What to do in Riviera Maya: All the possibilities of a Mexican pearl
Crystal clear waters, dream beaches, monuments of the most advanced Mexican indigenous civilizations. What to do in Riviera Maya. Guide to not miss anything.
It is one of the most beautiful tourist areas and visits in Mexico. Located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the state of Quintana Roo, it brings together everything that the visitor is looking for: incredible beaches, exuberant nature and quick access to places of unmissable historical and cultural wealth. What to do in Riviera Maya, where to stay and what attractions you should consider when planning your trip.
The Riviera Maya is a large area in western Mexico: it is located south of Cancun , more precisely in the eastern part of the Yucatan peninsula. Geographically, it extends along the coast, from the town of Puerto Morelos, to the north, to the town of Punta Allen, to the south.
It is about 210 km long. It is a region that offers a lot to tourists and has beautiful places to visit. Some recommendations for a magnificent trip to this enchanted area. Everything you need to know about the Riviera Maya and the benefits of this destination.
What to do in Riviera Maya: a Mexican jewel
If you are thinking of visiting Mexico and they told you about the Riviera Maya, it is important to do some research because the options are many. It is estimated that the area has more than 400 international class hotels, five stars and other categories. Most of them are complexes with an "All Inclusive" system.
In fact, all inclusive is an almost obligatory modality in the Yucatan Peninsula and other places in Mexico due to the type of food and the demand of international tourism.
Riviera Maya: one of the best tourist places in Mexico
For many years, the Riviera Maya area was known as the Cancun - Tulum corridor , but little by little, the entire area has been developing and transforming into a tourist destination independent of Cancun, with its own first-rate hotels and infrastructure.
What's more: due to its dream beaches and its crystal clear waters, it receives a large number of cruise ships from all over. It has some of the most visited ports in the Caribbean Sea , attracted by the possibility of taking excursions to learn the essence of the Mayan culture.
What to see in Riviera Maya
As we said, the Riviera Maya is a long strip where you can discover archaeological zones, parks, cenotes, lagoons, and hotels adapted to all budgets and tastes. There is everything: you can find cabins and also luxury and large-tourism complexes facing the beach.
This wonderful place offers fascinating opportunities for adventure and fun, even allowing you to practice scuba diving and snorkeling in places like Xel-Há, the largest natural aquarium in the world.
The thousands of options that you will find when visiting the Riviera Maya can be reduced to two:
- Spend the whole day enjoying the all inclusive hotels.
- Travel the 140 kilometers that make up the most visited tourist area in Mexico.
These alternatives are not exclusive, on the contrary, they complement each other, since there is nothing better than being treated like a king after a day full of adventures and new experiences.
Carmen beach
Playa del Carmen is one of the favorite vacation destinations. It is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya and you will be amazed by its fine white sand as well as its blue-green waters.
You can rest in the hammocks that you will find on your tour, but if you prefer action, you will find water activities such as windsurfing, jet skis, kayaking or diving in the impressive Mayan coral reef.
The great musicians of Mexican and international jazz offer concerts every year. The beauty of the beaches and the many activities that Playa del Carmen offers, will make you think of coming back.
Distance between Cancun and Playa del Carmen
Most travelers arrive at the Cancun International Airport and from there seek to move to Playa del Carmen. They will have to travel about 70 kilometers that can be done by bus, Uber, taxi or renting a car.
If your idea is to visit and learn, the best thing to do is to rent a car at the airport, where you will find the stands of all the agencies. Prices vary depending on the type of car, season, agency and rental days.
Beaches in Playa del Carmen
Those who know this paradise say that you can die peacefully when you have already seen and enjoyed it. Let's talk then about some of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen.
- Playa Mamitas : with constant events and numerous beach clubs, here you will enjoy a party atmosphere and a paradisiacal setting. It is the preferred destination for young tourists. This beach is surrounded by white sand and turquoise water and you can find deals on jet skis, paddle boards, banana boats, sailboats and parasailing.
- Playacar : is a sector located south of Playa del Carmen. It is known for being a tourist complex that houses villas and luxurious five-star resorts. If you visit Playacar by car you must have an invitation or be a guest to enter the complex, but you can enter the Playa del Carmen beach for free if you walk past the ferry pier.
- Playa ParaÃso , Tulum: If you are in Playa del Carmen, Playa ParaÃso is a destination considered one of the jewels of tourism in Mexico, due to its calm waters and white sand.
