In Riviera Maya, you can find all kinds of sports, cultural, and gastronomic activities. It was just missing one thing, and now they have it: a Cirque du Soleil show.
Joyá is the only resident show of Cirque du Soleil in all of Latin America. This means it is a permanent show that you can attend at any time. There’s no need to align your trip with specific performance dates.
Joyá is an experience that combines performing arts with a unique culinary offering, providing a gourmet dinner before the show, which can be enjoyed by purchasing certain types of tickets. Honestly, I can’t think of a better activity for those traveling as a couple or with children.
Story and plot of Joyá
Cirque du Soleil always draws inspiration from the most unexpected places. This time, they’ve taken inspiration from the migration of the monarch butterfly to explore themes like legacy, tradition, and generational change.
What may sound a bit strange is embodied in the story of a teenager named Joyá and her alchemist grandfather in search of the secrets of life. Joyá will have to venture into a magical jungle where she will be guided by creatures that are part human and part animal.
Where Joyá is performed and how to get there
To see Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ in the Riviera Maya, you’ll need to go to the Teatro Cirque du Soleil, located inside the Vidanta Riviera Maya resort complex. It might sound a bit confusing when you read it, but it’s simple once it’s explained:
Vidanta Riviera Maya is a large complex that includes several (high-end) Vidanta hotels, a golf course, and plenty more. Within that complex, the Teatro Cirque du Soleil was built specifically to host this show. Importantly, the theater entrance is separate from the hotel entrances, so you don’t need to be staying at the resort to attend.
Vidanta Riviera Maya is located between Tulum and Cancun, very close to Puerto Morelos. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Playa del Carmen and around 45 minutes from Cancun.
You can get there by rental car, Uber, or taxi, taking the Tulum-Cancun highway. If you prefer, you can also use the buses that Cirque du Soleil provides for the show. They can be caught at Plaza La Isla (Cancun) or Playacar Center (Playa del Carmen). You can add the bus service when purchasing your tickets.
Types of tickets and duration:
The show lasts 80 minutes, with no intermission. If you opt for the experience that includes dinner before the show, the total duration will be 2 hours and 20 minutes.
There are different types of tickets:
- Show only: Includes only the ticket for the show.
- Show and champagne: Includes a bottle of champagne to enjoy during the show.
- Dinner, show, and champagne: Includes a three-course gourmet dinner before the show, the show, and a bottle of champagne.
- VIP: Offers preferred seating, gourmet dinner, unlimited champagne, and other benefits during the show.
During the show, popcorn and drinks can also be purchased at an additional charge.
Keep in mind that the dinner is not just any dinner, but an immersive experience that includes music and interaction with some of the Cirque du Soleil artists, who will draw you into the show.
More useful info
- Joyá is performed from Tuesday to Saturday with showtimes at 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:15 PM, depending on the day.
- It is a family-friendly show, so children can enjoy it without problems. However, keep in mind that it is 80 minutes without a break, with very loud lights and music, so I wouldn’t recommend it for very young children. Children from 3 years old pay for tickets.
- There are vegan dinner options available for those who require them.
- Professional cameras are not allowed during the show, but you are allowed to take photos and short videos with your mobile phone as long as you don’t use flash.
- Upon arrival at the venue, you will encounter some characters who welcome visitors and immerse them in the experience. Try to arrive early to enjoy them.
Like everything Cirque du Soleil does, Joyá is an incredible experience, especially since it is a resident show in a privileged location like Vidanta Riviera Maya. If you are in the area, treat yourself and enjoy the show. If you do, come back to my comments and let me know how your experience was.
