RIVIERA MAYA: THE TOURIST ROUTES THAT YOU MUST VISIT

The Riviera Maya is a tourist area located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. This area is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, coral reefs, rivers, cenotes and archaeological areas. This area became famous in the 80’s when tourism began to have great relevance in the Cancun-Tulum corridor.

In the Riviera Maya there is much to discover for both tourists and those who wish to invest in this area. From its exciting tours, such as archeology, nature and Mayan Riviera, to its beautiful virgin beaches, its marine life, its rivers and even its cenotes. This makes the Riviera Maya an ideal destination for those looking for a place that offers excellent services, entertainment, culture, history and nature. This area also offers a great variety of real estate for those who wish to buy in the Riviera Maya to use as a means of investment or to live in. The Riviera Maya is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and a dream place for those who want to have an unforgettable vacation.

Yucatan-Quintana Roo

The Riviera Maya is a first class tourist destination located in the Mexican Caribbean, between the cities of Tulum and Cancun, in the state of Quintana Roo. This area was an ancient commercial port and a walled Mayan city. Its main attraction is the imposing beauty of its archaeological ruins, and tourist activity has increased in recent years.

The Riviera Maya is a privileged area for tourism, with pleasant temperatures and white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The second largest barrier reef in the world is found in these waters, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

In addition to these beaches, this region has two important islands, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, as well as Banco Chinchorro, the largest atoll in Mexico and the second largest in the world. These natural attractions make the Riviera Maya an ideal destination for sea lovers.

The Riviera Maya offers a wide variety of tourist attractions that allow visitors to enjoy the culture, history and heritage of this region. The most popular tourist route includes the coastal towns of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum, as well as the Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone.

Other Riviera Maya activities include the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, located in Playa del Carmen, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the Xcaret ecotourism park.

In summary, the Riviera Maya is an ideal tourist destination for those who wish to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and its many historical and cultural attractions. This area offers a wealth of spectacular scenery, from the breathtaking beauty of its archaeological ruins to the second largest barrier reef in the world. The Riviera Maya is an ideal location for those who wish to enjoy a dream vacation.

Reasons why Riviera Maya is considered a luxury destination

Tourist Routes

The most popular tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, wellness hotels and restaurants in the region. Playa del Carmen is famous for its famous pedestrian street “Quinta Avenida” where you will find restaurants, souvenir stores, art galleries, bars, nightclubs and renowned international brand stores. Tulum offers luxury hotels with yoga, meditation, farm-to-table meals and more. Chichen Itza is a famous Mayan archaeological site, while Coba is the cradle of the Mayan civilization. These are some of the most important tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya.

Activities

In the Riviera Maya there are many activities to enjoy. You can visit the Xcaret water park, taste the typical food, visit the archaeological zone of Tulum, visit the cenotes, visit the city of Coba, take an excursion to Rio Secreto, relax in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, swim with the turtles in Akumal, visit and get to know a Mayan community, go to Laguna Nopalitos and snorkel to discover the hidden secrets of the Riviera Maya. In addition, you can go shopping in Playa del Carmen, enjoy the restaurants in the area and go on ATV adventures.

Costs

Traveling to the Riviera Maya can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Prices can be higher in high season (November through April), especially during the Christmas-New Year’s period, Easter (domestic tourism) and Spring Break (American and Canadian tourism). However, if you decide to travel outside this period, you can save money. In addition, there are many free activities to enjoy in Playa del Carmen, such as seeing the street art or strolling along Quinta Avenida. The beaches are also free, although some accesses are controlled and you have to pay for them (such as Xpu-Ha and Maroma). To enjoy beaches free of charge, you can opt for Playa Paraíso (Tulum), Puerto Morelos, Playa Delfines (Cancún) or Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres). On the other hand, food can also be relatively cheap if you eat in small local restaurants or street food stalls.

