Travel Guide of Riviera Maya in Mexico by Influencers and Travelers
The Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district south of Cancun, Mexico. It straddles the coastal Federal Highway 307, along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, located in the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.
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Pictures and Stories of Riviera Maya from Influencers
5 pictures of Riviera Maya from Bryce olsen, Angela Loria, Engin Yapici and other travelers
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How to visit Riviera Maya ?
Why traveling there?
Riviera Maya, Mexico, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Yucatan Peninsula, boasting beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical jungles. A paradise for nature lovers, Riviera Maya is home to diverse marine life, cenotes, and Mayan archaeological sites, making it an ideal destination for relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Riviera Maya is by flying into Cancun International Airport (CUN), which has numerous direct flights from major cities worldwide. From Cancun, you can rent a car or take a bus or shuttle service to reach your desired destination within the Riviera Maya, such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Akumal.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your Riviera Maya experience, book your accommodations, transportation, and key activities in advance. Popular tours such as visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, or Chichen Itza, swimming in cenotes, or partaking in eco-adventure parks like Xcaret or Xel-Ha can fill up quickly. Booking early will ensure your spot and may also give you access to discounts.
What are the costs?
Riviera Maya can cater to a range of budgets, from backpackers to luxury travelers. Accommodation prices vary significantly, with budget options starting around $20 per night and luxury resorts costing hundreds of dollars per night. Meals can range from $5 at local eateries to $50 or more at upscale restaurants. Tours and activities can also vary, with basic cenote visits starting around $10 and full-day excursions costing upwards of $100.
What are the best things to do?
Riviera Maya offers a wide array of activities, including:
1. Exploring Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba, or Chichen Itza.
2. Swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the numerous cenotes.
3. Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Akumal.
4. Enjoying eco-adventure parks like Xcaret or Xel-Ha.
5. Snorkeling or scuba diving in the Great Mayan Reef.
6. Visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve for wildlife spotting and nature walks.
Where to eat?
1. La Cueva del Chango (Playa del Carmen): A charming restaurant offering Mexican cuisine in a jungle-like setting.
2. Sale e Pepe (Tulum): An Italian restaurant known for its delicious pasta dishes and cozy atmosphere.
3. Turtle Bay Cafe (Akumal): A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of international and Mexican dishes.
Where to stay?
1. Mahekal Beach Resort (Playa del Carmen): A beautiful beachfront resort offering bungalow-style accommodations and various amenities.
2. Papaya Playa Project (Tulum): An eco-friendly boutique hotel with chic cabanas and an on-site beach club.
3. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: An all-inclusive adults-only resort with a range of dining options, activities, and luxurious accommodations.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, head to the remote village of Punta Allen within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Accessible only by a long, bumpy dirt road, this small fishing village offers a unique glimpse into local life and a chance to explore untouched beaches, mangroves, and lagoons teeming with wildlife. Go on a guided boat tour to spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and numerous bird species, or try your hand at fly-fishing for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure in Riviera Maya.
The Best Things to Do and Visit around Riviera Maya
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Riviera Maya here
1 - Xcaret Park
8 km away
Xcaret Park is a privately owned and operated theme park, resort and self-described ecotourism development located in the Riviera Maya, a portion of the Caribbean coastline of Mexico's state of Quintana Roo.
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2 - Xcaret
8 km away
Xcaret is a Maya civilization archaeological site located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico.
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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Day Trips from Riviera Maya
12 km away
Discover Tulum, the legendary walled city perched on the edge of the sea, boasting a prime view of the Caribbean. Recognized as one of the most significant archaeological zones of the Mayan culture, it's a sight to behold. But the adventure doesn't stop here. This ticket also buys you the chance to swim alongside turtles in their natural habitat on the stunning white sandy beach of Akumal, graced with crystal-clear waters! It's an experience you'll never forget.
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4 - Playa del Carmen
12 km away
Playa del Carmen is a city located along the Caribbean Sea in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a popular tourist area in eastern Mexico. Playa del Carmen features a wide array of tourist activities due to its geographical location in the Riviera Maya. It has also been the destination of PGA Tour golf tournaments and the set location for various television shows. The town has one of the fastest-growing populations in Mexico.
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5 - Av Benito Juárez 251
12 km away
Tlacotepec de Benito Juárez is a town and municipality in Puebla in south-eastern Mexico.
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6 - Dolphin & Whale Watching | Mexico
23 km away
Enjoy an up-close experience with the dolphins in Akumal perfect for the entire family. Shake fins, play games, and learn all the interesting facts about these majestic sea animals.
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7 - Cozumel
33 km away
Cozumel is an island and municipality in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen. It is separated from the mainland by Cozumel Channel and is close to the Yucatán Channel. The municipality is part of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
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8 - Playa Ruinas
47 km away
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9 - Tulum
49 km away
Tulum is the largest community in the municipality of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located on the Caribbean coast of the state, near the site of the archaeological ruins of Tulum. The community had a 2010 census population of 18,233 inhabitants.
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Where to Stay near Riviera Maya
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More Travel spots to explore around Riviera Maya
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Riviera Maya
🏖️ Shore spots 🌴 Tropics spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🏊 Swimming pool spots 🏞️ River spots 🌊 Ocean spots ️🏜️ Badlands spotsTravel map of Riviera Maya
Explore popular touristic places around Riviera Maya
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