel.o]

Yay. My morning coffee and your video, perfection.

[@MaddieGold]

I love it! Provecho :)

[@Mexicobeanpole]

You are so good at KZbin videos Maddie. I see who was the mastermind of the whole TT. It’s obvious. I also must say, you have balls of steel. Brave. The friend. He’s very cute.

[@JLZwissRN1950]

Spent my 70th birthday here in 2020. Right before the pandemic. Once again Maddie, you have given us a perfect video. Thank you! Have you decided where you will buy your home?

[@gloryrich7123]

Your videos never disappoint. Loved this. I miss the area as we now live in the heart of Mexico.

[@TheCrazyTexan]

Am I traveling to Mexico anytime soon? No. But thanks to you I feel like I am there every time I watch a new video from you. Awesome video! Loved all the details you showed! Had to make breakfast after seeing those enchiladas!

[@bonnieharris5916]

Your videos just keep getting better and better.

[@GrannyLinn]

Thanks, Maddie, for taking us along on your wonderful adventures!

[@luvablesweetnsassy]

Excellent video Maddie! I love the birds too and the very particular Grackel birdsong always brings me back to Mexico! 💕

[@lynfl9814]

Great video, Maddie! So, enjoyed your adventure. You really highlight Mexico in a great way. The pottery place was stunning; it looked like it was done with excellent quality. As always, the food looked so good, it made my mouth water. The sunset was breathtaking; a great way to end your day.

[@BellaEstrella7]

Maddie just casually doing a backflip stunt in Riviera Maya 🤙🏼. I was like 😮

[@learntechwithruth2147]

This was definitely the most beautiful video you ever made. Just gorgeous. Glad to see you’re living your life. Keep producing them. They are stunning.

[@afuaowusu7232]

This video feels like I’m right back in Mexico!

[@georgejetson9801]

Every time I say best video because each one gets better and better. I so love that area. I think the first time I went was maybe 25 years ago. It's crazy how built up it is now

[@lenmaryan7943]

Spent some time there recently. Tren Maya is huge. Last of the month I was there rented a car drove across the jungle to Chichen Itza, and its incredible. New tracks, and almost super highways, and huge overpasses in height across the jungle. I guess its full of animal crossings. 10 of thousands of workers, and incredible amounts of equipment. The train can run close to 300kph, probably no way up the coast, maybe stretches across the jungle. You guys are why me and my family started going to this area. We Thank you

[@susansharp112]

I love supporting your channel

[@beepowl8006]

Loved the video! You look great in that cover up, the colour really suits you!

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

Wow Maddie...great video. I am ashamed as a man that I couldn't do that 40 foot jump into a cenote. I couldn't even do a 10 ft jump! I can see what a brave woman you are! Great video.

[@victormendoza2630]

Me encantó tu forma de describir la Talavera poblana. I love your videos I'm a Mexican living in Houston and I love the way you describe the Mexican culture. Thanks lady 🙂

[@roxtar38]

Great video. The bluehole/underground swimming hole was so cool.

[@LEBRON8895]

Definitely I’m Rooting For @MaddieGold

[@sarahbordeaux9510]

Maddie, I love Mexico. My plan has been to move there. I discovered you when I was researching because I am not retirement age so I didn’t want to live in Lake Chapala or any area that is super heavy with expats. I can honestly say that I love every single place I have ever visited in Mexico. So picking where to live will be hard for me.

[@darcibeckford6848]

Loved this video! It was jam-packed with so many things and I have always loved that area. Street tacos and cenotes pretty much make a perfect day.

[@VibeWithVida]

It looks so nice and warm down there, it's cold in Phoenix! Glad to see you having a great time 👍🏻

[@maryn8139]

Amazing video, Maddie!! Very beautiful scenery & art--loved all of the pottery & macramé! Thank you!!

[@YourGypsy]

Such a great vid Maddie, you are a ray of sunshine. I just love your adventures. You are a natural.

[@LALew850]

Wow! Maddie that was one of the best videos yet! I loved it all but the denote was extra extra🤩 and the shopping!! Thanks for sharing I can’t wait to go back!

[@aliciasalvato3261]

I’ve been to these areas many times, I love it. Playa Del Carmen and Puerto adventures are special spots!

[@cindyk3076]

What a great area! Loved the cenote, you are way braver than I, jumping from that ledge! The pottery shop would have cost me a small fortune, everything is so beautiful. I'm sure the train will help the area, it's just a shame that so much land had to be cleared to build it. Beautiful sunset! Now, you are living your best life!