Location

The Riviera Maya is considered a luxury destination because of the excellent services it offers to its travelers. This region extends along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, from the town of Puerto Morelos in the north to the town of Punta Allen in the south, making it a tourist area with a variety of lodging options. This includes international class hotels, five stars and other categories, offering at least 18,040 rooms. In addition, there are protected areas, such as the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which allow travelers to enjoy nature in this region. In addition, there is a wide variety of restaurants, nightly entertainment offers and hotels for all types of travelers; from adults-only or family hotels, which have attractions for children such as kids club, to hotels dedicated to wellness, which offer activities and amenities such as yoga, meditation and farm-to-table meals. This has made the Riviera Maya a luxury destination for those who wish to escape and enjoy a vacation that is both tranquil and fun.

What services are offered in the Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya offers a wide variety of tourist services such as restaurants, nightly entertainment offers, hotels, wellness (yoga, meditation, farm-to-table meals, etc.), culinary movement (fusion of native cooking techniques and the use of local ingredients), Quinta Avenida (with shopping malls, souvenir stores, art galleries, bars and nightclubs), pristine beaches, marine life, rivers and cenotes, learning centers on the care of nature, and the possibility of buying housing to use it as a means of investment or to inhabit it.

What to consider when planning a trip to the Riviera Maya?

Activities

The Riviera Maya offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Among them are visiting Xcaret, tasting the typical food, visiting the cenotes, visiting the archaeological zone of Tulum, visiting the city of Coba, taking a tour of Rio Secreto, relaxing in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, swimming with the turtles in Akumal, visiting and getting to know a Mayan community, going to Laguna Nopalitos, snorkeling, shopping, enjoying the local gastronomy, going on ATV adventures and enjoying the archaeology of the region.

Comfort

When planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, there are many comfort considerations to take into account. Choose an accommodation that suits your needs: from an all-inclusive hotel to a glamping option. On the other hand, choose a destination with amenities for your type of travel, such as adults-only hotels or family hotels with attractions for children. Also, consider the proximity to Riviera Maya restaurants. These have gained worldwide fame due to the presence of renowned chefs who have decided to settle in the region. And of course, enjoy Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida, where you will find everything you need for your vacation. For those who want more peace and quiet, Merida is close by and is a safe city with many interesting things to offer. When planning, be sure to keep all of these considerations in mind for a smooth travel experience.

Lifestyle

When planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, keep in mind the relaxed lifestyle and Mexican culture. Living in the Riviera Maya means having the opportunity to enjoy new adventures and nature, as well as having access to beaches, museums, cultural centers and archaeological sites. In the main cities, such as Playa del Carmen, there are services such as a bohemian cafeteria, a typical food restaurant, a supermarket and a shopping mall just around the corner from your house. Nearby Merida is a safe city where it is possible to do profitable business for extra income. Finally, in the Gran Vía real estate project it is possible to invest in both residential and commercial lots to have your business a few steps away from your home.

Gastronomy

The Riviera Maya offers a wide variety of gastronomy that includes typical Mexican, regional and local dishes, as well as a great variety of international food. On the one hand, Mexican food is characterized by fresh seafood dishes such as ceviche and steamed king crab, as well as tamales, empanadas, salbutes, chilmole, pipian and garnachas. On the other hand, on Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue you can also try delicious international dishes in restaurants throughout the area. In addition, in Tulum there are wellness hotels to pamper your palate with farm-to-table meals, as well as international chefs who have created dishes with native cooking techniques and local ingredients. You also can’t forget the famous Mexican tacos and typical sweets such as buñuelos de molde, camotes de dulce, dulce de zapote or flan de café.

Culture

The Riviera Maya is rich in culture and tradition. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilization in sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. You can also appreciate and learn more about the Mayan culture at local markets and in nearby indigenous villages. In addition to the Mayan influence, the Riviera Maya has also been permeated by Spanish and African culture, which is reflected in the music, food and local celebrations. Music and dance are two of the Riviera Maya and Tulum culture’s must-haves, where genres such as salsa, reggaeton and Mayan music are the most listened to (and danced to). The Riviera Maya celebrates a variety of festivals and holidays throughout the year, such as Day of the Dead, Mexican Independence Day and Mayan New Year. To enjoy the culture of the Riviera Maya, visitors can also visit archaeological ruins and museums such as the Museum of Mayan Culture in Cancun, the Azulik Museum in Tulum or the Underwater Museum of Art in Cancun National Park.

