Honest Joya Cirque du Soleil Review 2023: Is it worth it?

Are you interested in the Joya Cirque du Soleil show in Riviera Maya Mexico and wondering if it’s worth it? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve been lucky enough to see the Cirque du Soleil Joya show more than once!

The Joyà Cirque du Soleil show is one of the best things to do at night in Playa del Carmen and offers a sophisticated entertainment experience during your Mexico vacation.

But as one of the more expensive Playa del Carmen activities, you might be wondering if it’s really worth your time and money.

⌚️ Don’t have time to read the whole review?

I 100% recommend you book your tickets to Joyà Cirque du Soleil — I absolutely loved the show and think you will too!

In this post, I’m sharing my honest Joya Cirque du Soleil review, including everything you need to know about the show, what to expect, and whether or not it’s worth your time.

So if you’re wondering what the show’s even about, the different types of tickets, and transportation options, I’ve got you covered!

Ready to find out if the Joya Cirque du Soleil show is right for you? Let’s get started!

The Joya Cirque du Soleil show (pronounced “Hoi-ya”) is a unique and entertaining way to spend an evening out while visiting Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or the Riviera Maya.

The 80-minute show is a traditional Cirque du Soleil performance that combines acrobatics, music, dance, theater, and circus arts to create an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Located at Vidanta Resorts, Joya is performed inside a state-of-the-art theater that is nestled in the jungle and was built just to house this show.

Joya is one of the top things to do in Riviera Maya, the only Cirque du Soleil show in Mexico, and the first resident show to debut in Latin America.

Plus, it’s the only Cirque du Soleil show to offer an optional gourmet dinner, so you’ll get to experience an exclusive night of entertainment you won’t find anywhere else.

↳ Check prices and availability for the Joya Cirque du Soleil show here

Yes, the Joya Cirque du Soleil show is definitely worth it! The cost may seem high for some, but prices are very comparable to other Cirque du Soleil shows in the United States.

And the show itself is really impressive and entertaining! It offers a truly elevated experience with its whimsical storyline, incredible acrobatics, and entertaining musical performances.

Plus, the optional dinner or appetizers are gourmet quality and the food presentation is really stunning–and it ties in to the overall story and experience.

The theater itself is very architecturally unique and is nestled into the jungle and surrounding lagoons, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the show. Plus, there aren’t really any bad seats in the house.

And with many different ticket options to choose from, there are options available for all budget levels.

Overall, the Joya Cirque du Soleil experience is really well done–the entire experience has been expertly crafted and well thought out from the arrival experience to the menu to the storyline.

It provides an unforgettable night out and is the perfect way to experience something unique while on vacation in Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya.

I even took my entire family when they came to visit me in Playa del Carmen, and they all said it was the highlight of their trip!

Joya is located at the Cirque du Soleil theater at Vidanta Riviera Maya, which is about 25 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.

Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:

• Playa del Carmen to Joya: 25 minutes
• Cancun Hotel Zone to Joya: 1 hour
• Tulum to Joya: 1 hour 10 minutes

Joya Cirque du Soleil Location

And even if you choose the Show-Only tickets, there is also a bar in the lobby where you can buy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and snacks like popcorn to enjoy throughout the show.

↳ Check prices and availability for the Joya Cirque du Soleil show here

Joya follows the story of a rebellious teenage girl (whose name is Joya) who finds herself in the midst of her grandfather’s mysterious world.

Her grandfather is an alchemist who seeks to pass on his unrelenting search for the meaning of life to his granddaughter through the fantasy stories in his book of life.

This fanciful and exotic world is populated by an eclectic cast of half-human, half-animal masters influenced by ancient Mayan iconography.

On her journey, Joya meets many new characters, travels to a variety of surreal settings, and discovers the power of her inner strength.

This unique story of an alchemist was inspired by the migratory journey of the monarch butterfly (who pass down knowledge to future generations) and draws inspiration from the local culture.

Along with the impressive acrobatics and stunts throughout the show, there is also singing, music, and dialogue in both English and Spanish.

The Joya Cirque du Soleil show is perfect for those looking for unique evening entertainment while visiting Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or the Riviera Maya.

This show is in a sophisticated setting with upscale food and drink, so it’s great option for those looking for a fancier evening out.

