Riviera Maya Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Wondrous Mayan temples, amazing natural beauty and world-class beach resorts combine on the incredible coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Riviera Maya is a section of Caribbean coastline along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that stretches from Puerto Morelos to as far south as Punta Allen. Some of the country’s most impressive Mayan archaeological sites, pristine beaches, snazzy resorts and amazing natural wonders dot the region, which is fast becoming one of Mexico’s favourite places to visit.

Many visitors start their journey along the “Mayan Riviera” in the resort town of Playa del Carmen, where you’ll find excellent restaurants, nightlife and beaches. It’s just a short hop on a ferry from here to the island of Cozumel – rich in history, unspoiled jungles and world-famous dive sites.

Dolphinaris, just a 3-minute drive from the ferry port, is a popular attraction that offers you a unique opportunity to swim and play with trained dolphins. The Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) in the island’s biggest town of San Miguel will teach you everything you want to know about the fascinating history of the Olmec and Mayan civilisations on Cozumel, as well as how the marine park which surrounds the island developed.

The Chankanaab National Park in the south of the island is home to amazing scenery, huge botanical gardens and numerous health spas while Palancar Beach has waters so clear that you can spot fish from the shore. On Cozumel’s southern tip, the outstanding Punta Sur Ecological Park is a natural wonderland that houses a marvellous mixture of native animal species including crocodiles, giant turtles and a couple of hundred species of bird.

If you want to see some of the Yucatán’s famous Mayan ruins then head back to the mainland for some of most inspiring sites in the whole of Latin America. The dramatic Tulum Mayan Ruins, perched high on a beautiful piece of Caribbean coastline are a truly unforgettable sight while the 1,000-year-old Chichen Itza site is one the most celebrated archaeological sites in the world, containing lovingly restored pyramids and temples.

The Riviera Maya has a year-round tropical climate with temperatures averaging 34 C. Getting around is easy with a wide range of transport available, ranging from private buses to limos and the mini-van “colectivos” popular with the locals.

Where to stay in Riviera Maya

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Playacar

5/5(4 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 which includes a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4/5(2 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 which includes a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Gonzalo Guerrero

4/5(16 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 a ruin

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 AU$326 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$326
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! (4,912 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful resort and grounds. Amazing views and lots of wildlife to see. All the staff were sweet and helpful."

Reviewed on 9 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 AU$1,417 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$1,417
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! (1,301 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
The price is AU$591 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$591
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"We had a fantastic week at Grand Palladium Kantenah, staying in the Family Selection section. Check-in was smooth—our room was ready within 15 minutes of arrival, and our butlers Karen and Erick were amazing. Family Selection gave us access to a private pool with great food and drinks, The Nest restaurant ..."

Reviewed on 5 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
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
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! (148 reviews)
"Good Choise"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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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Cities near Riviera Maya