Nature

The Riviera Maya is full of dazzling nature. Beautiful pristine beaches, the sparkling Caribbean Sea, pristine rivers and mysterious cenotes are just some of the natural destinations you can enjoy in the Riviera Maya. The ecological park of Xel’ha is a highlight, with a large cove that is home to 70 different species of fish. In addition, there are many other activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming with dolphins and turtles, and visiting the Contoy and Mujeres islands. The Sian Ka’an Reserve is a unique biodiversity refuge, with a great variety of wild birds. This area is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, which promises an unforgettable experience for all those who dare to discover it.

Adventure Activities

A variety of adventure activities are available in the Riviera Maya, such as: Snorkeling, to discover the secrets of the Riviera Maya; ATV Adventure, to tour white sand beaches and turquoise waters; Archaeology, to visit archaeological sites such as Tulum or Coba; Cozumel, to discover Mexico’s largest island; Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, to get to know one of the most important ecological reserves in the world; Tres Rios Ecological Park, for jungle trails and horseback riding lessons; Pac Chen Cenotes, where you can practice rappelling and zip-lining; Majahual, a quiet fishing village ideal for resting and diving; Akumal, to discover starfish and seahorses; and Aktun Chen Natural Park, to discover the main cave system in Quintana Roo.

Entertainment activities

The Riviera Maya offers a wide range of entertainment activities, from restaurants, nightlife, hotels and shopping malls on Playa del Carmen’s famous Quinta Avenida, to water parks, yoga, meditation, farm-to-table meals, festivals, cultural festivals, archaeological ruins, museums and much more. Travelers can enjoy concerts, parties and dances in genres such as salsa, reggaeton and Mayan music, as well as attend celebrations such as the Playa del Carmen Carnival. A visit to the Xcaret water park, the heart of the Riviera Maya, and a taste of the delicious typical food of the region, are some of the not-to-be-missed activities.

The best tourist routes in Quintana Roo

Trip to Cozumel Island

What are the highlights of the boat tour to Cozumel Island? [Spatial information] The boat tour to Cozumel includes snorkeling at Palancar Reef, drinks (with and without alcohol), access to a beach club and lunch, as well as a visit to El Cielo, a sandbar surrounded by clear water with several starfish. The tour also offers the opportunity to visit the Cozumel Island Biosphere Reserve, part of the Mesoamerican Reef and considered one of the best diving destinations in the world.

Trip to Isla Mujeres Island

A boat trip to Isla Mujeres offers incredible views of the coral reef and ocean. The tour also offers a variety of entertainment such as snorkeling, free time on Isla Mujeres, a lunch on the beach, music and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). In addition, travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the paradisiacal Isla Contoy, a small protected island, with crystal clear blue waters and white sands. Finally, there is also the opportunity to visit the picturesque village of El Cuyo, where you can enjoy quiet beaches, kite surfing, explore the Ria Lagartos reserve and much more.

Holbox Island Trip

The boat trip to Holbox Island includes a day trip from Cancun with pick up at your hotel, with unlimited music and drinks (with and without alcohol), perfect to relax and enjoy. It also includes one hour snorkeling on the reef, free time in Isla Mujeres to explore, as well as lunch on the beach. In addition, during the trip you will enjoy the impressive bioluminescence in the sea, which is best seen from June to October. Book now the boat tour to Holbox and enjoy an unforgettable experience!

Puerto Morelos

What are the points of interest in Puerto Morelos?

