Summary
Just south of Cancún sits Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a region full of tempting travel offerings. Here, visitors will find one of the world’s largest barrier reefs lurking just off the coast, Mayan ruins touching powder-soft sand in Tulum, a buzzing nightlife scene in Playa del Carmen, and sea turtles floating majestically in the waters of Akumal. Throw in miles and miles of pristine beaches and it’s easy to see why this Mexican Caribbean coastal gem draws hordes of admirers. Ready to be one of them? Pack your swimwear and explore this deservedly hyped region in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
The Best Times to Visit the Riviera Maya
Sun-seekers will appreciate the Riviera Maya’s year-round rays. However, if you’re particular about your weather, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Winter (January – March): Expect a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from about 73°F to 77°F. Rainy days are rather rare, averaging only five in January.
- Spring (April – May): Hotter days with averages hitting 79°F to 81°F, but beware of the seasonal brown sargassum seaweed.
- Summer (June – August): Sweltering temperatures peaking around 82°F, coinciding with hurricane season from June to October.
- Fall (November – December): More pleasant temperatures returning to 77°F and 75°F respectively, making it a favorable time for visits.
Things to Do in the Riviera Maya
If you’re wondering where to go in the Riviera Maya for shopping and nightlife, look to the largest city in the region: Playa del Carmen.
In downtown Playa, you can enjoy a pedestrian-friendly experience with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and tequila museums along Quinta Avenida, known as “Fifth Avenue.” Furthermore, enjoy days at beach clubs like Martina, Lido, and Zenzi, followed by exciting nightlife options concentrated around Twelfth Street.
Travelers can also plan numerous day trips around the Riviera Maya, including excursions to Cozumel, a well-known snorkeling and diving haven. Cozumel hosts natural beauty, vibrant restaurants, and culture, alongside all-inclusive resorts providing world-class service.
The Mayan ruins at Cobá and Chichén Itzá also offer fantastic day expeditions. Cobá features a stunning 120-step pyramid called Nohoch Mul, boasting breathtaking jungle views, while Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its El Castillo pyramid with 365 steps representing each day of the year.
Beautiful Bacalar deserves a longer stay to explore the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores), ideal for kayaking, swimming, or taking a boat tour on a sunny day.
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Tulum offers an eclectic blend of spirituality and hedonism, featuring yoga studios, healing temazcal sweat lodges, and vibrant nightlife.
In Tulum, capture Instagram-worthy moments at Ahau Tulum’s Ven a Luz sculpture, and the white sandy beaches of Playa Ruinas provide stunning backdrops, particularly those overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
For a unique swim, explore the cenotes between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, which were believed by the ancient Mayans to be gateways to the underworld. Notable cenotes include Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, and Dos Ojos, perfect for diving and cliff jumping.
For animal encounters, Akumal, meaning “place of the turtles,” allows you to swim with these magnificent creatures at the sandy beach near Lol-Ha restaurant.
Thrill-seekers can visit Xcaret Group’s eco-parks, featuring adventurous activities like ziplining in the jungle or experiencing cultural events with floating trajineras at Xoximilco.
Lastly, venture into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the largest protected natural area in the Mexican Caribbean, ideal for kayaking, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Where to Stay in the Riviera Maya
Travelers to the Riviera Maya will find a plethora of accommodation options. Playa del Carmen boasts several top-notch all-inclusive resorts that ensure a comfortable stay.
Just north of Playa del Carmen, guests can indulge at the luxurious Rosewood Mayakoba, featuring bi-level wellness suites that offer special treatments aligned with the lunar phases.
Hotel Xcaret Arte invites guests to immerse into its all-inclusive offerings, featuring unlimited access to exhilarating eco-parks.
For a vibrant nightlife experience, downtown hotels such as Thompson Playa del Carmen and The Fives deliver seamless rooftop pool lounging and beachfront experiences for those eager to be in the midst of it all.
In Tulum, brands like Papaya Playa Project provide an authentic vibe complemented by digital nomads and a variety of wellness events. For a creatively charged experience, Casa Malca transforms Pablo Escobar’s former abode into a chic hotel filled with art pieces.
How to Get to the Riviera Maya
Flights to the Riviera Maya are abundant, with major U.S. airlines offering direct routes to Cancún International Airport (CUN), your primary gateway to this beautiful region. The airport provides easy access to adventures throughout the Riviera Maya.
From the airport, travelers can rent a car through various agencies or utilize the ADO Bus shuttle service, which offers reliable transportation directly to both Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
