Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya at a Glance
The Riviera Maya is located in southeast Mexico, beginning east of the Yucatán Peninsula, and is bordered by vegetation, white sand, and the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. It runs from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen and is approximately 200 kilometers long. It combines a variety of distinct locations, including modern cities, attractive villages, archaeological remains, beaches with crystal clear water, deep cenotes in caves and in the open air, mangroves, and lagoons.
Brief overview of the area's history
For millennia, the Mayans occupied this portion of the peninsula that is now known as the Riviera Maya, and their lordships flourished in places like Tikal, Calakmul, Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Cobá, where remnants of their ancestral knowledge in mathematics, architecture, and art can still be found.
Today, the Riviera is considered one of Mexico’s premier destinations, with its beautiful beaches, mysterious cenotes, and activities to satisfy even the most discerning travelers. Come and discover the magical Riviera, you won’t be disappointed.
Riviera Maya Higlights
Isla Mujeres
Discovered in 1517 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, Isla Mujeres is located 13 km from Cancun, it is one of the beautiful islands in the Mexican Caribbean. Read More
To get there you must take a ferry from Puerto Juárez, the transfer takes about 15 minutes. Its name is due to the fact that upon the arrival of the Spanish to the island, they discovered offerings in a female form, the island was consecrated to the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility: “Ixchel”. Mayan’s women made their pilgrimage to the island as part of their transition from girl to woman. When you arrive at the island, you can rent a golf cart or bicycles to be able to move around the place.
Contoy Island
National park and protected area since 1998 by the Mexican government, also known as the island of the birds. Read More
Regulated visits are allowed to a maximum of 200 visitors per day, requesting a permit that can be processed in Cancun or Isla Mujeres.
Turtles of different species spawn on the island and marine life is recognized due to the characteristics of the currents and nutrients in the sea, which attract the majestic whale sharks to swim in its waters.
Cozumel Island
Discovered in 1518 by Juan de Grijalva, Cozumel is one of the largest and most populated islands in the country, it is also considered Read More
Paradise for diving and snorkeling as it has one of the most extensive and famous reefs in the world, with an extension of more than 30 km, being Palancar one of the most recommended spots for multiple water activities.
San Miguel is the largest town on the island and the tourist center of the area with shops of all kinds, car rentals, bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Cobá Archeological Site
Located in the bowels of the jungle of the region, 90 km east of Chichén Itzá, it is a perfectly preserved city belonging to the pre-Columbian period of the Mayan culture. Read More
The Señorío Maya that began its history between 200 and 100 BC and at its peak covered an area of around 80 km2 and housed more than 45,000 inhabitants, it remained the predominant center between 1200 and 1500. It is worth mentioning that at the time of the arrival of the Spanish to the city, (during the conquest), it was already uninhabited.
From then until the publication of the studies of John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood with their wonderful illustrations of the area, the city comes to life in history books and today with the thousands of tourists who visit it annually.
Tulúm Archeological Site
One of the jewels of the Mayan culture by the sea, a walled city that reached its peak when the Mayan lords moved their urban centers out of the jungle and near the sea in the post-classic period. Read More
Today, this archaeological zone is located next to a modern tourist center with impressive real estate growth.
In ancient times this city was known as Zama, the name of Tulum was given to it when the city was already in ruins. The castle is its most important building and is part of the cosmological vision of the Mayans, referring to the sun and Venus. An excellent example of the wonderful Mayan culture that dominated Mexico and parts of Central America until before the arrival of the Spanish to the continent.
Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar, often known as “The Seven Color Lagoon,” is a lagoon in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, adjacent to the state capital of Chetumal. Read More
Blue Cenote
This stunning natural marvel is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and its lovely turquoise colored waters are a must-see. Read More
The admission charge to this Paradise, one of the largest open formations in the Riviera Maya, is roughly $8 USD for adults and $6 USD for children.
Public transportation between Playa del Carmen and Tulum will drop you off close to the entrance if you ask the driver to stop there.
