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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 P11,094 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P11,094
P13,579 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (4,648 reviews)
"Grounds were beautiful with lush green vegetation, animals roaming (monkeys, deer, birds, lizards), ruins, large pools, small beach. Dinning options were good at a la carte restaurants. We made reservations as soon as we arrived and were able to dine at Hacienda, Steak house, Los Olivos and Oriental ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 P43,366 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P43,366
P52,628 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! (1,251 reviews)
"We stayed on the new side of XCaret Mexico. Overall, it was a great trip. We went with two adults and two teens. Leaving pros and cons for others to help others avoid some of the issues we had: Pros: great staff, clean property, clean rooms, couldn’t hear noise from neighbors, pools weren’t too crowded, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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 P41,715 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P41,715
P50,635 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,330 reviews)
"Bello"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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! (105 reviews)
"Staff was friendly fr check.in to check out. This is going to be a premier spot when they finish building the restaurant. It is under construction. That was one thing we learned the hard way but they are respectful and dont start super early in the morning. The private roof top pools are key. We ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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! (25 reviews)
"What a beautiful gem. The apartment was glorious! Clean and well stocked. The beds were comfy and the water pressure was excellent. The staff is so friendly and helpful. The beach is right out the front door, unfortunately the sea grass was out of control and we could not access the water. Bespoke ..."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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! (138 reviews)
"Good for the money spent. Relaxed chill vibes. Need better sign off main road."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do