About Riviera Maya
Located along the sparkling blue waters of Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula, sun-drenched Riviera Maya runs along the Western Caribbean Sea and coastal Highway 307. Riviera Maya encompasses a variety of enchanting towns and exquisite beaches, from Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen in the north to historic Tulum in the south.
A myriad of all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels dot the coast of Riviera Maya, providing easy access to the area’s extensive Mayan ruins and recreation during your Mexican vacation.
Explore Cancun & Riviera Maya
Overview
The world’s second longest coral reef stretches the entire length of Riviera Maya just beneath the sea. It provides a gorgeous backdrop for such aquatic activities as snorkeling and scuba-diving. There are also plenty of opportunities to swim with wild dolphins, jet-ski, zipline, sail, and horseback ride.
You’ll also find renowned archeological sites at Tulum on the coast and Chichén Itzá, with its iconic step pyramid, and Cobá. The pre-Columbian, 13th through 15th-century Mayan walled city of Tulum remains the best-preserved on Mexico’s coast. There are also an array of natural water theme parks, or eco-parks, such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha, with small ruins. From deep-sea fishing to jungle exploration, the lush Riviera Maya provides ample opportunity for adventure travel in festive Mexico.
What To Do
Take a round-trip ferry at nearby Playa del Carmen to the largely undeveloped isle of Cozumel, Mexico’s largest island, for an unforgettable guided snorkeling tour. Interact with local Mayans as you experience present-day life at their village in Cobá, and explore Mexico’s tallest pyramid, Nohoch Muul. Discover the former Mayan port of Tulum and the region’s incredible ancient ruins within the 13th century, walled Mayan archaeological site at Tulum National Park during your Mexico vacation.
What To See
While in Riviera Maya, be sure to visit Tulum, with its ancient Mayan ruins, and Xel-Há, the world’s largest natural aquarium hosting over 100 species of birds, 400 species of vegetation and more than 90 spectacular examples of marine life.
Drive a speedboat across the crystal-green waters of the Nichupte lagoon on a guided tour and discover the many wonders of Cancun’s lush jungle. Swim amid cerulean seas at the gateway to Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos. Snorkel along the reef with multi-colored tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles in the National Marine Park for a trip you’ll long remember.
Whether traveling with family or looking for an adult-only Riviera Maya beach resort, you’ll find an endless array of choices with Pleasant Holidays.
Shopping
The colorful 5th Avenue shops in nearby Playa del Carmen are worth a visit. Take Mexico home with great souvenirs, such as clothing and local handicrafts, from the lively Plaza Playacar. After a round of retail therapy, be sure to visit the Aqua Marina Spa for much-welcomed pampering.
Food and Drink
Riviera Maya sits at the crossroads of multiple cuisines, from Mayan, Mexican and Spanish to Caribbean, Cuban and Swiss. Authentic Mayan food incorporates local ingredients such as black beans and tamal, cooked over an open flame in clay pots or ollas.
The unusual-looking lionfish is currently very popular, due to its abundance and ecological impact on the area’s delicate reefs. More chefs are incorporating this sustainable white, flaky fish on their menus.
Cool off with a refreshing drink of Chaya, a green plant used by ancient Mayans, and cucumber, or some delicious tropical fruit such as the Yucatán mango, pineapple or papaya. Satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent Mexican chocolate brownies or a tangy, thirst-quenching margarita.
Night Life
Dance the night away, meeting new best friends and mingling with the locals. Listen to lively Cuban, rock or reggae music, or simply sip some traditional mezcal and call it a night. There’s plenty to do and see 24 hours a day during your Riviera Maya holiday.
Talk to your travel expert at Pleasant Holidays about booking all-inclusive adults-only packages in Riviera Maya.
When to Go
There are well over 240 days of sunshine each year along Riviera Maya, and little rain. Riviera Maya’s weather makes it an ideal vacation spot for sun-worshippers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Summer temperatures general range in the high 80s and 90s F.
The dry season runs from October through April. May through October is considered the rainy season, with the majority of rain usually concentrated in September and October. Humidity levels are high from March through October. Storms usually pass quickly.
High season is March/April, July/August and during the December holidays. Low season occurs in September/October, which is when you’ll probably find the best deals. Although November through March runs a bit cooler, Riviera Maya is truly a year-round destination.
Fast Facts
Riviera Maya is approximately 50 miles south of Cancun. The drive from Cancun to Riviera Maya typically takes 80 minutes. Both Cancun & Riviera Maya share an airport, the Cancun International Airport.
The elusive jaguar found throughout the Riviera Maya’s jungles is the largest wildcat in the Americas, measuring more than six feet long.
Riviera Maya is home to three of the world’s largest underwater cave systems. Its entry points are fresh-water limestone holes known as Cenotes (pronounced say-noh-tays). These otherworldly entryways were once believed to be sacred by the ancient Mayans. Even today, their natural beauty continues to elicit feelings of awe.
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