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Hotel Riviera Maya: Crystal-clear sea, Mayan temples and jungle adventures
The Riviera Maya is a Caribbean dream: a 60-mile stretch of coastline with pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. If you need an exotic escape, get ready to explore Mayan ruins, dive into natural lagoons in the jungle and swim with turtles. Located in Mexico, it is a perfect destination for beach holidays, adventure seekers and cultural travellers alike.
What is the Riviera Maya famous for?
Picture-perfect beaches: from the famous Playa Akumal, where you can swim with turtles, to the quiet coves of Xpu-Ha, every corner of the coast offers unique views.
Mayan culture: the region is dotted with archaeological sites and still preserves ancient traditions in local villages. You can also taste authentic Mayan cuisine, like cochinita pibil.
Nature and biodiversity: the Riviera Maya is one of the best places in the world to admire flora and fauna on an eco-friendly holiday. Among its many wonders, Sian Ka'an is a biosphere reserve home to dolphins, manatees and tropical birds.
Nightlife: Playa del Carmen and Cancún offer world-renowned venues and beach clubs, such as Coco Bongo and Mandala Beach Club.
Attractions of the Riviera Maya
After boarding your flights to Riviera Maya, here are the must-see attractions for your tropical holiday in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen
Lively, cosmopolitan and full of energy, Playa del Carmen is the ideal starting point to explore the region. Its heart is Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street packed with restaurants, shops and nightlife venues.
Pirate tip🏴☠️
The Riviera Maya was once a haven for pirates and privateers, who used the region's islands to hide their treasures. Legends tell of secret caves and sunken chests near Playa del Carmen.
Tulum🛕
The ruins of Tulum are one of the symbols of the Riviera Maya, an ancient city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Key structures include El Castillo, a step-pyramid, and the Templo de los Frescos, which features frescoes dating back to the post-classic Mayan period. After your visit, relax on the nearby Playa Paraíso, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Chichén Itzá🛕
About a two-hour drive from the coast, Chichén Itzá, with its Kukulkán pyramid, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The 30-metre-high pyramid displays an incredible phenomenon during the equinoxes: the sun's shadow creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps. Nearby is the Cenote Sagrado, a natural sinkhole where the Mayans made offerings to the gods, including gold and, according to some studies, human sacrifices.
Isla Holbox🌌
If you're seeking Mexico's wild side, Isla Holbox is the place for you. This island is known for its sandy streets, absence of cars, colourful houses, artistic murals and crystal-clear waters. At night, you can witness a magical phenomenon: bioluminescent organisms light up the sea with a glowing blue hue. Between June and September, you might even swim with whale sharks!
The cenotes
Cenotes are natural freshwater pools found in the Yucatán jungle where you can swim and dive. Some of the most beautiful in the Riviera Maya include Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Ik Kil.
Cobá🌴
For an Indiana Jones-style adventure, head to Cobá. Hidden deep in the jungle is Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Riviera Maya (42 metres). Unlike other pyramids, it is still climbable and offers breathtaking views over the tropical forest. You can also explore the sacbé, ancient white roads connecting different Mayan cities, on foot or by bike.
Adventure parks
For a unique experience, Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park combining nature, culture and adventure for the whole family. For more adrenaline, try ziplining through the jungle at parks like Xplor, which offers ziplines, underground rivers and amphibious vehicle routes.
What is the sea like on the Riviera Maya?🏖️
The sea on the Riviera Maya is breathtaking: crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue, white sandy beaches and rich marine life. The water is warm year-round, and areas protected by the coral reef, like Playa Maroma and Xpu-Ha, offer calm lagoons perfect for swimming. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, is home to sea turtles, rays, whale sharks and a stunning variety of tropical fish. If you love snorkelling and diving, the Riviera Maya boasts some of the best spots in the world, including Cozumel.
Tips for Riviera Maya Mexico holidays
Getting around: renting a car is the best way to explore the region independently, but there are also affordable colectivos (shared minibuses) connecting major towns.
Currency: the local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), but US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas. Paying in pesos generally offers a better exchange rate.
What to pack: swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen (required to protect the coral reefs), insect repellent and comfortable shoes for exploring.
Safety: The Riviera Maya is generally safe for tourists, but it's best to keep an eye on your valuables and avoid isolated areas at night.
Caribbean beaches, crystal-clear seas and mysterious Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle await you in Mexico. Book your Riviera Maya holiday now!
Riviera Maya holidays FAQs
What is the cheapest time to go to Riviera Maya?
The cheapest time to visit Riviera Maya is during the off-season, from May to early November, excluding major holidays. You can find lower prices on flights and accommodation, especially during September and October.
Is it expensive to go to Riviera Maya?
Riviera Maya can suit a range of budgets. While luxury resorts and exclusive experiences can be pricey, there are also local eateries that help keep costs down, as well as affordable all-inclusive packages and budget hotels in Riviera Maya to help keep costs down.
What is the rainiest month in Riviera Maya?
The rainiest month in Riviera Maya is typically October, which falls within the region’s hurricane season. Heavy showers can occur, but they are often short-lived and followed by sunshine.
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