With buzzing towns like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, along with appealing resorts set along the white-sand coastline, Mexico’s 100-mile-long Riviera Maya has become a travel hot spot. iBestTravel’s highly curated guide will help you navigate the area and plan the best vacation ever.
Not so long ago, Mexico’s Riviera Maya didn’t even have a name. The area—which stretches for 100 miles along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula—was just a string of small fishing villages. Soon, resorts began popping up by the dozen, sleepy Tulum became a yoga mecca, and once-scruffy Playa del Carmen started attracting shoppers and spring breakers. Mexico’s tourism agency branded the area the Riviera Maya, and a destination was born. Now, millions of travelers regularly descend upon this beachy getaway, which officially starts just south of Cancun and reaches all the way to Punta Allen inside the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. However, with so many locations to choose from, planning a trip here is no easy task. Here’s how to make the most of a vacation along Mexico’s most happening coastline.
Easiest Flight Routes
One advantage of traveling to this area is the airline access. With all the major carriers flying into Cancun (Delta, American, United, and more), as well as direct flights from most major U.S. cities, getting here is easy and relatively affordable.
How Far in Advance to Purchase Tickets
As with any vacation destination, demand will dictate flight availability. According to research from airfare tracking website Hopper.com, because Cancun is a leisure route, prices tend to be more stable and often fall until seven days before departure. However, the difference between booking 35 days in advance and 10 days in advance is small. But all that changes at peak times—Christmas and spring break—when being an early bird pays off.
Visa Policies
U.S. citizens visiting for less than 180 days don’t need a visa to enter Mexico. However, you will need to have a visitor’s permit, which can be obtained by filling out a form provided by your airline or travel agency. Since 2007, a valid passport has been required to enter Mexico, whether you’re flying, driving, or arriving by cruise ship. Mexico requires that your passport be valid for at least 90 days following your departure date, but it’s generally wise to have six months’ validity on your passport at all times (not to mention unused passport pages for necessary stamps).
Transportation Logistics
Most international flights to the Riviera Maya land at Cancun’s international airport, the second largest in Mexico. From there, most parts of the Riviera Maya are accessed by a highway that skirts the coast, linking Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. It is smart to have your hotel arrange transfers, since local taxis cannot pick up passengers at the airport. Another option is to fly into the island of Cozumel and take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen. Throughout the Riviera Maya, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, with fares set by the government. There’s also public transportation like buses and jitney-style vans. However, most visitors who want to explore rent a car from the airport, where you’ll find brands like Avis and Thrifty. According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico, but Mexican insurance is required for rental vehicles (Mexican liability insurance is also recommended).
When to Go
During the Riviera Maya’s peak season—from Christmas holidays through the end of March—you’ll experience sunny days and temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Like much of the Caribbean region, the Riviera Maya experiences a hot and rainy season that lasts from June through October. However, that shouldn’t deter you from traveling during this time. This is also when you’ll find that hotels have more availability and prices are at their lowest. While hurricanes are rare in this region, they have been known to impact the area; so travel insurance is a wise investment, especially during hurricane season, which lasts from June through November.
What to Bring
When you’re coming to the Riviera Maya, you might think there’s little more to pack than a bathing suit and flip-flops. However, with its jungles to discover, ruins to climb, and underwater worlds to explore, this slice of the Yucatan Peninsula is a dream for adventurers. Depending on what activities you have planned, you might want to bring hiking shoes, diving gear, and outdoor clothing. And while it’s rare, the Yucatan can sometimes have cool nights in winter, so it’s always smart to bring a sweater, just in case.
How to Pack a Brimmed Hat
What to Do
• You can’t visit the Riviera Maya without exploring its ancient Mayan ruins. There are several to choose from, notably Tulum, with its pristine beachfront temples set on a 40-feet-high cliff overlooking the ocean. For the more adventurous traveler, check out Cobá, a less manicured site deep in the jungle featuring the highest Mayan temple in the Yucatan Peninsula. A fun way to explore is on a bike, which you can rent here. Further afield is Chichén Itzá.
• At the southernmost tip of the Riviera Maya is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Within this jungle paradise, 20 minutes south of Tulum, you can find archaeological sites, take a tranquil boat ride through a lagoon, explore savannas and dunes, and visit a Mayan community that has been here since 600 B.C. The best way to see everything is on a tour with Visit Sian Ka’an, which offers nature encounters, fly-fishing expeditions, and more.
• The Riviera Maya offers as much to discover under the water as it does above. The Great Maya Reef—the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest coral reef in the world—extends more than 600 miles from the top of the Yucatan Peninsula down to Honduras. There are amazing spots for dining and snorkeling along the coast, but one of the best is at Puerto Morelos, where the reef is closest to the shore. Mexidivers can organize diving and snorkeling expeditions.
