Riviera Maya

Travel Guide

Riviera Maya showing tropical scenes, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Riviera Maya showing tropical scenes, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins
Ecopark Kantun Chi which includes caves
Tulum National Park showing a ruin, general coastal views and a park

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

Beautiful beach at Caribbean sea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

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

Playacar
Colorful sombreros on the street in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

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
Aerial view of the Akumal Bay in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Caribbean Sea, coral reef, top view. Beautiful tropical paradise beach

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
Tulum sunset in the amazing Mayan Riviera
#tulum #architecture #sunset 

❤️❤️❤️

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 Beach and Las Palmas Public Beach.

Zona Hotelera
Playa del Carmen

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
Cool monument on the beach of Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen Centro

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Playa del Carmen Centro is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida.

Playa del Carmen Centro
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
The price is €1,109 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
€1,109
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 15 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,419 reviews)
Room was clean staff was amazing and everything was readily available at any time! Food throughout the entire resort was excellent

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282 Playa del Carmen QROO
The price is €326 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
€326
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,189 reviews)
An amazing stay! I would highly recommend this hotel if you are thinking about visiting Riviera Maya. Staff are super friendly and helpful, they can’t do enough for you and want you to be happy. Comfortable beds and spacious rooms, plenty of towels and mini bar stocked daily. The grounds of this ...

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All 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 €798 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€798
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,438 reviews)
Room was great and clean. The resort itself was beautiful and we enjoyed exploring the grounds. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. We really enjoyed Eliel at Cayuga.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

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 luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (219 reviews)
The place was clean only issues upon arrival the room was given away. No water on two occasions they fixed after we notified them. Not far from beach a short bike ride or scooter rental. Also the ocean view is lol. You can see it but barely. If you’re a smoker this is not the place for you. No elevator ...

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Otonomus Tulum
Irie Tulum

Irie Tulum

4 out of 5
Av. Central Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (109 reviews)
Amazing hotel .

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Irie Tulum
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15 Tulum QROO
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (161 reviews)
Beautiful and unique spot in the jungle, room was great spacious and the property is well maintained minus some refreshing on the fabric chairs etc. … staff was helpful and friendly. Stayed in the treetop suite. Only negative would be needing a car or transportation as the taxis get expensive. We ...

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do