What to do, How to Get There, & More
Riviera Maya 2025 Travel Guide
How to Get to Riviera Maya, Things to Do, and More…
If you’re searching for a tropical beachside destination that won’t break the bank nor require a long travel day, Riviera Maya has probably crossed your mind – or at least it should. This part of Mexico is the Quintana Roo coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, just south of Cancún, which enjoys year-round warmth and idyllic beaches. The exotic nature, fascinating archaeological sites, and excellent food add to the allure.
Depending on who you ask, Cancún may or may not be considered a part of the Riviera Maya. Most exclude it, though, and we agree that the Riviera Maya is the area just south of the city that includes smaller resort areas like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and others.
That’s part of why some people are so loyal to the Riviera Maya – it’s the magic of the clear waters and white sand of Cancún with a fraction of the people. It can be more relaxing, more natural, and in some cases less expensive. And if you want to spend a day or evening on the Kulkulkán, it’s just a short drive away.
Sound like your kind of place? We’ve put together some of the most essential information to plan your trip to the Riviera Maya below.
In this guide to Riviera Maya
When to Go
There are both weather and crowd factors to consider when planning a trip to the Riviera Maya. In summary, you’ll want to avoid the summer and fall months due to heat and hurricane risk, as well as holiday periods and school breaks.
While the region may be a bit less busy than Cancún, it’s still a popular one due to its close proximity to the US and inexpensive flights. That makes it an easy choice for families and couples alike around winter holidays when everyone wants to escape the cold. Spring break week has the same effect. These times of winter and spring bring more crowds and corresponding higher hotel rates and flight prices.
Furthermore, summer brings heat and humidity that can be too intense for some people to find enjoyable. Plus, the hurricane season runs from June to November – this could put your whole trip at risk of cancellation or disaster, not to mention safety concerns. These months do bring the cheapest hotel rates and flight prices, though, so you can take a calculated risk if you’re looking for a bargain.
Our advice is to find time between January and May that doesn’t correspond with holidays in order to enjoy the best weather and fairest prices. Luckily, rain is usually fast-passing in the Riviera Maya, and proper hotel and activity planning can address any remaining crowd concerns.
Things to Do
People come to the Riviera Maya both for pure relaxation and for outdoor adventure. The natural features of this region are unique from almost anywhere else. The warm and clear Caribbean Sea is perfect for diving, swimming, and other watersports. The culture, history, and cuisine are unparalleled.
Fun Times in Riviera Maya
Top Riviera Maya Activities
Here are a few of the top attractions in the area.
Cenotes
Cenotes are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, and make up some of the most popular natural features to visit in the Riviera Maya. A cenote is a natural sinkhole that exposes groundwater below the surface, and as you can imagine, they are pretty surreal to see.
Cenotes are amazing for hiking, swimming in, and just admiring in general. Most charge small admission fees that are worth it, and these pay for nice touches like swings, hammocks, and steps or trails. Be sure to check the rules about where you’re allowed to hike and swim.
Some of the most popular cenotes in and near the Riviera Maya include the Two Eyes (Dos Ojos), the Gran Cenote, Chaak Tun, and the Car Wash. There are dozens, if not hundreds, more.
Archaeological Sites of Tulum, Chichen Itza, or Coba
There is much more left over from the ancient Mayan civilizations that once inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the hemisphere’s best-preserved ruins are in the Riviera Maya or within a short drive of it.
The city of Tulum is not only popular for its resorts and beautiful beaches, but because it has been a city long before it was discovered by tourists. It was constructed around a thousand years ago on top of sea cliffs and is one of the best-preserved pre-Columbian cities. The many ruins, along with lush nature and beautiful shoreline, are protected by a national park today, where visitors can explore and look through a unique window to ancient North America.
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive further inland, Coba is another site in an excellent state of preservation that’s still being discovered; you can climb a 13-foot tall pyramid, the highest in the Yucatan, to see views of the surrounding jungle. Chichen Itza is further, but home to an even more extensive site, including temples, village infrastructure, and cenotes.
Xcaret Parks
These eight adventure parks are spread around the Riviera Maya coast and offer just about all of the great things the Riviera Maya is known for. You can choose just one park or buy packages to visit multiple – staying at one of the Xcaret all-inclusive resorts gets you unlimited access to them all.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a massive nature preserve in the southern part of the Riviera Maya stretching from the sea to deep in the jungle. Its natural features are special enough to have earned the site a UNESCO World Heritage designation, and even the ancient Mayans recognized its majesty.