Puerto Morelos is a coastal town with a wide variety of things to enjoy in the Riviera Maya. Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Puerto Morelos that you can’t miss:

Arrecife National Park: a protected natural area that offers the opportunity to practice water sports such as snorkeling, windsurfing and scuba diving, thanks to its low waves and the proximity of its barrier reef to the sea. Puerto Morelos Reef National Park

The Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is one of the main tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya due to the wide variety of activities it offers. It is located on the coast of Puerto Morelos, just 16 km from Cancun International Airport, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a nearby place to rest and enjoy nature. The park is the perfect place to practice water sports such as snorkeling, since the reef is located a short distance from the coast and the waves are very low. In addition, visitors can also enjoy the wonderful fauna and flora that make up the reserve. This biological diversity includes hundreds of bird species, which makes the park an ideal destination for ornithology enthusiasts who wish to enjoy a bird watching excursion with a specialized guide. For all these reasons, Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is one of the main tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya.

Beaches: Puerto Morelos has beaches with a long stretch of white sand, perfect to enjoy a relaxing day or to practice water sports.

Hacienda Morelos Beachfront Hotel: a beachfront hotel with a swimming pool and only 100 meters from the main square, ideal for relaxing.

Aldea Maya-Ha: comfortable cabins for up to 4 people, set in lush nature with private cenotes.

Oom Bubble Boutique Riviera Cancun: original accommodation with transparent bubbles in the Mayan jungle, with air conditioning, swimming pool and good restaurant.

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort: an all-inclusive hotel ideal for families with children, with children’s playroom, water slide, 4 restaurants, large swimming pool, beach with beds, sun loungers and hammocks.

Playa del Carmen

The main points of interest in Playa del Carmen are: the Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian promenade of approximately 4 kilometers, the Playacar hotel zone with golf course, aviary and shopping areas, the island of Cozumel, its incredible gastronomic, leisure and commercial offer, in addition to its beautiful beaches. In addition, if you travel from Playa del Carmen you will also have the opportunity to visit the famous destinations of the Riviera Maya such as the Cancun Aquarium, Xcaret Park, Xplor Park, Tulum, Coba, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Puerto Aventuras

What are the activities and downloads available in Puerto Aventuras, Cancun? [Expanded list with spatial information] There are many fun activities to enjoy in the Riviera Maya during your vacation in Puerto Aventuras. These activities range from a snorkeling session in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere nature reserve to a yacht ride on the beach in Playa del Carmen. In addition, there are a variety of guided tours, including jungle bike tours to explore the Mayan ruins of Coba. Other activities include: golf at the 9-hole golf course, tennis at the tennis club, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling and swimming. The resort also offers spa services, restaurants, bars, stores and museums.

Akumal

Akumal is a town with a lot to offer in terms of fun and tourist activities. In this town you can find the Yalkú lagoon, an ideal place for water sports. There are also many cenotes in the area and its reefs near the beach. 4 km away is Aktun Chén, a cave with galleries and formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an internal cenote. There is also the possibility of swimming with turtles in the turtle feeding area. The main points of interest in Akumal are:

• Yalkú Lagoon
• The cenotes
• The reefs near the beach
• Aktun Chén
• Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an
• Akumal Beach
• Paraiso Beach
• Xpuha Beach
• Pescadores Beach
• Punta Allen Beach

Tulum

Tulum, Cancun, Mexico offers a variety of tourist attractions for visitors. These include:

1. The ruins of Tulum: an ancient commercial port and walled Mayan city, located in the southern Mexican Caribbean. This archaeological zone of great value is integrated in the Tulum National Park, being the only Natural Protected Area in the tourist area of Quintana Roo.
2. Tulum National Park: It offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy its impressive flora and fauna while taking guided tours, renting bicycles and having medical and hospital services and access to drinking water.
3. The cenotes: An important part of the geography of this area of the Riviera Maya, the cenotes are one of the great tourist attractions for visitors.
4. The beach of the ruins: The best thing about visiting the ruins of Tulum is the possibility of enjoying the beautiful beach next to it.
5. Mayan Monkey Tulum: An ideal hostel for those looking for excellent value for money.
   Bars, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels: Tulum is the Riviera Maya’s luxury destination for Instagram, with many beautifully designed bars, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels.

Cobá

The main points of interest in Cobá, Mexico, are: 1) Cobá’s Nohoch Mul, the second tallest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula; 2) The Tamcach-Ha, Multum Ha and Choo-Ha cenotes; 3) The walking trails from one structure to another; and 4) Guided tours of the area to discover and appreciate the majesty of the Mayan culture.

