Riviera Maya

Travel Guide

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

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

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Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Playacar Golf Club – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
Cozumel showing a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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
Cozumel showing a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Gonzalo Guerrero

4/5(18 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 Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins

Zona Hotelera

Travellers to Zona Hotelera praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach.

Zona Hotelera
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Riviera Maya

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Riviera Maya and surrounding area, you can visit Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course.

Riviera Maya
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Playacar Zona Hotelera

The pristine beaches and ample 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
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 HK$1,337 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
HK$1,337
HK$1,640 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (4,926 reviews)
"The place has lots of vegetation and looks beautiful. The buildings in areas need some TLC."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 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
The price is HK$5,881 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
HK$5,881
HK$7,137 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,302 reviews)
"Pool"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa All Inclusive

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal, Puerto Juarez KM 256-100, Kantenah, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Kantenah. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Our stay was great! The staff was so friendly an welcoming. The wildlife is incredible. Food was acceptable. Beach was rocky and the water was full of seaweed but I know that's beyond the control of the resort. There are some areas of the pool that's a little dingy and missing tiles. Our swim up ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa All 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.
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 Mayan Ruins and Tulum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"Clean rooms and staff was very helpful however the room did not have microwave nor a safe."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Otonomus Tulum
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! (147 reviews)
Relaxation
"Beautiful place 2nd time visting this hotel. Love it very relaxing."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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! (29 reviews)
"Stunning hotel, beautiful location. Car is essential otherwise hugely overpriced taxis are your only option. I do think a hotel of this calibre and price point really should include breakfast (this is the only luxury hotel I have stayed at that did not include breakfast). Would definitely return"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
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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