Riviera Maya

Travel Guide
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins

Riviera Maya Travel Guide Video

Wondrous Mayan temples, amazing natural beauty and world-class beach resorts combine on the incredible coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Riviera Maya is a section of Caribbean coastline along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that stretches from Puerto Morelos to as far south as Punta Allen. Some of the country’s most impressive Mayan archaeological sites, pristine beaches, snazzy resorts and amazing natural wonders dot the region, which is fast becoming one of Mexico’s favourite places to visit.Many visitors start their journey along the “Mayan Riviera” in the resort town of Playa del Carmen, where you’ll find excellent restaurants, nightlife and beaches. It’s just a short hop on a ferry from here to the island of Cozumel – rich in history, unspoiled jungles and world-famous dive sites.Dolphinaris, just a 3-minute drive from the ferry port, is a popular attraction that offers you a unique opportunity to swim and play with trained dolphins. The Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) in the island’s biggest town of San Miguel will teach you everything you want to know about the fascinating history of the Olmec and Mayan civilisations on Cozumel, as well as how the marine park which surrounds the island developed.The Chankanaab National Park in the south of the island is home to amazing scenery, huge botanical gardens and numerous health spas while Palancar Beach has waters so clear that you can spot fish from the shore. On Cozumel’s southern tip, the outstanding Punta Sur Ecological Park is a natural wonderland that houses a marvellous mixture of native animal species including crocodiles, giant turtles and a couple of hundred species of bird.If you want to see some of the Yucatán’s famous Mayan ruins then head back to the mainland for some of most inspiring sites in the whole of Latin America. The dramatic Tulum Mayan Ruins, perched high on a beautiful piece of Caribbean coastline are a truly unforgettable sight while the 1,000-year-old Chichen Itza site is one the most celebrated archaeological sites in the world, containing lovingly restored pyramids and temples.The Riviera Maya has a year-round tropical climate with temperatures averaging 34 C. Getting around is easy with a wide range of transport available, ranging from private buses to limos and the mini-van “colectivos” popular with the locals.

Where to stay in Riviera Maya

Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Travellers to Zona Hotelera praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins.

Zona Hotelera
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Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Playacar Golf Club – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
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Playacar Zona Hotelera

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Playacar Zona Hotelera. Make a stop by top sights like Piste Cyclable sur Paseo Xaman-Ha while you're exploring the area.

Playacar Zona Hotelera
Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4/5(18 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Gonzalo Guerrero
Tulum featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is S$381 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$381
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,127 reviews)
"The beach area was beautiful. A lot of options at the buffet. Many activities. It was a great trip for our family."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive
Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive
5 out of 5
Carr. Federal 307 Chet-Pto. Juarez, Km 324 - 342, Mza. 7, Lt. 1, SM 11, Puerto Morelos, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,367 reviews)
"Very relaxing, great ambience, friendly staff and various entertainments"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive
Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
5 out of 5
Carr. Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is S$1,202 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
S$1,202
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,508 reviews)
"What was not to like. First they have a bus that transports you from the airport to the resort and same when returning to airport. The resort is amazing and beautiful. Staff greet you and get you easily checked in when you arrive. The rooms are amazing, clean and roomy. All the food at the 5 restaurants ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Xambé
Xambé
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Central, Aldea Zama, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"Quiet getaway for those looking for a more intimate jungle feel. Plenty of development in the area so be mindful that you still will be in a neighborhood that is actively undergoing construction. Would book again for multiple couples trips."

Reviewed on 14 Mar,2024

Xambé
Siwa Tulum
Siwa Tulum
4 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"This resort was fantastic would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2024

Siwa Tulum
Casa Wahh
Casa Wahh
4 out of 5
Privada Luum Zama en Aldea Zama,, Mza 27, lte 1, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
"The place was amazing. Only about a 20-minute walk from Tulum Central if you like to walk. We spent five nights there, and our host, Anel, was immaculate. She helped us with everything we needed to make our trip a success."

Reviewed on 5 Nov,2023

Casa Wahh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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