Kids ages 5 and older may enjoy the show although it’s probably better suited for older kids who will understand it better.

↳ Check prices and availability for the Joya Cirque du Soleil show here

Transportation service is available for an additional charge when booking your tickets, however it is only available from Cancun.

The pickup in Cancun is in the Hotel Zone at the Plaza la Isla Shopping Mall, next to the Tommy Hilfiger store.

They’ll pick you up in a large charter-style bus and then return you to the same location after the show.

If you’re not staying in Cancun, then you’ll need to drive yourself to the theater or take a taxi.

If you have a rental car, driving to Joya is very easy, as it’s located just off the main highway 307, directly opposite the main entrance to Vidanta Resorts.

Note, if you’re coming from Playa del Carmen, the theater is on the left side of the highway, so you’ll need to pass Vidanta and make a U-turn to get to the other side of the highway.

Once you arrive, valet parking is available for a fee or you can park on your own for free.

If you don’t have a car, it’s very easy to take a taxi to Joya, which can easily be hailed from a taxi stand or from your hotel or resort.

From Playa del Carmen, the cost should be around $400-$500 pesos (~$20-$30 USD) each way.

For the return trip, there is a taxi stand at Joya, where you can easily grab a cab to take you back.

Here’s a breakdown of the different Joya Cirque du Soleil tickets and their inclusions.

🚐 Note: For all of these options, you can also select to add the transportation service from Cancun.

The Show-Only in High Stools tickets is bar stool seating at the back of the theater.

These tickets do not include any food or drinks, but you can purchase at the bar in the lobby.

This is a good option if you’re on a budget and want to keep your costs down. Plus, the view from the back isn’t bad at all.

The Show-Only Experience tickets are seats that are located off to the side of the stage.

These tickets do not include any food or drinks, but you can purchase at the bar in the lobby.

From the side, the view isn’t bad but may not be as enjoyable as tickets closer to the center.

The Premium Seats Experience includes premium seats in the center of the theater, half a bottle of champagne per person, and gourmet appetizers.

I personally went with this option as it’s a nice middle-ground option with good seats and some food and drinks.

The view was great, the food was delicious, and having champagne at your seat is a nice treat! 🥂

The Show & Dinner Experience is a 3-course gourmet dinner plus a half bottle of champagne per person.

You’ll get gourmet appetizers, a choice of your main course (braised short-ribs or salmon filet), and beautifully presented desserts that come out in a hollow book! Vegetarian options are also available.

The Joya Cirque du Soleil Dinner is served an hour before the show so you’ll arrive early and get to enjoy the pre-show entertainment which has a nice ambiance and includes musical performances and tap dancing acts.

The VIP Show & Dinner Experience is the most premium ticket option and includes VIP seating, a 3-course gourmet dinner, unlimited champagne (during dinner only), early access, and VIP service.

You’ll get gourmet appetizers, a choice of your main course (braised short-ribs or salmon filet), and beautifully presented desserts that come out in a hollow book! Vegetarian options are also available.

Dinner is served an hour before the show so you’ll arrive early and get to enjoy the pre-show entertainment which has a nice ambiance and includes musical performances and tap dancing acts.

The Joya show is unique in that it is one of the only Cirque du Soleil shows that includes a dinner experience as well. The food options available will depend on the type of ticket that you choose.

The Premium Seats Experience includes gourmet appetizers, while the Show & Dinner Experience and the VIP Show & Dinner Experience both include a 3-course dinner.

If you choose the Show & Dinner Experience, then you’ll arrive to the theater about an hour before the show to enjoy a 3-course meal.

The Joyà Cirque du Soleil dinner menu includes gourmet appetizers, a main course, and beautifully presented desserts.

