Riviera Maya

Travel Guide

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

This sun-drenched stretch of Mexican coastline blends the natural wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula with the awe-inspiring ruins of Mayan civilizations.

The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a relaxing mix of picture-perfect tropical beaches, stylish resorts, breathtaking aquatic wonders and some of the most popular archeological sites in Mexico.The resort town of Playa del Carmen is a great place to begin your Riviera Maya adventure and offers superb beaches, dining and nightlife. From Playa, hop on a ferry to Cozumel, an island endowed with a rich history, world-renowned dive sites and lush jungles. Cozumel’s main town, San Miguel, is home to the Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel), an excellent place to learn about the island’s Mayan past as well as the evolution of the surrounding marine park. Head to Cozumel’s south where, in the Chankanaab National Park, you can explore extensive botanical gardens, swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery and unwind in one of the many health spas. Further south from Chankanaab is the relaxing Palancar Beach, where the water is clear and calm enough to spot fish from the shore. Head to Punta Sur Ecological Park on the island’s southern tip, to see this stunning ecological reserve featuring more than 200 bird species, crocodiles, giant turtles and an ancient Mayan observatory.For more impressive archaeological sites, head back to the mainland to Chichen Itza and the Tulum Mayan Ruins. At over 1,000 years old, the wondrous ruins of Chichen Itza showcase the architectural feats of the Mayan and Toltec cultures. The Tulum Mayan Ruins are perched high on a dramatic stretch of Caribbean coastline. At the Kantun-Chi ecological park, swim, snorkel and dive spectacular cenotes (sinkholes), and explore tropical gardens and abundant wildlife. The Riviera Maya’s climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 93 F (34 C). Local transport options range from buses to colectivos (white minivans), private limos to bicycles.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in Riviera Maya page.

Riviera Maya highlights you can’t miss

  • Visit the Tulum ruins perched dramatically on cliffs above turquoise Caribbean waters.
  • Swim in the crystal-clear pools of Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the region’s most striking sinkholes.
  • Explore the jungle paths leading to Cobá’s Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the tallest in the Yucatán.

Where to stay in Riviera Maya

Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar

4.5/5(1,552 area reviews)

An upscale resort area with secluded beaches and villas by the sea, Playacar boasts a golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and is just a short drive from downtown Playa del Carmen.

Playacar
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(115 area reviews)

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

Downtown Playa del Carmen
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4.5/5(832 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 Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tulum.

Zona Hotelera
A beautiful resort on the Mayan Riviera.

Riviera Maya

While Riviera Maya isn't home to many top sights, Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Riviera Maya
Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Playacar Zona Hotelera. A stop by Playacar Beach or Piste Cyclable sur Paseo Xaman-Ha might round out your trip.

Playacar Zona Hotelera
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
$172 nightly
The price is $211 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$211 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,965 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 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
$756 nightly
The price is $917 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$917 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 15 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,323 reviews)
"Good transportation from the hotel to the parks"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa All Inclusive

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal, Puerto Juarez KM 256-100, Kantenah, QROO
$176 nightly
The price is $213 total per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
$213 total
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Kantenah. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"We truly enjoyed our stay at FS Kantenah. The location was wonderful & wasn’t overly crowded this time of year. The grounds are beautiful & we loved being within the mangrove trees throughout the resort. The staff was friendly & mostly helpful when we had an issue. The general service was nice throughout ..."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa 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.
Otonomus Tulum

Otonomus Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (152 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful, place was clean in room and public areas, quiet for the most part (little construction work next door)"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Otonomus Tulum
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! (148 reviews)
"Good Choise"

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

4.5 out of 5
Tankah 3, Cdad., M3 L-1 y 2 Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"We sincerely enjoyed our stay at the Bespoke. The property was beautifully located with an amazing stretch of beach with access to the reef for snorkeling. The restaurant had a wide selection of really delicious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The entire staff was extremely friendly, courteous ..."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
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

Cities near Riviera Maya