Riviera Maya

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

Riviera Maya Travel Guide Video

Enjoy this sunny piece Mexican coastline, enjoy thenatural wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula and gaze upon the Mayan ruins.

The Riviera Maya,located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's YucatánPeninsula, is the ultimate destination for relaxation. Here you’llfind beautiful tropical beaches, elegant resorts and breathtaking naturalwonders, as well as some of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico.

The resort of Playadel Carmen, with its fantastic beaches, fine dining and entertainmentvenues, is an excellent place to start your visit. From there take a ferry toCozumel, an island with a rich history, world-famous dive sites and lushjungles.

Check out San Miguel de Cozumel where you'll findthe Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Cozumel's museum). Here you’ll not only learneverything about the Olmeken and Mayan history of the island, but also thearea’s marine fauna.

In the south of the island you’ll find the greatbotanical gardens of the Chankanaab National Park. Here you can swim withdolphins at Dolphin Discovery or unwind at one of the many spas. Around hereyou’ll also find Palancar Beach, where the water is so clear and calm you cansee the fish swimming about from the beach.

On the southernmost tip of the island you’ll findthe stunning ecological reserve, Punta Sur Ecological Park, with more than 200species of birds, crocodiles, giant tortoises and an ancient Mayan watchtower-a great place to see animals in their own habitat. Swim, snorkel and dive inthe ecological park of Kantun-Chi in, with its spectacular sinkholes andexplore its tropical gardens.

Looking for some impressive archaeological sites tolearn more about the Mayans? Visit Chichen Itza and the ruins of the Mayan cityof Tulumon the mainland. The miraculous ruins of Chichen Itza are more than a thousandyears old and a fine example of the architectural style of the Mayans and Toltekenculturen.

Sun, sea, sand and culture all in one place betterbook your trip to Riviera Maya with Expedia today.

Where to stay in Riviera Maya

Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing 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 Beach and Playa Paraiso.

Zona Hotelera
Default Image

Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playacar Golf Club to Playacar Beach – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
Default Image

Playa del Carmen Centro

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Playa del Carmen Centro is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal and Quinta Avenida.

Playa del Carmen Centro
Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4/5(18 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 featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
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 €329 per night from 17 Jan to 18 Jan
€329
includes taxes & fees
17 Jan - 18 Jan
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (3,896 reviews)
"Wonderful"

Reviewed on 5 Jan 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 €807 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
€807
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,279 reviews)
"I wish I could live at Hotel Xcaret. The parks and excursions are so much fun, the hotel is luxurious with a variety of different dining options, including the ability to eat clean if you want."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
TRS Yucatan Hotel - Adults Only - All Inclusive
TRS Yucatan Hotel - Adults Only - All Inclusive
5 out of 5
Ctra Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km, 256-100, Municipio Solidaridad, Kantenah, QROO
The price is €678 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
€678
includes taxes & fees
27 Jan - 28 Jan
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Kantenah. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"The Butler was very unresponsive and failed to make our dinner reservations and provide all of my perks. Our robes was missing."

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2025

TRS Yucatan Hotel - Adults Only - 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.
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! (87 reviews)
"Quiet, nice and pretty. Staff is super friendly and responsive. It's away from the noise, but you need a car to stay here as getting taxi back and forth becomes pricey."

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
Xambé
Xambé
4 out of 5
Avenida Central, Aldea Zama, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very good! (47 reviews)
"Beautiful property"

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2024

Xambé
Mistiq Temple II
Mistiq Temple II
3 out of 5
Calle 39,, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (56 reviews)
"This place is way too underrated, I was scared at first when I saw the low stars reviews, even the photos don’t describe how huge and beautiful that penthouse is. 3 big master bedrooms, beautiful windows all around, private pool on the patio, full kitchen etc.. 12 minutes away from the beach and ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Mistiq Temple II
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do