These are the appetizers you’ll get to enjoy:

• Crispy Caribbean lobster taco over chaya leaf
• Edible flower salad, quinoa, hummus and herb crisp
• Catch of the day smoked ceviche, coconut, habanero, mint and passion fruit juice

For the main course, you’ll have a choice of:

• Braised short rib in Mayan spices with vegetables and coconut, ginger and sweet potato puree
• Salmon with seaweed salad, vegetables and poblano chili puree
• Creamy quinoa, beets and seasonal vegetables, pickled cauliflower and avocado puree

These are the desserts you’ll get to enjoy:

• A selection of sweet creations from the patissier that come presented in a hollow book

• Chai tea cream cake with crunchy pearls on a “guajillo” chili cookie covered with dark chocolate
• Yucatecan lime cream
• Cheesecake lollipop covered with white chocolate and toasted coconut

↳ Check prices and availability for the Joya Cirque du Soleil show here

Once you arrive to the Cirque du Soleil theater, you’ll see the theater in the distance surrounded by lush jungle and lagoons.

From there, you’ll walk up to the theater which is a bit of an uphill walk and along the way, you’ll pass by the lagoons where you’ll see fire performers on boats in the water.

It definitely creates a wow factor and gets you excited for the show! You can stop and take pictures too.

Once you get to the theater, they’ll scan your tickets and guide you to your seats inside.

If you choose the Show & Dinner Experience, then you’ll arrive about an hour before the show to enjoy a 3-course meal.

During this time, they have pre-show entertainment with an incredible singer, dancers, and a tap dancer on stage. It creates a nice ambiance while eating!

And if you choose the Premium Seats Experience, you’ll also get to enjoy the gourmet appetizers during this time. They also have dedicated waiters who will help with drinks and anything else you need.

And even if you don’t choose the tickets with food included, you can still arrive early to enjoy the entertainment.

Here are some of the highlights from the show:

• The Masters: These half-human, half-animal characters have some amazing costumes inspired by local culture and wear masks resembling a coati, rabbit, ram, and Yucatan Jay

• Aerial Straps: This acrobatic duo performs incredible feats in the air using aerial straps

• Pirates Invasion: The stage turns into a battle when fantastical pirates invade the scene

• Aquatik: This act was my personal favorite, where a solo female acrobat performs a beautiful routine surrounded by jellyfish and other aquatic creatures

• Trampo Wall: This giant trampoline wall is used to perform some amazing stunts by a crew of male performers

Overall, it’s a really spectacular show and the performers are incredibly talented! The acrobatics and choreography is really well done and very mesmerizing.

The Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show is set in an outdoor amphitheater at Xcaret Park and features traditional Mexican dances, mariachi bands, and a live orchestra.

It’s a 300+ crew show that depicts Mexico’s history and culture, starting with the country’s origins and demonstrating the traditions of states and regions throughout Mexico.

It’s a very colorful and entertaining show and you’ll learn a lot about the culture, history, and traditions of Mexico. And you can also choose to pay extra for a gourmet dinner experience.

When compared to Joyà, Xcaret Mexico Espectacular tickets are comparable in price but it isn’t as upscale or sophisticated. Plus, there is no air-conditioning, which can be uncomfortable for some.

Coco Bongo is one of the most popular nightclubs that has locations in both Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

It’s a 4-hour show featuring pop culture inspired performances with acrobats, dancers, and lip syncers performing different acts throughout the night.

Coco Bongo tickets include an open bar so it’s a wild night of entertainment, music, drinking, and dancing for those looking for a party atmosphere.

Coco Bongo is fun but is much more wild and raucous than the Joya show. The performances are less impressive and the audience is much younger.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Joya Cirque du Soleil Playa del Carmen Mexico show:

I hope these Joya Cirque du Soleil reviews have been helpful and given you a better idea of what to expect when visiting this unique show!

Overall, the Joya Cirque du Soleil show is a wonderful production that allows you to experience a unique and sophisticated night of entertainment in Rivera Maya.

I was so impressed by how well everything was designed. There honestly wasn’t really anything that I disliked!

From the architecture of the theater to the gourmet menu and food presentation to the unique story line and costumes, everything seamlessly blended together to create an unforgettable experience.

And the performers are incredibly talented and the show is full of surprises–you won’t believe what the acrobats can do!

Although it’s somewhat pricey, it’s very comparable to other Cirque du Soleil shows and the quality is equally if not more impressive.

And as one of the only Cirque du Soleil shows to offer a gourmet culinary experience, the food and beverage really enhances the overall experience. It’s almost too pretty to eat!

If you are looking for something to do at night during your Mexico vacation, I highly recommend booking tickets to Joya Cirque du Soleil–I think you will really enjoy it!