Riviera Maya
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Riviera Maya
Adventure, nature, culture and rest on one coast
The Riviera Maya stretches from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, with Playa del Carmen in between. The region is known for its white-sand beaches, cenotes and underground rivers, nature and theme parks, and archaeological sites.
Lodging ranges from resorts surrounded by jungle and lagoons to boutique hotels in the town centers. Federal Highway 307 runs along the coast, and the Tren Maya stops at Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
- Right now
- 84°F (29°C)Drizzle
- Best for
- Resorts, cenotes and Maya archaeological sites
- When to visit
- Year-round, with the most pleasant weather from December to April
- Three main destinations
- Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Getting here
Airports
Tren Maya
Bus
By road
The beaches
Playa Paraíso, Xpu-Há, Akumal and Xcacel-Xcacelito
The coastline between the three destinations is lined with white-sand beaches and palm trees: Playa Paraíso in Tulum, Xpu-Há and Paamul south of Playa del Carmen, Akumal Bay, known for its sea turtles, and Xcacel-Xcacelito, a sea turtle sanctuary. Many have beach clubs, and the offshore reef shelters much of the coast from strong waves.
Where to stay
Resorts in the jungle and boutique hotels in the towns
Large resorts, room-only or all-inclusive, family-friendly or adults-only, sit outside the town centers, among beaches, lagoons and jungle. Many have spas, golf courses and water parks. Downtown Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum offer boutique hotels and small hostels. Along the coast, you'll also find treehouse hotels, bubble hotels and glamping.
Food
The contemporary flavors of Mexican cuisine
The region's food scene combines Yucatecan cuisine, fresh seafood and chef-driven restaurants. You'll find options along the beach, in town centers and at hotels, as well as culinary festivals throughout the year.
Maya culture and cenotes
Tulum, Cobá and the cenotes of the coast
Tulum, the ancient walled city overlooking the Caribbean Sea, was once known as Zama, which means dawn in Maya. In the jungle, Cobá lies between two lagoons and is home to the Nohoch Mul pyramid. A network of cenotes and underground rivers extends beneath the entire coast. Well-known sites include Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, Jardín del Edén and Cenote Azul. Nearby Maya communities continue to preserve their traditions.
More about Riviera Maya
September 29, 2024
Archaeological Sites of the Riviera Maya
Tulum, Cobá, Muyil and Xel-Há: the archaeological sites of the Riviera Maya, with what to see at each one and tips for your visit.
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September 29, 2024
Award-Winning Hotels in the Riviera Maya
Seven award-winning hotels in the Riviera Maya, from Forbes Five-Star resorts to MICHELIN Key boutique stays, for a luxury trip to the Mexican Caribbean.
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September 29, 2024
10 Things to Do in the Riviera Maya
10 things to do in the Riviera Maya: Tulum and Cobá, cenotes, the Mesoamerican Reef, Xcaret, Cozumel and swimming with sea turtles in Akumal.
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