- Akumal Beach : it is one of the main tourist places in Mexico. It is located in a protected area between Tulum and Puerto Aventuras and is very easy to get to via the coast road from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. It offers very white sands and turquoise waters, but its main attraction is the chance to see sea turtles. It is one of the beaches where caring for the environment is a priority, so it is not allowed to bathe using sunscreen.
- Portal Maya Beach : known for the huge arch that adorns the entrance to the beach, two intertwined giants, Portal Maya is located in the center of the city, in the Parque de los Fundadores, very close to the pier where the ferries to Cozumel embark. Here you can enjoy one of the best public beaches on the Riviera, with its transparent waters, clothing and handicraft shops.
- Punta Esmeralda : It is one of the best tourist destinations in Mexico for swimming in cenotes. The landscape is divided into two parts and the water has the most pleasant temperature because it mixes the fresh and cold water of the cenote with the warm water of the sea. The depth is shallow and a lifeguard is in charge of watching the bathers, so it is ideal for taking children.
Playa del Carmen is a jewel of the Caribbean where you will find a destination that combines the beauty of its beaches with the richness of its pre-Hispanic roots. Sunny days, turquoise sea and Mayan culture await you in the best places in Playa del Carmen.
Women Island
This Caribbean paradise is one of Quintana Roo's best kept secrets. It is a wonderful island to relax in hammocks and lounge chairs; or if you are looking for adventure and entertainment opportunities, this is the best place.
The calm waters and beautiful coral reefs of the western part of Isla Mujeres are the perfect alternative for snorkeling or diving.
You can visit the underwater sculptures near the Manchones reef, tour the cliffs, swim with dolphins, climb the zip line or take bike rides.
Extreme adventures in the Riviera Maya
In the Riviera Maya, not everything is beach and relaxation, you can also enjoy extreme sports that will make you feel more alive than ever. From skydiving and enjoying an unforgettable panorama, to snorkeling with whale sharks in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Most of these activities can be hired in the center of Playa del Carmen, however it is better that you first inform yourself well and book well in advance.
Archaeological centers in Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya not only stands out for the perfection of its beaches, but also for its ancient cities and Mayan pyramids.
You will be able to visit places that are obligatory visits during a stay in Riviera Maya. No matter which one you choose, the experience will be incredible:
- Chichen Itza
- Tulum
- Yucatan
- Coba
Tulum
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, one of the essential sites in Tulum are its Mayan ruins, located on a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, a place where the color of the water will leave you speechless.
Under the cliff is Playa del ParaÃso, considered one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya, from where excursions to the famous Mesoamerican Barrier Reef are organized.
A whole day in the ecotourism parks
The parks of the Riviera Maya are a paradise made up of trails, jungle vegetation, wildlife and, of course, small portions of the sea. In them you will have the possibility to let yourself be carried away by the current and enjoy the enchanting landscape.
If you want a recommendation, we suggest you visit Xcaret . It is located just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen and is the one that is most closely linked to Mexican culture through a wide range of shows, typical gastronomy, crafts and nature.
Xcaret
It is one of the most famous parks in Mexico worldwide. It is located a few minutes from Playa del Carmen and has so many attractions and activities that it is necessary to dedicate a whole day to discover it.
Inside you will find small Mayan ruins, water activities and also a great variety of flora and fauna. One of the biggest attractions in Xcaret is swimming with dolphins, an activity where you will interact with them living an unforgettable experience.
Cenotes Riviera Maya: swim in them
The cenotes are fresh water reserves surrounded by jungle vegetation that were naturally pierced by the rain, forming openings on the ground. In total there are six thousand cenotes in the Riviera Maya and in the Yucatan Peninsula that you can visit, but if you have little time, you can visit Chaak-Tun, located just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
If you are looking for something more adventurous, there are many operating companies that provide guide services to visit the cenotes that are further away.
Diving in Cozumel
We could not forget a visit to one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Located right in front of Playa del Carmen, connected by a ferry in a trip that lasts 40 minutes, the island of Cozumel is one of the meccas for international diving.
It is surrounded by more than 25 reefs ideal for diving and snorkeling, among them the ParaÃso reef, a beautiful and quiet place, easily accessible and with excellent visibility.
If you are not an expert diver, don't worry, because the companies that operate trips to the island have special programs for people who do not have much experience in the subject, because in Cozumel everyone is welcome.
Hotels in Riviera Maya
There are many hotel chains that have large resorts in the Riviera Maya. Recommending one is difficult, but we have had good experiences at Viva Wyndham hotels .