Open all year, the hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Mahahual
The little town of Mahahual, just south of Playa del Carmen, is a beauty of the Mexican Caribbean, with white beaches that contrast with the turquoise blue of the ocean. Read More
Most of the year, temperatures range between 78 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The malecón area is where the action is, with stores, bars, and restaurants, as well as several tour operators who will gladly show you the underwater wonders of this magnificent site, whether it is snorkeling with manatees or diving, paddleboarding, and ecotourism, Mahahual has a little of everything for everyone.
Playa del Carmen
What was once a small fishing village from which you might take one of the ferries to Cozumel has now become one of the Riviera Maya’s most popular destinations. Read More
Luxury hotels, tours, and attractions of all types, as well as bars, restaurants, and boutiques, all with a more Mexican flavor than in other locations of the peninsula.
With the jungle behind the town and the Caribbean in front, it is the ideal setting because the number of activities available is impressive, including zip lines, buggies, diving, snorkeling, cenotes, and the various activities found in the Xcaret park, which is a short distance from the archaeological site of Cobá.
There are hotels for all budgets along this beautiful stretch of coastline, and don’t miss out on visiting LA QUINTA, the town’s main street, where the bustle of people lasts all day and most of the night.
Puerto Morelos
It is a lovely community south of Cancun that has worked hard to retain its original fishing essence; its beaches are the quietest, and a reef borders the marine area, making it ideal for snorkeling. There are various cenotes nearby, as well as adventure rides like zip lines and amusement parks.
Xcaret
XCARET is Mexico’s most well-known theme park, known globally for its quality and service. Visiting XCARET means experiencing a variety of activities in a perfectly safe atmosphere. Read More
More than 50 attractions surrounded by jungle, underground rivers, and the Caribbean Sea, archaeological sites, traditional Mexican performances, and all the amenities you’d expect from such a fun and fascinating setting.
ALL ABOUT RIVIERA MAYA
From December to March the climate varies between 26.5 and 28 °C, being an excellent climate for the beach area. April and May have slightly higher temperatures from 27 to 30 °C. The highest temperatures in the region are recorded on average from June to September, alternating with the rainy season, varying between 26 and 33 ° C and an average of 70 mm of rain. From September to November, temperatures between 32 and 24 °C accompanied by wind are recorded on average. The hurricane season begins at the end of July and ends at the beginning of October, generally there will be stronger winds in those months.
Cancun is the region’s main and most modern city, with a wide range of activities ranging from shopping for well-known brands to an impressive array of tours and activities such as ATV´s catamaran rides, pirate ship adventures, wave runner rentals, sport fishing, golf, diving, snorkeling, swimming in cenotes, parasailing rides, paddle boarding, and so on. You can also visit places such as Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventura, Bacalar, Tulum, and Mahahual to experience the area’s archeological sites or to explore the jungle and its activities.
Guests can also visit the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres to appreciate their underwater beauty, as well as the beautiful reef of Palancar or the Underwater Museum in Isla Mujeres. The activity alternatives are broad and varied, appealing to any visitor’s preferences.
The Riviera will be accessed via the Cancun airport, from which you can take a private transfer, airport taxis, or rent a car to your hotel.
Depending on where you stay, the shuttle will take approximately an hour and a half.
If you opt to rent a car, you will need to travel Highway 307, which connects Cancun to Chetumal; any navigation app will tell you where your resort is located. To enter your hotel, keep an eye out for police checkpoints and highway exits.
Thousands of tourists visit this portion of Mexico each year, and as a result, it has become one of the safest regions in the country.
The crime rate in the penninsula is lower than in most US cities, and drug-related violence occurs most of the time outside of tourist areas; still, trusting your instincts and utilizing common sense will get you a long way in terms of safety. If you decide to rent a car, Highway 307, which goes from Cancun along the coast to Akumal, includes police checkpoints that are open 24 hours a day; try not to exceed the speed restrictions. Be mindful of regions indicated as risky or high-conflict, avoid lonely roads in underdeveloped areas, avoid walking alone in dark places, and tell family members if you are traveling unattended.