[@lauriedarling2143]

Oh Maddie...how your videos entice me to look for hotels and travel deals in Mexico!!

[@MaddieGold]

Doooo It!

[@lauriedarling2143]

@@MaddieGold I would move to Mexico if I could!!!

[@michaelvillalobos8877]

Awesome Video. You're taking it to another level so Happy for your growth 😀

[@janroe1487]

Hi Maddie, love you are back in that area! Love the videos. Thanks, Jan

[@sherrifisher7293]

What fun Maddie! I enjoyed every minute of this video. You will catch your friend on the next trip. You did not waste a trip at all. Thank you for showing us so many sites.😉Enjoy your weekend

[@mjohnson1741]

I'm just plain jealous right now! So happy for you!

[@eftsoulpath333]

Having spent the winter in PM, it is wonderful to see your video. And, you have a great voice and presence. Lovely!

[@emymorrison8744]

I'm in Puerto Morelos right now!! I love it here so much!! I'm sad I missed you!

[@vickistirkey857]

Wow I can't believe I missed you, we were in Puerto Morelos until the 19th of Feb. I ate at Lola y Moya twice; you are right, Yvette is a wonderful person and even though she keeps relocating, I always make it a point to find her! I love following your adventures in Mexico, and thanks especially for the report on the Maya Train.

[@angelizer667]

your videos keep getting batter, I love to watch them!!

[@janeta3509]

Wow...lots more tattoos! I used to watch your videos years ago with Jordan. so glad you are still in Mexico and enjoying a new companion.

[@manuelvillacana9284]

Hey Maddie I absolutely love your tattoos, ❤️👍

[@MaddieGold]

Thank you!

[@donaldsteese5362]

We spent 13 winters in the Riveria Maya. Porto Morelos was always our first stop after leaving the airport. We'd get some money changed, get some lunch, and stop at the great little used book store. Lovely town and as beach towns in that area go, pretty authentic Mexico.

[@edwardr5084]

Nice video, great edit. Thank you.

[@MaddieGold]

Thank you very much!

[@normaevett]

To swim in a cenote is on my bucket list! Beautiful!

[@janeberryman3581]

So good, that’s cool you know your birds.

[@ganesankpillay3768]

You are amazing and daring . Great to see you sailing so well post tangerines !

[@GrillinandChillinwithMojo]

Happy Friday. Great video

[@cassielavoie2122]

Love the videos you do:) looks like fun jumping into the water! Yay!

[@fostercarr2914]

Great video! You look so much happier these days. All the best 😊

[@janetleeharrison]

Lovely video, Maddie! Going with you to restaurants, and especially shopping, feels like I'm right there with you. I'd have a difficult time restraining myself from buying EVERYTHING. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@kristinewinship2065]

Maddie, you have inspired me. I'm learning Spanish. 😁

[@MaddieGold]

Yay! Check out my favorite Spanish program if you want to level up www.rocketlanguages.com/spanish/premium?type=sales&aff=maddiegold

[@johanordonez6998]

Such a fantastic videos! Hat off to you Maddie. I’m a faithful follower to your channel. Keep enjoying “mi Mexico, tu Mexico, nuestro Mexico” Un abrazote

[@johanordonez6998]

Hats off*

[@alicevitiello6079]

How nice is to see you again in Riviera Maya!! 😍😍 El centro del centroooo 👏😎

[@cathyhunnemeder3064]

The train hopefully will be affordable and make the tourism more accessible without ruining the natural environment! I first went to riviera maya about 30 years ago and the development is astounding.

[@GerryBlue]

Let's hope so, there's a lot of talk about the train down here, and judging by previous government experiences, we can't but be cautiously optimistic about it, let's wait and see

[@joelashadali]

Me too my first trip was 1989 and I can't believe the development.

[@FromTrash2Treasure]

But it is having environmental effects. Many locals opposed the project for many reasons.

[@connorhanneken3244]

@@FromTrash2Treasure So do the highways and diesel buses. At least with partial electrified train service, the carbon emissions will be off-set/ less congestions on the roads as well. I believe Tren Maya will run local, express, and sleeper trains!

[@visulino]

It already ruined the environment. Didn't you see it?

[@lori-annefay4138]

Holy F'n Tacos Maddie! I think this is one of your best videos! You look fantastic and Happy and the content has blown my mind. Of course you scared the crap outta me with the jump! I'll take the stairs thanks, and I'd need a Van for the pottery, the food, the crunch of the Tacos, new things for my bucket list!!! Girl you just keep getting better and better. It's 100% humidity in Oahu and yet the contruction continues even in the rain. I can't wait to get away. Your videos inspire, relax, get me excited (swear to God the food just kills me) and all I can say is you Rock Bish, lol! Much love and Aloha...

