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 Playacar Golf Club – 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
Tulum sunset in the amazing Mayan Riviera
#tulum #architecture #sunset 

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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
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
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 Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal.

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 €1,029 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
€1,029
2 Feb - 3 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,403 reviews)
Outstanding service! From the beginning to the end. We had an amazing trip thanks to the wonderful staff and great hotel accommodations. The food was amazing at all the restaurants. The parks were amazing and the all around vibe had us wanting to stay longer. Be warned the hotel is huge, which leads ...

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

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 €944 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
€944
1 Mar - 2 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! (1,448 reviews)
Resort is amazing! Pools is excellent, Food is excellent. Beach is excellent. Activities are excellent. Room cleanliness and overall resort is pristine. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole expierence. Our one knock would be the butler service is by far the worst we have experienced in our 5-6 Mexican ...

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only
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 €327 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
€327
1 Mar - 2 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! (5,148 reviews)
Beautiful place in the jungle. The beach was gorgeous and safe.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - 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 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! (209 reviews)
Loved that this place was so spacious and beautiful! There wasn't too many front desk staff but the pool and lighting was great! I loved how the rooms came with washer/dryer, a full kitchen and a stove top. My friends and I got a pool on top of ours and it was beautiful!

Reviewed on 23 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! (106 reviews)
Place was great. Restaurant was so clutch. Staff was amazing. Great communication.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 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! (159 reviews)
Peaceful, beautiful,clean

Reviewed on 13 Jan 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