Both Papagayo and Mayakoba are cloistered luxury destinations. Many people go to the property and never leave campus. Neither one is a convenient base to explore the surrounding areas or do tours. But Papagayo is more remote as Mayakoba is just off the main highway. Both are located inside a much larger master planned development that you have access to and can explore and enjoy. TAt both resorts, you feel you have been transported to someplace really special and far, far away from your daily grind.

Mayakoba is closer to many great day trips. All the X parks (Xel-Ha, Xcaret, etc). Local cenotes. Tulum ruins. Cancun. The towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which both have great places to eat, drink, shop, and have fun. Also, the other resorts in Mayakoba are pretty amazing. Each with their own style and flair and you can visit and dine at them. They are connected by beautiful waterway system with ferries. Its hard to believe that the waterways are man-made. Food and shopping here is better than Papagayo. Also the beach at Mayakoba is better than Papagayo. White sand and emerald blue waters.

In Papagayo, you can dine at the Four Seasons, at Poro Poro or the Dive Bar. There are great hiking, biking, and walking paths throughout the resort development that make for a great day of free self-guided eco-touring. If you go, do yourself a favor and explore the rest of the development. The resort is in a very special location and the views of the Pacific and Culebra bay are priceless. Papagayo feels more "wild/natural" than Mayakoba, although I know that its a manufactured "wild." Its amazing to see all the unspoiled coastline and hillsides. It is a special place and you will not forget the bay view from Rio Bhongo. Although I just said the beaches at Mayakoba are better, the beach you have access to at Papagayo are beautiful as well and by no means will you be disappointed at the Beach House or Playa Virador.

Witches Rock is close by for zip-lining and the town of Liberia is a 30min drive away. Its fine but it is not a seaside resort town like Playa. Some cool things like Palo Verde River or Hanging Bridges or Tabacon can take hours to get to. Even the cool seaside town of Tamarindo can take two hours to get to.

If you like to have a luxurious home base from which to easily explore and be active, I would go with Mayakoba. You are more apt to chill at the resort and not leave than Papagayo.

Have fun and go to both!