The most frequent beach situations include a combination of heavy drinking, waves and ocean currents, or the occasional sea wasp rash, which can range from moderate to severe, so please be cautious. Because of the tropical temperatures and humidity, it is vital to drink plenty of fluids and limit your sun exposure, since this promotes excessive sweat and heat strokes or sunburns can ruin your trip. When coming to Mexico, you must take the appropriate measures such as not going out at night to places outside the tourism area, not trusting strangers, not flashing expensive stuff, and not drinking “Uno Mas” too many times! Mexico is a fantastic place to visit, enjoy it and have an amazing time.
The Riviera Maya has a diverse range of tourist spots, with distances varying from Playa del Carmen to Mahahual. It is recommended that you use public transportation to get to hotels, activities, and all of these little but fun towns. Taxis are available, but the cost will vary based on where you wish to go; car rental is a more convenient mode of transportation with a fixed fee per day.
Bicycles can be rented in several hotel locations as well as in towns. Just take into account there are no proper bicycle paths so it will be tricky to travel by bike from one town to another; and the distances are considerable. If you want to visit Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, Ferries connect the two islands, it is important to be aware of the times and schedules for both the forth and return journeys in order to avoid inconvenience.
Flights to Cozumel originate from Cancun International Airport and are the quickest, but also the most expensive way to get to the island.
For Private transportation services it is strongly recommended that they be employed for day trips, more extensive tours or a night out in town.
You will find all the major international car-rental agencies in Riviera Maya, as well as some local companies; the offer is the same in most of them, with clean and new cars. The price will be the difference, so do your booking ahead, you will find better prices and the model you are looking for. When you rent, consider full insurance including personal liability, during high season some agencies can run out of cars. Buying gas in and around Riviera Maya is easy as there are several gas stations over the highway from one to another destination. Prices are posted in pesos per liter. Most gas stations will take both cash or credit card.
Best Beaches
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Akumal Beach
<p>Akumal ("Place of the Turtle" in Maya) is a lovely village on the Riviera Maya about 25 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen. "Read
It was founded half a century ago as a sanctuary for scuba divers. It is still a vibrant diving community with easy access to the Caribbean reef as well as nearby cenotes and caves if you like snorkeling you are on the right place; the area is one of the best snorkeling places on the coast due to its quiet seas and big population of resident sea turtles. Even if you are not a diver or snorkeler, you can enjoy the water.</p> -
Xcacel
<p>Xcacel Beach is south of Chemuyil, between Akumal and Xel-Ha. "Read
The beach is a sea turtle sanctuary and protected area, and it provides wonderful prospects for kiteboarding and surfing for those who are interested; you can find also a cenote on the property. There is a restroom and a deressing room, but no additional conveniences, bring your snacks and drinks!</p> -
Half Moon Bay
<p>Half Moon Bay is one of the Riviera Maya's top snorkeling sites. The water level is relatively low, which allows for excellent visibility. "Read
The coral is robust and abundant, and visitors should take care not to disturb or destroy it.</p><p>La Buena Vida restaurant, which has a pool, bathrooms, and restricted street parking, offers beach chairs and hammocks lining the shore. An outer reef protects the region near Casa Maya; however, the approach site is rocky, so wear water shoes. It is recommended that you bring an umbrella as well. Half Moon Bay is highlighted for its white sand and turquoise waters, but the lack of trees makes it difficult to find cover.</p> -
Playa Tulum
<p>Tulum's beaches are well-known for being among the greatest in Riviera Maya. "Read
The sand is sugary white, the water is warm and shallow, and there are no water sports to spoil your fun.</p><p>Close by is the world-renowned Tulum archaeological site, which was a Maya settlement that prospered on trade by the sea. <br />The area just south of Tulum Beach becomes the UNESCO-protected Sian Ka'an Biosphere. This wonderfully diversified environment is home to a vast array of indigenous vegetation and animals, as well as millions of migrating birds. There are miles and miles of lovely, uncrowded beach.</p> -
Xpu-Ha
