Riviera Maya

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring building ruins
Photo provided by Ecopark Kantun-chi
Photo provided by Cancun CVB
Riviera Maya showing heritage architecture and a small town or village

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

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Playacar

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
Cozumel showing tropical scenes and a beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

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

Downtown Playa del Carmen
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Riviera Maya

While Riviera Maya isn't home to many top sights, Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Riviera Maya
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring building ruins

Zona Hotelera

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

Zona Hotelera
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Playacar Zona Hotelera

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Playacar Zona Hotelera. A stop by Playacar Beach or Piste Cyclable sur Paseo Xaman-Ha might round out your trip.

Playacar Zona Hotelera
Cozumel showing tropical scenes and a beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

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

Gonzalo Guerrero
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 P11,037 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
P11,037
P13,511 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,711 reviews)
"Occidental Caret provides a high value vacation at a reasonable price. The beach has a protective cove free of seaweed and rough waves which is great for kids. Food is above average ranging from specialty restaurants to the large buffet in the main building all with AC. Each building has about 50 ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P43,143 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P43,143
P52,359 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 15 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,259 reviews)
"Facilities"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only

5 out of 5
Carr. Chetumal - Puerto Juárez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is P40,916 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P40,916
P49,664 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay here at this property, wish I could have had more time to explore it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The areas were kept clean. The Xplor park was my favorite! However I wish it was communicated or advertised somewhere that Xoximilco and Xel Ha was a great distance ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only
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.
Otonomus Tulum

Otonomus Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! Zero complaints and plan to return again and again! Beautiful, small apartment hotel close to the beach, 7-11 right down the road. Phase two going up right next door. Expect some construction noise during the day. A car is highly recommended (mine was essentially free with stay through ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Otonomus Tulum
BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

4.5 out of 5
Tankah 3, Cdad., M3 L-1 y 2 Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"The food was absolutely delicious and service unmatched! We loved this place and will go back for sure. Sea turtles, private beach, meticulous cleaning and property upkeep, beautiful, lush pool and very quiet, removed from all things “touristy” - Bespoke was a gem."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (141 reviews)
"Cet hôtel est magnifique! Le personnel accueillant et bilingue. L’accès au site est privé. Je le recommande sans hésiter!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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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