Offering ancient history fringed in beautiful beaches, Riviera Maya and the Yucatan combine seaside lounging and accessible exploring. The region brings together vibrant coral, inland jungle, and some of Mexico’s finest archeological sites—much of it within reach of famed resorts, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Whether you’re snorkeling at Cozumel Reefs Natural Marine Park, swimming in a fresh-water cenote, visiting family-friendly adventure parks, or checking out Chichen Itza pyramids, the best things to do in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan don’t stop at the water’s edge.
Beaches bustle all throughout the Riviera Maya’s December–April high season, when revelers enjoy warm days and cool, clear nights. The biggest bashes take place in March, as spring break parties ignite in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other resort towns. While there’s fine diving and snorkeling here year-round, travelers in search of the massive whale sharks that migrate here should opt for a visit between June and mid-September.
Renting a car in the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan is a popular option and puts far-flung temples, towns, and jungle communities all within reach. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase personal liability insurance, which is required in Mexico. There are plenty of other ways to get around, too: Mexico’s easy-to-use network of ADO buses links the Cancun airport with key communities and resorts. Taxis and shared minivans called “colectivos” are plentiful throughout the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan.
Mayan archeological sites—such as Chichen Itza, the Tulum Archeological Site, and the Mayan Ruins of Coba (Zona Arqueológica de Cobá)—are a highlight of exploring this area. Since many archeological sites have little shade, it’s worth planning to avoid the most intense sunlight. You can try visiting in the early morning or early evening to avoid the daytime heat. Or bring along an umbrella: Some portable shade comes in handy when you’re exploring sunbaked temples at high noon.
Local Currency Mexican Peso (MX$) | Time Zone EST (UTC -6) | Country Code +52 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 118 | Tours 5,592 | Reviews 224,893 |
The Riviera Maya follows the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and it’s known for all-inclusive resorts, gorgeous beaches, adventure parks, and its nearby coral reefs. There’s plenty of history here, too, from the temples and pyramids of Tulum Archeological Site to cenotes that were sacred to the ancient Maya.
...MoreCancun is where beachfront hotels meet city nightlife—it’s an easy-to-reach getaway whose airport has direct flights to many cities worldwide. The Riviera Maya that extends south from Cancun is more laid-back, less about partying than adventure parks, all-inclusive resorts, snorkeling and scuba diving, and exploring nearby ruins and jungle.
...MoreMild, dry weather makes the season from December through April the best time to visit the Riviera Maya. Spring and fall can be a bit rainier, with the hottest days arriving in May. Still, the Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, with beachgoers hitting the shore in every month.
...MoreYes, you can visit Chichen Itza from Cancun, but it makes for a long day. The archeological site is located 122 miles (197 kilometers) west of Cancun, a drive that takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. Tours of Chichen Itza from Cancun generally leave early in the morning and include other sightseeing stops en route.
...MoreChichen Itza and Tulum are both ancient Maya sites, but the similarities stop there. The UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza has a towering pyramid, ball court, and other major buildings pointing to the city’s importance. While beachside Tulum is much smaller, its compact temples have the turquoise-blue ocean for a scenic backdrop.
...MoreYes, it’s worth seeing Chichen Itza. The UNESCO-listed archeological site is among the most impressive remnants of the ancient Maya world, with a massive pyramid, observatory, ball court, and other structures. It’s popular and can be crowded, but it’s famous for a reason: Chichen Itza is remarkably well-preserved and very impressive.
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