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

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Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

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

Playacar
Cozumel which includes a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 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
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Riviera Maya

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Riviera Maya and surrounding area, you can visit Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course.

Riviera Maya
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins

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 Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach.

Zona Hotelera
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Playacar Zona Hotelera

The pristine beaches and ample 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
Cozumel which includes a sandy beach and tropical scenes

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
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 €209 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€209
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & 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! (4,679 reviews)
"The resort itself is beautiful. There’s plenty to do around the property and with the Xcaret park a three minute walk away, it is very convenient if you want to add fun activities. There are so many photo opportunities. The staff was so kind and helpful. Every night the buffet staff would explain ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €788 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€788
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & 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! (1,254 reviews)
"Es un hotel muy grande y con muy"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only

5 out of 5
Carr. Chetumal - Puerto Juárez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is €748 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
€748
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,341 reviews)
"Fourth visit. Stayed in adult River suite adulto. Ended up staying in three rooms. First room had no view of the river. Second room had a broken toilet and the pull out couch broke. Third room had a broken toilet and broken bathroom door lock upon arrival. Front door would not automatically shut ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only
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 Beach and Tulum Mayan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)
"It was a pleasurable stay. The gentleman at the reception was very polite and friendly. The whole staff was attentive and helpful, friendly and professional. The hotel is very clean, the rooms are immaculate and are more than just a room, mine was a studio apartment. The pool is cleaned daily and ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Otonomus Tulum
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! (25 reviews)
"What a beautiful gem. The apartment was glorious! Clean and well stocked. The beds were comfy and the water pressure was excellent. The staff is so friendly and helpful. The beach is right out the front door, unfortunately the sea grass was out of control and we could not access the water. Bespoke ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
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! (139 reviews)
"Our stay at Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel and Spa was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the lush jungle, the hotel’s exotic treehouse vibe created a serene and one-of-a-kind atmosphere that felt like a true escape from the ordinary. The design of our 2-bedroom suite was stunning—with floor-to-ceiling ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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.

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