A complex network of canals and lagoons, some man-made centuries ago, cut through jungle, marshland, mangroves, and savannas up until the Caribbean Sea and its stunning reefs. Exotic wildlife and plant life thrive here. More Mayan ruins stand scattered throughout the area, including the ancient town of Muyil.
Most visitors see Sian Ka’an on a guided tour, in a group, or privately, and this is the best and safest way to do it. Generally, they’ll begin in either Punta Allen for the coastal sections and beautiful beaches or in Muyil for the inland lagoons and jungles.
Day Trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres
Many visitors have a hard time choosing between Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres for their vacation. But why not visit all of them? After all, the islands are only a short ferry ride away, and much of their best attractions can be seen on a day trip.
Cozumel is directly off the coast of the Riviera Maya, and ferries connect the island to both Playa del Carmen and the Xcaret area frequently. It’s rather large, so consider either renting a car or scooter; taxis are inexpensive too. Besides more archaeological sites and hiking opportunities, Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches and awesome scuba diving – look to the island’s northern and southern ends for some of the best.
Isla Mujeres is a bit different, as it’s a fraction of the size. The ferry to get here leaves from Punta Sam, just north of Cancún. You can rent a golf cart to get around this island (how cool is that?), and it doesn’t take long to see it all. The white-sand, shallow-water beaches here are something from a postcard, and there’s even an undersea museum that you can snorkel your way through.
How to Get There
It’s easy to get to the Riviera Maya – most visitors fly into Cancún, thanks to its well-connected international airport. All of the major North American carriers serve Cancún with frequent flights to cities large and small across the continent. Many European airlines fly across the pond as well, and a strong network of domestic flights makes it easy to see more of Mexico.
You could also fly into Cozumel, as it also has a relatively well-developed airport. It’s a great idea if you plan to stay on the island for part of your trip, but the trouble of taking the ferry to and from the mainland might be bothersome if not.
Cruise ships frequently include Cancún, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya on their itineraries as well. However, you may find that the time the ship spends in the area is not enough to enjoy it all.
It’s not essential to rent a car on your trip, but it certainly helps. Rentals are available from major companies at the airport and make it easier to reach attractions on your own time. If you aren’t comfortable doing so, taxis are available in all tourist destinations, and resorts or tour providers can usually arrange some transport. We don’t recommend trying to deal with buses and other public transportation here.
Where to Stay
There is no shortage of great resorts in the Riviera Maya. Many of them are all-inclusive – the region has a bit of a reputation for its quantity of these.
Luckily, you can usually find something to fit your budget here. Options range from cheap, no-frills accommodations to luxury all-inclusive resorts that are much more expensive.
The major resort areas in the region are Tulum (history and nature), Akumal (cenotes and nature), Puerto Aventuras (golf and water activities), Playa del Carmen (nightlife and restaurants), and Cozumel (diving and island life). Each of them has spectacular beaches and hotels, so don’t worry that we didn’t include those in our classifications.
Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Hotel: The Palm at Playa – Located in the heart of lively Playa del Carmen, you won’t believe the beautiful amenities you get for the price you pay at this boutique hotel, like a stunning rooftop pool and modern rooms.
Our Favorite Mid-Range Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya – A fun and lively hotel on an awesome beach with stylish rooms and several swimming pools, including an adults-only option.
Our Favorite Luxury Hotel: Hotel Xcaret Arte – One of the three Xcaret resorts; an all-inclusive luxurious setting where the Quintana Roo jungle, emerald-green cenotes, and azure sea meet.
Where to Eat and Drink
One of the great things about going to Mexico: the best Mexican food you’ve ever had. Besides cheap tacos, burritos, and guacamole, you’ll get to sample local dishes from south of the border that you’ve never even heard of. The seafood is exceptionally fresh and flavorful.
Not a fan of any of that? Luckily, thanks to the dozens of international resorts, you can easily find all kinds of other cuisines like Asian, Mediterranean, and classic American. Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available, too. Here is a snapshot of some of our favorite places to dine:
El Tábano – The definition of laid-back Mexican dining, with flavorful and traditional dishes, fantastic margaritas, and tables under a thatched roof.
Casa Cenote – A combination of simple and fresh Mexican barbecue with familiar steak and seafood options served on a deck overlooking the ocean.