• One not-to-miss experience in the Riviera Maya is swimming in a cenote, a natural sinkhole filled with water. Considered sacred places by the ancient Maya (cenote means “sacred well”), they are found throughout the region. Some top spots include Cenote Azul (known for its fresh turquoise water), Gran Cenote (go early to avoid crowds), and Dos Ojos (where you can snorkel amid stalactites and stalagmites).
• Families love Xcaret, an eco-park where kids can interact with wildlife, check out Mayan cultural exhibits, and swim along an underground river through a cave system. At the end of a visit, parents might want to check out the artisanal wines at Xcaret’s wine cellar.
Great Day Trips
• The Riviera Maya is home to significant Mayan ruins, but for history buffs, it is worth the trek to see Chichén Itzá, a sprawling location that has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From Playa del Carmen, it takes over two hours to reach this UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a thriving Mayan city.
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• Near Chichén Itzá lies a Spanish colonial town worth checking out: Valladolid, which seems frozen in time, yet boasts a burgeoning fashion scene. Former Argentinian model Nicolas Malleville and his Italian fashion designer wife Francesca Bonato have started a cottage industry of cool here with the Coqui Coqui perfumería and 16th-century hotel, while German designer Ariane Dutzi sells handmade accessories at her shop.
• On the west side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mérida merits a day trip or even an overnight stay. (It’s a three-hour drive from Playa del Carmen.) This perfectly preserved Spanish colonial town has attracted artists, foodies, and hipsters seeking affordable housing and a vibrant community. Don’t miss the morning food market—the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez—or the modern Mexican cooking at Apoala.
• Just 12 miles off the coast is the island of Cozumel, reachable by a 45-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen. Wander around the cobblestoned downtown, then hire a Jeep to explore. At just 10 miles wide and 29 miles long, it’s easy to navigate. Venture to the far side of the island, where thatched reggae bars line the rugged white-sand beach.
Tours and Tour Operators
• Whatever kind of experience you want to have in the Riviera Maya, Journey Mexico can plan it for you. Founded by travel expert Zachary Rabinor—a regular fixture on iBestTravel’s A-List—Journey Mexico offers various itineraries in the region, from swimming with whale sharks to visiting haciendas and exploring archaeological sites. Alternatively, you can have Journey Mexico design a custom trip that combines it all.
• Dedicated to sustainable travel, Alltournative specializes in eco-archaeological expeditions and collaborates with Mayan communities. Experience a healing session with a shaman, swim in an ancient cenote, or visit a local woman’s home. For those who want to immerse themselves further, Alltournative also offers longer trips like a Native Boot Camp, staying in tents.
• Want to go ATV’ing, dive into cenotes, or zip-line through the jungle? The adventure outfitter Mayan Jungle Tours is the source for all-out fun.
Where to Stay Along the Riviera Maya
• Just north of Playa del Carmen lies Mayakoba, an eco-friendly resort development built amid lush mangroves lining a white-sand beach. There are properties for every type of luxury traveler, plus an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. The intimate Rosewood features modernist suites made from indigenous materials with private plunge pools. The all-villa Banyan Tree brings a taste of Asia to the Riviera Maya; every room has its own pool. The Fairmont, with 401 rooms and five pools, is the largest of the Mayakoba properties. At the end of 2016, an outpost of Hyatt’s luxury boutique brand Andaz will offer amenities like sunrise yoga on the beach and photo or video shoots with a local photographer.
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya breaks the mold of the typical all-inclusive resort with private butler service, sprawling suites that start at 1,000 square feet, and unique experiences like stargazing with an astronomer from the Astronomic Society of Quintana Roo. Moreover, there are no buffets; you’ll dine at restaurants like the Basque-inspired Cocina de Autor, which offers a nightly multi-course tasting menu. Food enthusiasts will undoubtedly delight in the plethora of offerings here, including a Mayan cooking class and a ceviche bar where guests can create their own dishes.
• The Karisma hotel group operates several all-inclusive properties throughout the Riviera Maya renowned for gourmet dining and upscale accommodations. For families, there’s Azul Beach Hotel and the neighboring (and less expensive) Azul Sensatori, both of which offer the Nickelodeon Experience for meet-and-greets with beloved characters. On the upscale end, Karisma’s new El Dorado Maroma Palafitos features Mexico’s first overwater bungalows, complete with glass-bottom floors and private infinity pools.
• Nestled on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is perfect for both romantic getaways and family vacations. Enjoy a private dinner atop the observation tower with panoramic views or create love amulets during a special ceremony at the spa’s La Botica.
• For a unique experience in the Riviera Maya, consider Coqui Coqui Cobá Residence & Spa, a five-room boutique hotel overlooking ancient pyramids. The owners gained fame for a sleek beachfront hotel in Tulum and also operate a hotel and perfumería in Valladolid. Coqui Coqui Cobá offers stylish accommodations with plunge pools and healthy Mayan cuisine.
