The Riviera Maya is a tourist area of Mexico that is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the state of Quintana Roo, south of Cancun. It stretches along the coast from Puerto Morelos in the north to Punta Allen in the south, about 130 kilometers in length with beaches, mangroves, cenotes, bays, Mayan ruins and more.
Unlike Cancun, which is a quintessential vacation destination where all its attractions are concentrated in the Hotel Zone, the Riviera Maya is the tourist brand that represents a corridor of different coastal cities that include Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Chichén Itza, and Tulum, among others.
The Riviera Maya with its beautiful beaches and its archaeological heritage is a cultural flag of the region. It has the presence of its tourist parks Xcaret, Xplor and Xel-Ha that offer activities of all kinds, with aquariums, folkloric shows, ancient ball games and endless possibilities for the whole family.
Ecological tourism on the Riviera is one of its strengths. It offers circuits in jungle environments, underground rivers, cenotes, archaeological remains, diving through the coral reef, natural hot tubs, swimming with dolphins, an aviary, an orchid greenhouse, a butterfly farm among many other attractions.
It is presumed that the Riviera Maya has the best beaches in all of Mexico. All are beaches of fine white sand and beautiful blue waters. The most recognized include Playa del Carmen, the quiet Cheyumil, Tankah and Xcacel, where turtles spawn.
From Cancun to Tulum, the Riviera Maya is full of places to spend your vacations with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, clean beaches and endless leisure options. But there are also places where there is only jungle, places where man does not seem to have arrived and offer places worth discovering.
Everything is connected by the Federal Highway 307. Using Highway 307 you have the possibility of moving around the entire Riviera Maya, from north to south, either by bus or by car. It has four lanes in good condition and goes from Cancun, through the Riviera Maya, to Chetumal.
When you decide to change your environment a bit, discover historical places and archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, one of the 7 wonders of the world, about 2 and a half hours by car from Cancun and Playa del Carmen and about 2 hours from Tulum. There is much to see crossing the Riviera Maya and we leave you some suggestions: From the north: Isla Holbox, Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Tres Rios, Playa del Carmen, Isla Conzumel, Xcaret, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu- Há, akumal, Xel-Ha and more!
You can travel to the Mayan Rivera throughout the year due to its Caribbean climatic conditions. But it is true that one season is better than others; It is recommended to visit during the dry season, from December to April where there is less chance of rain and cooler temperatures. But these are also the times of greatest demand and therefore more expensive. From June to October, we have the rainy and hurricane season so if you travel in this period, you should be aware of the weather conditions. The cheapest prices are on these dates. May and November are transitional months and are ideal for your visit to the region with the best weather and at the same time, more affordable prices.
Have you already decided that the Riviera Maya is your destination? If you take this trip, do not miss tasting the guacamole, the cochinita pibil, the tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, mole poblano … and accompany them with a michelada, some tequilas, margaritas or some very cold corona beers that you should not miss on the beach.