Why Go to Riviera Maya
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
The Riviera Maya is the stretch of Caribbean coast running south from Puerto Morelos past Playa del Carmen and Akumal to Tulum. It's Mexico's all-inclusive heartland, with resorts for every style, from big family favorites with water parks to quiet adults-only hideaways and true luxury in Mayakoba.
Beyond the beach, this is one of the most rewarding regions in the Caribbean. Swim in crystal-clear cenotes, snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal, spend a day at Xcaret or Xel-Há, and visit the Maya ruins at Tulum and Cobá. Chichén Itzá is an easy day trip.
Most guests fly into Cancun, and resorts sit anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours away, so where you stay really matters. I'll help you match the right stretch of coast and the right resort to how you like to travel, and set up your transfers and excursions before you go.
BEST FOR
All-inclusive vacationers, families, couples, honeymooners and adventure seekers
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
The coast runs about 80 miles from Puerto Morelos in the north through Playa del Carmen, Playacar, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Xpu-Ha to Tulum in the south. Most resorts sit off Highway 307, with cenotes and ruins inland.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Riviera Maya
North America › Caribbean Coast & Yucatán › Mexico › Quintana Roo
All-inclusive beaches, cenotes and ancient Maya cities
Beach
All-Inclusive
Family
Ancient
Jungle
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Where you stay matters more here than almost anywhere. Choose your stretch of coast first, then the resort, so your favorite excursions are a short drive away.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Plan a full day and buy tickets ahead; the night show runs late.
Xcaret Park
Eco-park with underground rivers, wildlife, beaches and an evening show celebrating Mexican culture.
Use reef-safe sunscreen only; regular sunscreen isn't allowed.
Xel-Há Park
Natural inlet park built for snorkeling, floating and ziplining, with food and gear included.
Book a licensed guide and keep your distance from the turtles.
Akumal Bay
Sheltered bay famous for snorkeling alongside green sea turtles.
Arrive at opening to beat the heat and the tour buses.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Clifftop Maya ruins overlooking the Caribbean, one of Mexico's most scenic sites.
Rent a bike or pedicab to cover the spread-out site.
Cobá
Jungle-covered Maya city with long sacbe trails and the tall Nohoch Mul pyramid.
An all-fun-inclusive resort with free access to the Xcaret parks and dining throughout.
Hotel Xcaret México
Xcaret
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A top-tier luxury all-inclusive with separate family, adults-only and spa ambiences.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
North of Playa del Carmen
All-Inclusive · Luxury · Family · Beach
A stylish adults-only all-inclusive with included excursions and a strong food program.
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Akumal area
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive on one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Maroma Beach
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An elegant adults-only all-inclusive with butler service and its own golf course nearby.
Iberostar Grand Paraíso
Playa Paraíso
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A large family all-inclusive with a kids' water park and access to sister resorts.
Barceló Maya Palace
Xpu-Ha
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A lively all-inclusive with separate family and adults-only sections and live music.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Puerto Aventuras area
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A family-friendly all-inclusive close to Cancun airport with a kids' club and calm beach.
Dreams Riviera Cancun
Puerto Morelos
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
Luxury suites with private plunge pools set among lagoons and mangroves.
Rosewood Mayakoba
Mayakoba
Luxury · Beach
A family-friendly luxury resort with lagoon boat rides and a championship golf course.
Fairmont Mayakoba
Mayakoba
Luxury · Family · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Riviera Maya
High 85°F · Low 70°F · Rain 4.3 in
Day of the Dead celebrations, and the dry season returns.
November through April brings dry, sunny weather. Hurricane season runs June through November, and sargassum seaweed can affect some beaches from spring through summer; resort choice can help.
Best Times to Visit Riviera Maya
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Most guests eat at their resort, but Playa del Carmen has the widest choice of restaurants. Try cochinita pibil, fresh ceviche and fish tacos at local spots away from the main tourist strips.
06
Taxis and Tours
Use licensed taxis or booked tours; agree on fares before you get in.
05
Rental Cars
A car helps for cenotes and ruins; watch for speed bumps and drive in daylight.
04
Colectivos
Shared vans along the highway are cheap but basic; best for short hops in daylight.
03
ADO Buses
Comfortable coaches run along Highway 307 between Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
02
Tulum International Airport
Convenient for resorts in the southern Riviera Maya; check nonstop options from your home airport.
01
Cancun Airport Transfers
Most visitors fly into Cancun International. Transfer times range from about 20 minutes to Puerto Morelos to two hours to Tulum; pre-book a private transfer.
Resorts sit along Highway 307. ADO buses and colectivos connect the towns, while booked tours or a rental car make cenotes, parks and ruins easy to reach.
Getting Around Riviera Maya
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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