Charly’s Vegan Tacos – Plant-based people don’t need to miss out on the amazing flavors of Mexico at this Tulum food truck.
As mentioned before, Playa del Carmen is the best place for anyone in search of nightlife and partying. While a number of lively clubs host parties almost every night here, simple bars for a margarita or tequila can be found throughout the Riviera Maya. Here are some of the best places for nightlife:
Coco Bongo – One of Playa del Carmen’s most famous nightclubs, where the entrance fee covers an open bar and all-night partying that rivals Vegas.
Mandala – Another of the most popular in Playa del Carmen, with an oriental-themed atmosphere and great bottle service for groups.
Coralina Beach Club – Take the fun of the nightclub and combine it with the magnificent beaches of Playa del Carmen, along with the luxury of a resort atmosphere.
What to Know Before Going
While the Riviera Maya might be close and easy to reach, there are a number of important things to know before you set off into the jungles and cenotes. Take note of these basic things to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
A Short History
The Riviera Maya is the central-eastern coastline of Quintana Roo, a Mexican state on the Yucatan Peninsula. Much of the region’s allure (and its name) comes from its fascinating history, which stretches back thousands of years.
The Mayan Empire included this coastline, along with much more of central America, and there is evidence of their civilization in the Riviera Maya originating around 2600 B.C. They had sophisticated hierarchy systems and made impressive scientific advancements, including the development of a calendar with 365 days based on celestial observations.
Conquistadores began colonizing the peninsula in the early 1500s, and the Mayan people clashed with them many times, ultimately succumbing to Spanish rule. The area remained rural, and life was agriculture-based for centuries, even after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. It was in the 1970s that tourists discovered the beautiful landscape, and resort buildup began.
Today, the region is very much tourism-based, with a stronger economy than some of the other parts of Mexico. Luckily, the visitor boom has not destroyed the history and scenery and instead helps protect and perpetuate it for the most part.
Current Travel Information
The Riviera Maya welcomes several million tourists per year and is known for its numerous all-inclusive resorts. Guests love these for the convenience they offer and the value they can present.
Since the economy is so tourism-oriented, most locals working in the resort regions speak some level of English. The major towns are very developed, and you shouldn’t find yourself without wifi or cell service. Credit cards are widely accepted, but smaller shops and restaurants may still be cash only – bring some pesos or dollars to be safe.
Weather is sunny and warm year-round, but most people find it too warm in the summer months. Plus, summer brings the risk of hurricanes, so it’s best to avoid these months. Important to note: it is not recommended to drink Mexico tap water – stock up on bottles at your resort.
Mexico also has its fair share of bad press for the danger of crime and violence, and this is not unfounded. Gangs and cartels do exist in the country, and issues have occurred even in these tourist areas. The US Department of State lists Quintana Roo as a state to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Just be aware of your surroundings and don’t wander anywhere that your resort recommends against.
Tips for Travel
- Mexico uses the Mexican peso. Dollars are often accepted, too, and credit cards can be used in hotels, restaurants, and some shops.
- Within your resort and the surrounding area, you can get by with English only. If you’ll be venturing deeper into the countryside, it can be helpful to know at least a few useful words in Spanish.
- Mexico uses American-style wall plugs, so travelers from the US won’t need any voltage adapters.
- They drive on the right-hand side of the road in Mexico, and renting a car is safe here.
- Many of the resorts in Riviera Maya are all-inclusive or offer this option.
What We Loved and Didn’t Love
The beaches of the Riviera Maya are some of the best on the North American continent. We loved the white sand, warm water, endless visibility, and great weather, as well as the watersports like snorkeling and diving available.
What we loved most of all was the unreal nature of Quintana Roo – cenotes, submerged caves, mangroves, and more make this place unlike any other. Do not miss the opportunity to swim in a deep, blue sinkhole, or better yet, dive deep into the caverns of one.
We really loved the warm and welcoming locals, the awesome food, and the all-inclusive options all around the coast. It’s a great place to be a tourist in general.
We weren’t a fan of the safety issues Mexico has, which seem to have grown lately. There was never a situation that felt dangerous, but the thought in the back of your mind can be uncomfortable.
We didn’t like how busy certain places can get, too. If you pick the wrong week, your resort can be very crowded, and the natural attractions even worse.
Overall, the Riviera Maya is awesome, and we will be back again!
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