[@shadyacres2239]

Another fantastic video! You are so at ease in front of the camera, a pleasure to watch. Really feels like we’re along for the trip.

[@gsal1582]

I loved Tulum! Can’t wait to go back!!!!

[@esequiel97002]

Great video Maddie, Love the Riviera Maya😁 You look so vibrant and amazingly happy and beautiful! stay happy🥰 and thank you for sharing with all of us.✌🏼&❤

[@borisveromunoz6289]

"Finishing Art at the throne" I should called it like that!

[@williamzee7748]

Wow….your back…great presentation as trying to get over there soon before they make it to American inflationary prices.👍

[@olivesbranch4635]

Wow! It was 1992 the last time I was in Tulum. There wasn't much there, maybe 6-10 vendor huts on a dirt road leading to the water. There were a couple of huts on the beach that you could hang your hammock in for the night, but other than that, no accommodations to speak of, at least non we could see. We had to walk a considerable distance down the beach until we found a really funky place with casitas to rent. No lights, not sure if there was actual hydro but rooms were lit with candles. No lights brought the tone of the place down after dark and everyone walked around on paths murmuring in the silence of the darkness, with cats mulling around. Sometimes progress makes me a little sad.

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

Same.... i lived and worked in Cancun in the late 80's and LOVED the wild barrenness of the Tulum area beaches. Went there on my days off from the tourism industry. 😁 Just discovered this lovely channel and miss MaddieGold is making me miss it so much! Even though it's a little sad to see how built up it's become .... still.... me siento que NECESITO regresar ahorita.....

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

oh, and p.s. ¡SI! ¡¡salsa verde es TODO!!!

[@powamoto]

This is way better than tangerine travel plus you don't have to deal with the orphan

[@reneesmith695]

As always Maddie you are golden! ❤️

[@joelashadali]

Unreal!!!!! My first of many trips to that area was 1989. Sadly right after a major hurricane. It's both amazing and sad to see all the development. Great for all the working folks. Hopefully the development is thoughtful to the envoirment. My last visit there was about 10 years ago. I'm definitely due. Thanks for sharing Maddie!!! I'd love to see a video from another one of my fav spots someday.. Cozumel

[@OverBoardPeople]

Beautiful Caribbean skin, Maddie! I'm hoping to get back to the cenotes soon.

[@tabathaogost4982]

I'm glad you show exact locations of everything. I was there last year and didn't see the places you mention and would love to visit them when I'm back.

[@kelligreer3975]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your life girl. I'm so jealous! Thank you for sharing! 😎😎🥰🥰

[@douglasbuchanan4203]

Such an awesome experience.

[@brettd3206]

The train project had some side effects in Izamal. Since so many of the able bodied people were employed by for the construction, it left fewer available for local transportation services. After taking a bus to a village that had limited local transportation available, I was forced to return by bus after 2 hours of waiting for a local cab that never arrived.

[@jimmyglen]

Looking good 😊

[@joeypellitteri5027]

Your the best Maddie Your love frequency is awesome

[@recipeswithfi]

Ivette is such an amazing woman!!!!She made us feel like family!

[@robynnclairday6025]

How fun! So many adventures- and the food looked so so yummy! Feels like we are there with you- hope you get your house soon- so you can get that hammock and other pottery pieces :)

[@dianejake8525]

Great video ! I love your vibe so fresh !❤

[@josealfonsosilvalatorre1826]

Amazing video

[@lindabueckert9559]

Loved all the great info..

[@sylviarios5389]

Thanks Maddie for sharing

[@jeankube8924]

My husband and I lived there Nov 1 2021 to April 30th 2022. I loved it. Him not so much. Miss it so much but not where I broke my foot while I was there in la Colonia. Thanks for bringing back memories

[@arthurmcgee4746]

I like tacos too. Very good video. 👍

[@Stoney_Snark]

The cenotes are always so amazing, and great for sweaty “petootees”, which is seems to be doing just fine! You’ve been a fave of mine for years, and I always look forward to seeing what you’re up to. Thanks, Maddie, pure gold!

[@irmasanchez-lz7dc]

Ver estoy videos me have estrañar much a mexico.

[@moaraa2575]

Loved this video! The loonng wait was worth it. It has been way too long since I was there. Enjoyed watching your time at a cenote. Thank you, sweet Maddie!

[@theedgeofoblivious]

This video makes me want to visit Riviera Maya again and swim in cenotes again.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

This is a lovely … shock! 😊😊😊