Riviera Maya

Your travel guide to Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

Welcome to the Riviera Maya!

The Riviera Maya is Mexico’s Caribbean paradise, stretching along the coast of Quintana Roo and home to iconic destinations like Playa del Carmen, the bohemian-chic Tulum, the island gem of Cozumel, the laid-back fishing village of Puerto Morelos, and the sea turtle haven of Akumal. Just a short drive from Cancún, this region blends vibrant energy with serene natural beauty.

With over 100 kilometers of pristine coastline, 400+ world-class resorts, otherworldly cenotes, and protected biosphere reserves, the Riviera Maya offers something for every traveler—whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family adventure, or solo escape.

Riviera Maya destinations

Playa del Carmen
Tulum
Xcaret
Cenotes
Puerto Morelos
Akumal
Coba
Cozumel
Cancun

Things to Do in the Riviera Maya

From sun-soaked relaxation to adrenaline-pumping adventures, you’ll never run out of ways to fill your days here.

Stunning Beaches

The Caribbean beaches of the Riviera Maya are legendary for their powdered coral sands and glowing turquoise waters. Choose your vibe: lively shores like Mamitas Beach with DJ beats and cocktail bars, hidden gems like Xpu-Há for peaceful solitude, or family-friendly spots like Akumal Bay where kids can snorkel alongside sea turtles. Many beaches offer wheelchair-accessible facilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy paradise.

Majestic Archaeological Wonders

Step into the footsteps of ancient Maya civilizations. Explore Tulum’s clifftop ruins overlooking the sea, climb the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid in Cobá (the tallest in the Yucatán!), or wander the lesser-known jungle temples of Muyil, where howler monkeys provide the soundtrack. Don’t miss Chichen Itzá—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, located just a few hours inland.

Flavors to Savor

Foodies rejoice! The Riviera Maya serves up everything from fresh ceviche at beachside palapas to avant-garde tasting menus at award-winning restaurants. Dive into local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), panuchos (stuffed tortillas), and sopa de lima (citrusy chicken soup). For a truly immersive experience, book a traditional Maya cooking class.

Magical Cenotes

These natural sinkholes—filled with crystalline groundwater—are the soul of the Yucatán. Swim, snorkel, or dive in caverns adorned with stalactites, zip-line over jungle-covered pools like Cenote Zapote, or float lazily in open-air wonders like Gran Cenote. Some, like Cenote Azul, even have underwater caves for certified divers. Pro tip: Visit early to beat the crowds!

Next-Level Theme Parks

The Riviera Maya’s eco-adventure parks redefine fun. At Xcaret, watch the Mexico Espectacular show after swimming in underground rivers. Test your courage with ATV jungle trails and ziplines at Xplor, or snorkel with thousands of tropical fish at Xel-Há. Newer parks like Xavage offer white-water rafting and jetboat thrills. Most parks prioritize sustainability, so your fun supports conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

By Air

Three airports serve the region:

  • Cancún International Airport (CUN): Mexico’s second-busiest airport, with direct flights from major cities worldwide. Located 20 minutes from Cancún Hotel Zone, 45 minutes to Playa del Carmen, and 1.5 hours to Tulum. Taxis/private transfers are quickest, but the ADO bus station (inside Terminal 3) offers budget-friendly rides to downtown. Phone: +52 998 848 7200.
  • Cozumel International Airport (CZM): Ideal if staying on Cozumel Island. Smaller with fewer flights, but occasionally cheaper. From here, take a 30-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen. Phone: +52 987 872 2081 (updated number).
  • Tulum International Airport (TQO): Opened in December 2023, this modern airport is a game-changer for southern Riviera Maya. Located just 30 minutes from Tulum’s hotel zone and 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen. Serves domestic flights and international routes from the U.S. and Canada. Perfect for travelers focusing on Tulum, Bacalar, or Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

By Train

The Tren Maya—Mexico’s ambitious 1,500-km railway circuit—is revolutionizing travel in the Yucatán Peninsula:

  • Connects Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar and Mérida/Chichén Itzá
  • Playa del Carmen and Tulum stations with sleek, air-conditioned trains running hourly
  • Travel time: Cancún to Tulum in 2.5 hours (vs 2+ hours by car)
  • Three service classes: Xiinbal (tourist), P’atal (premium), and Janal (dining car)
  • Features panoramic windows, free Wi-Fi, and sustainability initiatives like solar-powered stations

Check our Tren Maya map for more details.

By Land

Highway 307 connects Cancún to Tulum (130 km/81 miles). Buses like ADO run frequently—book tickets online for routes from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen (1 hour) or Tulum (2 hours). Renting a car? Stick to toll roads (cuota) for faster travel.

Tropical and humid year-round, with average temps of 26°C (79°F). December-February are driest and coolest (light sweater evenings). Rainy/hurricane season runs June-November, but storms rarely last all day.

  • High Season (Dec-April): Sunny days, crowded beaches, higher prices
  • Sweet Spot (May & Oct-Nov): Lower rates, fewer tourists, warm weather
  • Low Season (June-Sept): Hotter, humid, but great deals and lush greenery

  • Playa del Carmen: Walkable downtown (Quinta Avenida is pedestrian-only)
  • Taxis are plentiful—agree on fares first
  • Colectivos: Shared vans run along Highway 307 between Cancún and Tulum (super affordable!)
  • Ferries: Ultramar and Winjet operate Playa del Carmen-Cozumel routes (45 mins)
  • Car Rentals: Helpful for exploring cenotes or ruins at your own pace

The Riviera Maya enjoys a reduced 11% VAT (vs. 16% elsewhere in Mexico). Many restaurants and shops include tax in prices, but check receipts.

Yes! Tourist areas are very safe. Use common sense: avoid unlit areas at night, don’t flash valuables, and use hotel safes.

Mexican pesos are preferred, but USD and EUR are widely accepted (often at less favorable rates). ATMs dispense pesos or dollars, and credit cards work at most establishments.

  • Greetings: A handshake or slight nod is appropriate for first meetings
  • Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants is customary if service charge isn’t included
  • Sacred Sites: Dress modestly when visiting Mayan ruins or churches
  • Language: Learning basic Spanish phrases like “gracias” (thank you) is appreciated
  • Bargaining: Expected in markets, but do so respectfully

  • Tourist Areas: English is widely spoken in hotels, resorts, and major attractions
  • Service Industry: Most restaurant staff, tour operators, and taxi drivers in popular destinations speak functional English
  • Rural Areas: Less common in remote villages – basic Spanish helps
  • Signage: Important signs (airports, hospitals, roads) are usually bilingual
  • Tips: Learning simple Spanish phrases like “¿Habla inglés?” (Do you speak English?) is appreciated
  • Translation Apps: Recommended for complex medical or legal conversations

Riviera Maya