<p>Xpu Ha is a gorgeous powder-white beach located between two all-inclusive resorts. "Read
It is a laid-back area with camping and a kiteboarding school that is great for spending a relaxing day with friends or family. <br />Because the reef in this location is man-made, the snorkeling is in a beautifully dynamic habitat with a diverse assortment of marine species.</p> -
Playa Norte
<p>Playa Norte, located in the north side of Isla Mujeres, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. "Read
Boasts breathtaking crystal clear peaceful waters and a powder white sandy beach, suitable for people of all ages. <br />There you may hire beach chairs and umbrellas, and if you arrived by ferry, a cab will be an economical method to get to the area. <br />Keep in mind that this is a popular tourist destination, and there will be a big number of boats with visitors participating in water activities in the area.<br /></p>
Beach Gallery
Photos by: Eric Blanc, Adrián Ibarra, Ale Ga, Gala Franco Gaytán, Nallely Martínez, Citizen Walk, Travel Drone Blog, Paco en Riviera Maya, Andreas Vega, ViajeFest, The Country Collectors, AdunadjTV, Chavos Vlogs, Corresponsal Vloggero, Kammeran Gonzalez Keola, La Bitácora de Carlos y Eli, Uri Ortega, Jesús Milán, Mariel de Viaje, Sin Postal, Intriper, Holt&Ashley, Akumal & Más, Akumal Direct reservations, Rubén y el mundo,Oscar Cat, @Joss.Barron, Jumping Places
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Nature
Located in the jungle of the Yucatán peninsula, the glamorous Riviera Maya presents visitors with an almost indescribable biodiversity, with one of the most complex and balanced ecosystems in nature. An example of the majesty that exists in the area is the SAM or Mesoamerican Reef System, being the second-largest reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, it ranges from Mexico to Honduras, being home to more than 600 species of mollusks, fish, and crustaceans as well as 65 different coral species. Read More
Whale sharks, bull sharks, billfish (Marlin, Sailfish, and Swordfish) barracudas, groupers, jacks, Manta rays, dolphins, as well as 4 of the 7 species of sea turtles spawn on the beaches of the Riviera Maya.
On land the wonders continue, as the peninsula has more than 2,500 cenotes forming part of a system of fresh underground water interconnected by hundreds of kilometers of canals.
This ecosystem also has populations of crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles and in caves, birds and bats.
The jungle is also home to spider monkeys, howler monkeys, coatis, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, possums, wild boars, pumas and the mythical Jaguar!!!
The conditions of the Caribbean Sea, together with the number of reef banks in the region, make the area an Eden for those who like to practice either of these two activities. Swimming with dolphins, manta rays, turtles or any of the hundreds of species of fish and crustaceans that live here is quite an experience.
There is also the possibility of snorkeling, interacting with manatees in some freshwater bodies in the region. An experience not to be missed.
Activity that gains followers day by day, it can be practiced both in the sea and in some freshwater bodies in the area, whether they are cenotes or lagoons. You can take a tour in which the guide will explain the characteristics of the area, the flora, fauna, and the environment that surrounds you.
Walks on the beach are an excellent exercise, you will find free entrance at some points between hotels.
We advise checking the color of the tide flag in the beach area where you are, they are indicators of waves and ocean currents. It is not advisable to walk on the beach after 10 p.m., despite the fact that security elements surround the entire beach. Avoid drinking alcohol before and during the walk, and avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry. Tell your family or friends where you intend to stroll (at sunset or at night) and how much time you have set out for it. If you take the prescribed precautions, you will be able to relax and enjoy the sea wind and the gorgeous hues of the sunset.
If you come across a baby turtle running into the sea, do not touch or lift any, and immediately notify the nearest guard personnel; there may be a nest hatching and they are a protected species.
Swmming at the beaches, cenotes and lagoons of Riviera Maya is an activity that must be carried out taking basic precautions, to make it a safe and an unforgettable experience. Always consider that a beach is an access to the open sea, if the tide flag is green, it means that the swimming conditions are acceptable. In most residential and hotel beaches, there are lifeguards most of the daytime, but not in some public beaches. Make sure to read the conditions of each beach, they are visible in the access area.
