Riviera Maya, Mexico: Beaches, Cenotes & Guide
The Riviera Maya is a 130 km stretch of Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, from Cancún to Tulum — Mexico's beach heartland, with resorts, cenotes, a coral reef, eco-parks and Maya ruins.
What is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a 130 km stretch of Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, running south from Cancún past Playa del Carmen to Tulum. It is Mexico's beach-vacation heartland — white sand and turquoise water, all-inclusive resorts, cenotes, the world's second-largest coral reef, eco-parks and Maya ruins, all within easy reach.
How to get to the Riviera Maya from the US
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), the Caribbean's main hub, with direct flights from dozens of US cities. The new Tulum airport (TQO) adds options for the southern end. Most resorts are 20 minutes to about 2 hours south by shuttle or private transfer.
Best time to visit
December to April is the dry, sunny peak season. Hurricane season runs June to November, and sargassum seaweed can affect beaches, usually worst from spring into summer.
Top things to do in the Riviera Maya
Base yourself in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or an all-inclusive and mix beach days with: swimming in cenotes, snorkeling or diving the reef, the eco-parks Xcaret, Xel-Há and Xplor, the ferry to Cozumel, and the Maya ruins of Tulum and Cobá. Chichén Itzá is a longer day trip inland.
Where to stay
Cancún for the biggest Hotel Zone and nightlife; Playa del Carmen for a walkable town; Tulum for boho-chic beaches; and Akumal or Puerto Morelos for quieter, smaller-scale stays.
Is the Riviera Maya safe for tourists?
Quintana Roo carries a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, the same level as most of Mexico's main tourist destinations. The Riviera Maya is one of the most visited tourist regions in the world. Use normal travel precautions and check the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory before your trip.
Destinations Along the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya stretches from Cancún in the north to Tulum in the south, with Playa del Carmen at its center. The ferry to Cozumel departs from Playa del Carmen. To the south, Bacalar and Chetumal await. Don't miss cultural excursions to Chichén Itzá and Mérida. Check our best Riviera Maya vacation packages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Riviera Maya?
A 130 km stretch of Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, running south from Cancún past Playa del Carmen to Tulum, with beaches, cenotes, a coral reef and Maya ruins.
How do I get to the Riviera Maya from the US?
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), with direct flights from dozens of US cities; the new Tulum airport (TQO) also serves the southern end. Resorts are 20 minutes to about 2 hours south.
What is there to do in the Riviera Maya?
Beaches, cenotes, snorkeling and diving the reef, the eco-parks Xcaret and Xel-Há, the ferry to Cozumel, and the Maya ruins of Tulum and Cobá.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April for dry, sunny weather. Hurricane season runs June to November, and sargassum seaweed can affect beaches, often worst in spring and summer.
Is the Riviera Maya safe for tourists?
Quintana Roo carries a Level 2 ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ advisory, the same as most top destinations. It is one of the world's most visited regions; use normal precautions and check the current US advisory.