Swaying palm trees, turquoise water and sun-drenched beaches. Just picturing it puts you in holiday mode, right? That’s exactly what’s waiting for you on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. This Caribbean stretch of coast is famous for its white beaches and deep blue sea, but there’s more: luxury resorts, lively beach towns, adventurous day trips and centuries-old Mayan temples. In this blog we’ll take you through the best places and things to do on the Riviera Maya in Mexico.
Did you know…
…the Riviera Maya is a favourite with reality TV makers? This coast is lined with seriously luxurious villas and resorts, which makes it the perfect backdrop for dating shows. In season 4 of Love is Blind, the couples stayed at the five-star, adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel on the Riviera Maya, about half an hour from Playa del Carmen. It comes with a price tag to match, but that probably won’t surprise you.
Where is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a 130-kilometre stretch of coast on the Caribbean side of Mexico, in the far southeast of the country. It lies in the state of Quintana Roo and runs from Puerto Morelos via Playa del Carmen all the way down to Tulum.
You’ll often see Cancún named as the northernmost point of the Riviera Maya, but that’s not quite right. The coast actually starts just south of Cancún, at Puerto Morelos. Still, Cancún International Airport is by far the easiest way in for international travellers, and plenty of airlines fly there direct. Compare flights to Cancún to find the best deal.
Is the Riviera Maya worth visiting?
Crystal-clear sea, idyllic sandy beaches, mysterious cenotes and impressive Mayan ruins: no wonder the Riviera Maya pulls in travellers like a magnet. Beach towns such as Playa del Carmen are popular because they offer a bit of everything, from chic boutiques and luxury hotels to adventurous trips to underground cenotes and the best snorkelling spots.
But the Riviera Maya isn’t only about sun and sea. The roots of the Maya civilisation run deep here, and you’ll find them in archaeological treasures such as Cobá and Tulum. A trip to Mexico isn’t complete without a Mayan temple, and along the Riviera Maya you’ve got several to choose from.
That mix of luxury, gorgeous beaches and impressive sights makes the Riviera Maya a special corner of Mexico. So yes, it’s well worth a visit.
The downsides of the Riviera Maya
We had a great time on the Riviera Maya, but we do find it a very touristy destination. You can easily dodge the all-inclusive resorts, theme parks and shopping streets and have a more authentic experience. That’s exactly how we did this part of Mexico. Still, it’s good to know that the Riviera Maya mainly attracts the resort crowd.
All that popularity has brought a huge stream of tourists, and at times it feels more like an American enclave than a Mexican coastline. Authentic experiences get buried under an avalanche of all-inclusive resorts, amusement parks and tourist attractions, which can take a serious bite out of your budget too.
The nature and amusement parks can be controversial as well, even if some of them try to shine a light on local heritage and biodiversity. Dolphin shows and other attractions involving animals raise ethical questions for animal lovers like us.
Of course, nobody’s forcing you to stay in a mega resort or visit an animal park. We skipped the most touristy spots, the Cancún hotel zone and Playa del Carmen, and went to special Mayan sites such as Cobá instead.
The best-known places on the Riviera Maya
#1 Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is where your trip along the Riviera Maya begins. Just a few kilometres south of Cancún, this quiet fishing village is a welcome contrast to the bigger, busier towns. Colourful fishing boats bob on the waves and the sea is bright blue, which makes Puerto Morelos a great place to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean without the crowds.
#2 Playa del Carmen
Thirty kilometres further south, Playa del Carmen greets you with a lively atmosphere, big resorts and lovely beaches. This is the beating heart of the Riviera Maya, where visitors come for the nightlife, international restaurants and boutique shops. The famous Quinta Avenida is a car-free street packed with shops, restaurants and other entertainment aimed at tourists.
#3 Akumal
Another 25 kilometres south of Playa del Carmen you’ll find Akumal. It’s known for its calm beaches and rich marine life, which makes it a paradise for snorkellers. In the sheltered bays you can swim with sea turtles and explore the colourful coral reef.
#4 Tulum
Tulum, 45 kilometres from Akumal, isn’t just famous for its stunning beaches. It’s also home to one of the most iconic Mayan ruins in the country. The ancient fortress sits high on the cliffs, looking out over the turquoise sea. Tulum gives you the best of both worlds: rich Mayan heritage and quiet, unspoilt beaches. Some of the most famous cenotes are here too, mysterious water holes that the Maya considered sacred.
#5 Isla Cozumel
A short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen lies Isla Cozumel, an island known for its beautiful underwater world, friendly little town and impressive street art. It’s one of the largest islands off the Yucatán Peninsula, and that size makes it wonderfully varied: rugged coastline and white beaches, empty nature and a cheerful town. A big plus is that you can take your rental car across and cruise past all the highlights!
Best things to do on the Riviera Maya
#1 Swim in cenotes
The Riviera Maya is home to more than 2,500 cenotes, magical natural pools that the ancient Maya saw as gateways to the underworld. These pools sit deep in the limestone, are linked to each other underground and make the perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
#2 Climb ancient Mayan temples
Deep in the lush jungles of Quintana Roo lie the remains of ancient Mayan cities such as Tulum, Cobá and Muyil. Cobá is one of the most impressive sites. Here you step back in time and climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid, once at the heart of Maya culture. Climbing is allowed again, via a wooden staircase laid over the old steps. At 42 metres, it’s the second-tallest pyramid on the Yucatán Peninsula, after the one in the Mayan city of Calakmul (45 metres). From the top you look out over the green jungle, with the tip of another Cobá pyramid poking out above the trees.
#3 Snorkel or dive the Mesoamerican Reef
The colourful underwater world is one of the big draws of the Riviera Maya, for experienced divers and curious snorkellers alike. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, is a thriving ecosystem full of marine life, colourful coral and mysterious underwater caves. Diving or snorkelling is a must on the Riviera Maya.
#4 Relax on the best beaches in Mexico
White sand and azure water define the Riviera Maya coastline. Take your pick, from lively Playa del Carmen, a paradise for shoppers and night owls, to the quieter, picture-perfect beaches of Tulum.
#5 Spot turtles in Akumal
Akumal means ‘place of the turtle’ in the Mayan language, and it’s a safe haven for sea turtles. You can watch them up close as they glide through the calm, clear water. A real bucket-list moment!
#6 Admire the street art on Cozumel
The Sea Walls on Cozumel are one of the more unusual attractions on the Riviera Maya. Sea Walls is a positive form of protest that draws attention to nature conservation and healthy oceans. You’ll find these ocean-themed murals all over the world, but nowhere as many as on Cozumel. Every year a new location is chosen, and Cozumel has had that honour more than once. The Sea Walls website lists the 53 murals in San Miguel, but you’ll bump into the huge artworks all over town anyway.
More tips for your trip to Yucatán
Our pickStaying on the Riviera Maya? Browse all hotels on the Riviera Maya on Booking.com
Hopping from cenote to Mayan ruin at your own pace? Rent a car with Discover Cars and compare the big rental companies in one go.
No flight yet? Compare flights to Cancún.
Off to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Book your tour with GetYourGuide.
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