The flags used on the beaches of Mexico are:
Green Flag: Safe Swimming Condition
Yellow flag: Take precautions when swimming
Red flag: Dangerous conditions, sea currents
Black Flag: No swimming
Fishing
The Riviera maya is a combination of beautiful resorts and outstanding sports fishing, making this location a world-class fishing destination. Its waters are a nutrient- rich environment , where the deep-water passage off the Yucatan Peninsula squeezes the Gulf Stream as it travels northward, This “funnel” effect creates an upwelling and a supply of bait fish. Both pelagic and reef fish enjoy it out here since there are plenty of prey fish to eat on, Billfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish, Barracudas, Dorado, Grouper, Sea Bass, Mackerel, Red Snapper, and a variety of other species are available. Read More
A day of deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, or shore fishing on the Riviera Maya can satisfy even the most discerning anglers.
Going on a fishing charter may be one of the ideal opportunities to experience the Riviera Maya’s Caribbean waters. You can book any boat depending on your preferred fishing style. Shore fishing is another option that does not require a fishing license, we just recommend that you avoid fishing too close to swimmers and, in general, avoid fishing in front of or near hotels.
Golf
Golf is one of the most popular sports in North America and Riviera Maya has several very high-level courses to practice this activity.
Considered the best golf course in Latin America, this wonderful work designed by Robert Trent Jones II consists of an 18-hole professional course and another 9-hole course.
The design took into account the geographic characteristics of the peninsula, intertwining the natural resources of the area, the jungle, mangroves, and cenotes are the perfect setting for any golfer who wants to fully push himself to finish this course. The course opened in 2010 and attracts players of all levels who like a challenging experience on the 9-hole course.
Beautiful 6,800 yard (ca. a 6 km) par 72 course designed by Dye, it has been the scene of several international tournaments and is recognized as one of the best in the Riviera Maya. The course has various starting points and is a delight for golfers of any level.
Located at Fairmont Mayakoba, El Camaleón is Latin America’s first PGA Tour course, and is the work of the iconic Greg Norman. A design mix that integrates the natural beauties of the region with cenote, underground caves, dense jungles, mangroves and various freshwater channels, at the same time that two of the holes offer you views of the impressive Caribbean Sea.
Tees offer different distances to accommodate any level of play. The field has been certified by Audubon International as a sanctuary for its ecosystem conservation practices.
This dynamic championship course, inaugurated in 2011, with 18 holes par 71 designed by Nick Price, its impeccable fairways and greens are integrated into the environment to reduce the impact on the area and offers players a course that challenges them, no matter the level of play.
Course located in Playa del Carmen within the exclusive area of Playacar, it was inaugurated in 1994 and was designed by Robert Von Hagge. With 18 holes par 72 it is a field open to the public that integrates the fauna and flora of the area to create an environment that invites players of any level, being located within the tourist area one can enjoy an excellent game and then walk to Fifth Avenue to eat something in a few minutes.
Designed by the famous Jack Nicklaus, this course is located 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen and represents a challenge for all those players who wish to try an 18-hole course, 2923 yards (2.67 km) par 54 and the only par 3 in the region, demanding to maximum with sand traps and lakes that limit the player’s options.
Hole 7 consists of three sand traps and wind conditions, a challenge, hole 17 or Donna-Green as they know it, has a lake surrounding part of the green, two sand traps, ending with another lake behind, which makes this hole a celebratory par !!!
Shopping
The Riviera Maya has everything you need to return home with gifts and that special piece that you have been looking for yourself. All hotels have commercial areas and in towns like Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Morelos you can find various shopping centers and handicraft markets with things you have never seen before! La Quinta in Playa del Carmen is the pedestrian street where you can find a bit of everything, Ah Cacao, Artevelas, Hacienda tequila, Aldea Corazón and La Hierbabuena Artesanías are some of the best Mexican art stores in the area. Paseo del Carmen, Quinta Alegría and Plaza Playacar are highly recommended open-air plazas to spend an excellent day of shopping.
Nightlife
As the sun sets, the Riviera transforms and lights up to create a totally different, unforgettable experience for all budgets. From bars to entertainment centers, you can find different types of atmosphere and music to enjoy a very fun night. Coco Bongo is the nightclub par excellence, and you should not miss it, it has two locations: Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and both offer spectacular displays of light, sound and an artistic production of international level. Playacrawl, Nana rooftop bar, L’Ambassade, La Vaquita Playa del Carmen or Palazzo Disco are highly recommended places with a good atmosphere and lots of fun.
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