Sian Ka’an and Punta Allen Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Punta Allen offer a variety of points of interest for visitors. These include the Black Lagoon, semi-pristine white sand beaches, mangroves, petenes, coral reefs, the Blanquizal natural pool, the important archaeological heritage and the exuberant biodiversity of the jungle. Nature lovers can also enjoy bird watching in the cenotes route in Puerto Morelos or in Muyil, located in the Sian Ka’an Reserve. The most outstanding beaches are Playa Akumal, Playa Paraíso, Xpuha, Pescadores and Punta Allen.

How did the Riviera Maya become one of the main tourist destinations in the world? Discover in Caribe MX the history of the Riviera Maya from its origins to the present day.

Mayan Riviera

The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top tourist destinations due to its beautiful coastline, impressive marine life, rivers and cenotes, as well as its rich culture and history. The region stretches from Puerto Morelos, which is located 35 kilometers south of Cancun, to Punta Allen, a Sian Ka’an reserve. The Riviera Maya offers visitors a variety of experiences, from pristine beaches to beautiful parks, reefs, lagoons and subway caverns. This area also has a rich flora and fauna, as well as luxury hotels for relaxation. Mayan culture is also very present in the Riviera Maya, and tourists can find many activities related to this ancient culture, such as the Riviera Maya Riviera Maya Film Festival, the Riviera Maya Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and the Sacred Mayan Journey. These activities allow tourists to learn more about the local culture and even join them. All this makes the Riviera Maya one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Yucatan-Quintana Roo

The Riviera Maya has become one of the world’s top tourist destinations thanks to its exceptional environmental features, such as its pleasant temperatures, fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the second largest barrier reef in the world, and Banco Chinchorro, Mexico’s largest atoll. In addition, two important islands, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, are located in the region. The latter are part of the Mexican coast of Quintana Roo, which extends 131 kilometers between the towns of Cancun and Tulum. These unique characteristics have contributed to make the Riviera Maya one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

MORE ABOUT THIS CATEGORY

The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, thanks to its unique geographic location, privileged climate, exotic white sand beaches, impressive Mayan ruins and wide variety of fun activities. This area of Mexico covers approximately 120 km of the Caribbean coast from Puerto Morelos to the border with Belize, offering visitors a wealth of unique experiences in the world. The Riviera Maya route, from the southern border to the north, offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy a wealth of pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, tropical jungles, water activities and adventure experiences. From diving on the Belize reef to kayaking on Lake Bacalar, the Riviera Maya offers incredible experiences for all tastes. In addition, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of local cuisine, international food, national parks and natural cenotes. All this makes the Riviera Maya one of the world’s top tourist destinations, a unique place where all travelers can enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

Popular stories

One of the popular stories about the Riviera Maya as one of the world’s top tourist destinations is that the region offers a variety of natural attractions, from impenetrable jungles to beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. The warm, sunny climate is also one of the main attractions, with the area enjoying an average temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius year-round. Another popular story is that travelers can enjoy a variety of adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to mountain biking and kayaking. The Riviera Maya also offers a wealth of hotels, villas and resorts at affordable prices for all budgets, allowing travelers to enjoy a stress-free stay in a dream location. In addition, there is a wide range of restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues for tourists to enjoy the vast Mexican culture.

Chetumal, the gateway to Mexico

Chetumal is the gateway to Mexico for those coming from the center of the country, as it is located south of the Yucatan Peninsula, along the Mexican Caribbean coast. Being a seaport, it offers its visitors maritime transportation services, as well as easy access to the tourist destinations of the Riviera Maya. It also has an airport, which handles direct flights or connections to other destinations in Mexico. It has a highway that connects to Cancun, and is the best option to save money on the cost of the Merida – Cancun highway. Chetumal also offers the ease of finding ATMs with which you can make transactions in U.S. dollars. And for those who wish to visit the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, there is a specific port from where you can take a passenger ferry that leaves every hour during the day. For all these conveniences, Chetumal is an excellent gateway to Mexico.