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MexicoRiviera Maya
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Destination guide
Riviera Maya: Mexico's Caribbean of cenotes and Maya ruins
White-sand beaches facing a turquoise sea, freshwater cenotes hidden in the jungle and Maya cities perched over the Caribbean: the Riviera Maya packs some of Mexico's most complete scenery into one stretch of the Quintana Roo coast. From Puerto Morelos to Tulum, this guide helps you choose where to stay, when to come and what not to miss.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Tulum archaeological site
The only Maya city built right by the sea, its stone temples stand on a cliff above the Caribbean. El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes are its most recognisable buildings.
Jungle cenotes
Natural pools of clear freshwater formed in the limestone and linked by underground rivers. Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote and Cenote Azul are among the most popular for swimming and diving.
Snorkelling the Mesoamerican Reef
The coast runs along the world's second-largest barrier reef. In Akumal you can often swim beside sea turtles, and Cozumel is a world-class diving destination.
Chichén Itzá
A few hours inland, this ancient Maya capital and its Kukulcán pyramid are a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. An essential day trip.
Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen's pedestrian heart gathers shops, terraces and nightlife a few steps from the sea. Ferries to the island of Cozumel leave from its pier.
Xcaret and Xel-Há parks
Eco-tourism parks that blend underground rivers, snorkelling, wildlife and shows about Maya culture. They make full, well-planned days out for families.
When to go
The Riviera Maya is a year-round beach destination with steady tropical heat. What changes is the humidity, the rain and the crowds: the dry season brings the best weather, while summer and autumn are hotter, more prone to sargassum and cheaper.
Dry season (December-April)
The best weather of the year: sunny days, less humidity and calm seas. It is also high season, with more people and higher prices, especially around Christmas and Easter. Book well ahead.
Spring and summer (May-August)
High heat and humidity, with short afternoon showers. This is when sargassum is most likely to reach some beaches, though underwater visibility for snorkelling is usually excellent.
Autumn (September-November)
Rainy and hurricane season in the Caribbean, with the jungle at its greenest and the lowest prices of the year. There are fewer people, but keep an eye on the tropical forecast before you travel.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Playa del Carmen
The most complete and lively base on the Riviera: restaurants, shops and nightlife along Fifth Avenue, the beach a step away and ferries to Cozumel. Ideal if you want everything close and good connections.
Tulum
Combines the bohemian, eco-chic beach hotel zone with the town, which is more affordable and authentic. Perfect for couples and travellers after ruins, cenotes and laid-back beach clubs.
Puerto Morelos
A quiet fishing village between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, with the reef just metres from the shore. A good choice for calm, easy snorkelling and a family-friendly feel.
Akumal
Small and relaxed, famous for its sea-turtle bay and shallow waters ideal for snorkelling. Much loved by families and nature lovers who prefer to escape the bustle.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Getting around the Riviera
ADO buses link the main towns along Highway 307, and colectivos are handy for short hops. Renting a car gives you freedom for the more remote cenotes and ruins.
Carry pesos and cash
Dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but paying in pesos is usually better value. Cards work in hotels and restaurants; keep cash for colectivos, markets and tips.
Strong sun and sargassum
The Caribbean sun is intense: use high protection and drink bottled water. If sargassum worries you, check up-to-date local reports before picking a beach, as it varies a lot day to day.
Biodegradable sunscreen
At cenotes and eco-parks only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed, to protect the ecosystem. Buy some beforehand or on site and keep it in your day bag.
Start early for cenotes and ruins
Cenotes and archaeological sites fill up by mid-morning. Arriving early means fewer people, better light for photos and cooler air before the midday heat.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
December to April brings the best weather: sunny and less humid, though it is high season. May and June are still good and quieter, but summer and autumn are hotter and wetter.