What to Eat/Drink Along the Riviera Maya
• Most restaurants in the Riviera Maya are located at resorts or within the towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Undoubtedly, Mayakoba stands out as the best resort for dining. With dozens of options, a cooking school, and a farmer’s market featuring local craft beers and fresh ice cream, Mayakoba is a culinary paradise. Rosewood offers unique experiences like a tour of a Mayan bee farm and La Ceiba, a farm-to-table restaurant in a garden setting for intimate dinner parties. At Fairmont, acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval—with a reputation as the “father of modern Mexican cuisine”—is behind four restaurants. Capturing the essence of Thailand, Banyan Tree’s Saffron serves authentic Thai cuisine. At the new Andaz, the Casa Amate restaurant is designed to feel like dining in the home of a well-traveled friend.
Where to Stay in Tulum
• Zamas is one of the older hotels in Tulum and remains one of its best. Each Robinson Crusoe-inspired suite and cabaña features an individual design: Some are set on the beach; others in the coconut grove. No matter where you stay, kick off your shoes and leave the high heels at home; this is a barefoot retreat. Be sure to try the achiote shrimp tacos with jicama tortillas at Que Fresco, the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant.
• The Papaya Playa Project originated as a pop-up from the Design Hotels group and proved so popular it became a permanent fixture. Thatched casitas line Tulum’s stunning white-sand beach, with numerous activities available: yoga, Tai Chi, kite surfing, and full-moon parties. There’s also a significant focus on sustainability, organic living, and healthy practices.
• The beachfront Amansala has developed a dedicated following with its Bikini Bootcamp, promising to whip you into shape during a short vacation. However, regardless of your visit time, the hotel offers great detox, de-stress, and rejuvenation options, such as yoga classes, beachfront meditation, and spa menus.
• Located on the outskirts of Tulum, Hotel Esencia—a former private estate created by an Italian duchess—is now owned by a media entrepreneur. His influence is evident in the mid-century modern furniture and the Juice Bar. This beachfront hotel is surrounded by 50 acres of tropical gardens.
What to Eat/Drink in Tulum
• Tulum’s top restaurant, Hartwood, is notoriously difficult to get into; make sure to request a reservation via email. If they’re booked, you can also go at 3 p.m. for a same-day reservation. All food is grilled over an open flame, with locally sourced ingredients.
• If Hartwood is fully booked, try Arca, an open-air jungle restaurant just a stone’s throw away. Like Hartwood, the focus here is on fresh ingredients paired with unique mezcal cocktails.
• Owned by two Argentinian expats, Casa Banana is another sought-after Tulum restaurant where steaks are grilled over an open wood-fire, and the fish is sourced just down the road. Additionally, it boasts a mixology program that rivals those found in New York.
• For an excellent cocktail experience, head to Todos Santos, a popular indoor/outdoor bar frequented by locals. The Mojito Jaguar—crafted with cucumber, rosemary, and sugarcane—is a favorite.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
• Thompson Hotels garnered attention with a design-forward property on Thompson Street in New York’s SoHo, and that same aesthetic is present in their new pair of hotels in Playa del Carmen. Centrally located, Thompson Playa del Carmen boasts a mid-century modern design and a 30,000-square-foot rooftop deck complete with a pool, restaurant, and breathtaking views. Just a few blocks away is the oceanfront Thompson Beach House, featuring 27 loft-like rooms and a beach area with private cabanas.
• Although Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort has 314 rooms, it still maintains an intimate feel thanks to a sexy design by Mexican architect Sordo Madaleno and the New York-based Rockwell Group. The spa’s architecture draws inspiration from a cenote and offers local treatments.
• Hotel La Semilla is a boho bed and breakfast with vintage flea market decor. With a terrace for panoramic views of the jungle and ocean, the hotel also offers free bikes for guests—an ideal way to explore.
Where to Eat/Drink in Playa del Carmen
• In addition to stylish accommodations, Thompson Playa del Carmen features great dining options. The rooftop seafood restaurant Catch is a sister to its New York counterpart, while the seaside C Grill offers wood-fired dishes prepared with local ingredients.
• Set atop an actual cenote in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Aldea Corazón specializes in authentic local dishes such as jicama tacos and camarones al mojo de ajo (shrimp in garlic sauce).
• When you crave something different from Mexican cuisine, check out Como Como Osteria Mediterranea, serving Italian-inflected dishes made with local ingredients, including unique starters like snapper and artichoke mousse.
• To experience Playa del Carmen’s vibrant beach party scene, head to the Blue Parrot, one of the oldest and most lively bars, known for its foam parties and fire shows.
• For a unique take on nightlife, consider Beercicleta—a cocktail tour on a group bicycle that visits an Irish pub and Mexican bars.
