Riviera Maya

Travel Guide
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin

Riviera Maya Travel Guide Video

This sun-drenched stretch of Mexican coastline blends the natural wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula with the awe-inspiring ruins of Mayan civilizations.

The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a relaxing mix of picture-perfect tropical beaches, stylish resorts, breathtaking aquatic wonders and some of the most popular archeological sites in Mexico.

The resort town of Playa del Carmen is a great place to begin your Riviera Maya adventure and offers superb beaches, dining and nightlife. From Playa, hop on a ferry to Cozumel, an island endowed with a rich history, world-renowned dive sites and lush jungles.

Cozumel’s main town, San Miguel, is home to the Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel), an excellent place to learn about the island’s Mayan past as well as the evolution of the surrounding marine park.

Head to Cozumel’s south where, in the Chankanaab National Park, you can explore extensive botanical gardens, swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery and unwind in one of the many health spas.

Further south from Chankanaab is the relaxing Palancar Beach, where the water is clear and calm enough to spot fish from the shore.

Head to Punta Sur Ecological Park on the island’s southern tip, to see this stunning ecological reserve featuring more than 200 bird species, crocodiles, giant turtles and an ancient Mayan observatory.

For more impressive archaeological sites, head back to the mainland to Chichen Itza and the Tulum Mayan Ruins. At over 1,000 years old, the wondrous ruins of Chichen Itza showcase the architectural feats of the Mayan and Toltec cultures. The Tulum Mayan Ruins are perched high on a dramatic stretch of Caribbean coastline.

At the Kantun-Chi ecological park, swim, snorkel and dive spectacular cenotes (sinkholes), and explore tropical gardens and abundant wildlife.

The Riviera Maya’s climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 93 F (34 C). Local transport options range from buses to colectivos (white minivans), private limos to bicycles.

Where to stay in Riviera Maya

Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(115 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 which includes a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tulum.

Zona Hotelera
Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar

4.5/5(1,552 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Playacar. Make a stop by Playa del Carmen Main Beach or Playacar Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Playacar
Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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 featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4.5/5(832 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 showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Tulum City Center

4/5(451 area reviews)

Historic sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider a stop by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

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 ¥35,063 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥35,063
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (3,130 reviews)
"Enjoyed how close it was to Xcaret parl"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 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 Mar 26, 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 ¥111,305 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
¥111,305
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
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! (1,511 reviews)
"This resort is beautifully exotic. Service is top notch and the drinks and food excellent. Super clean and I love the scent in the lobby area. They make everything convenient and easy. The only issue I had was my room not being ready upon check in yet they did upgrade me so I was happy ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 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 Mar 14, 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! (11 reviews)
"A serene, peaceful place to stay in Tulum. The staff is beyond amazing and the service is outstanding. Well appointed rooms with lots of space."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 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! (96 reviews)
"Pluming issues, no water flow, and water quality is not great. The pool did not look like it was cleaned and housekeeping using very harsh chemical cleaners, we got a little allergic from it. Overall great value for $$$."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Riviera Maya