by Plalla Real Estate 
Are you planning an unforgettable vacation in the Riviera Maya?
Have you ever dreamed of living by the Caribbean Sea?
Or perhaps you’re thinking about investing in real estate in one of the most stunning destinations in Mexico?
Congratulations! Not everyone gets this opportunity. Whether you’re planning to travel, relocate, or invest in properties in the Riviera Maya, we guarantee it will be a unique and rewarding experience.
To help you, we’ve created the most comprehensive travel guide to the Riviera Maya. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know before taking your next step. From the beautiful locations that make up this Caribbean gem to practical advice on how to get there, transportation tips, and the best times to visit. If you’re an international traveler, we’ll also cover essential details like travel requirements and key information to consider before relocating.
Are you considering buying a house or apartment in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or any other spot in the Riviera Maya? Don’t worry, this guide is for you too. Discover the lifestyle waiting for you, the best areas to invest in, and how we at Plalla Real Estate can help you find your perfect property. We’ll save you time, money, and hassle!
And remember, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. We’re here to answer your queries and guide you on your journey to the Riviera Maya!
The Riviera Maya, located in the heart of Mexico’s Caribbean, is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the world, boasting over 140 kilometers of white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Known as a top global travel hotspot, it welcomes millions of visitors annually who come seeking unforgettable vacations. However, many travelers miss out on the hidden wonders and secrets of the Riviera Maya, losing the chance to experience the unique adventures this paradise has to offer.
Imagine all-inclusive hotels for all tastes and budgets, restaurants, bars and nightclubs on the beach, water sports, countless tours and activities, festivals, shows, international events, golf, yachts, spa, temazcal, galleries and museums same as all major tourist destinations.
But what makes it so special are its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, second largest coral barrier in the world, cenotes, lagoons, underground rivers, ecological reserves, flora and fauna diversity, archaeological sites, Mayan towns, theme parks and ecotourism.
It’s paradise on earth!
What means Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya gets its name from two key elements: “Riviera,” symbolizing the region’s exclusivity and glamour, and “Maya,” honoring the greatness of the Mayan civilization, which left its mark with some of the most important cities and ruins in their history. Today, the Riviera Maya’s main cities include Playa del Carmen, celebrated for its exclusive and cosmopolitan vibe, and Tulum, known for its bohemian and mystical atmosphere.
This destination is truly one of a kind, unmatched by others. It offers an extensive array of activities, cultural and historical sites, incredible biodiversity, mouthwatering local cuisine, accommodations for every budget, and tours tailored to every type of traveler.
Additionally, romance fills the air in the Riviera Maya, making it one of the top destinations for beach weddings and honeymoons. Love Is In The Air!
Where is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is located in the Mexican Caribbean, within the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This stunning region begins just south of the renowned tourist destination of Cancun and stretches from the charming town of Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, nestled within the breathtaking Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
What cities are in the Mexican Riviera?
The Riviera Maya consists of several stunning and unique destinations, including:
- Punta Maroma
- Playa del Carmen
- Puerto Aventuras
- Xpuha
- Akumal
- Tulum
- Coba
- Sian Ka’an
In addition, the Riviera Maya, along with Cancun, welcomes 40% of all tourists visiting Mexico. Interestingly, Cancun is not part of the Riviera Maya, though many people mistakenly believe it is. Cancun experienced its tourism boom in the early 2000s, but its development has slowed down in recent years.
Today, the Riviera Maya takes center stage in tourism growth with its two major cities: Playa del Carmen and Tulum, recognized as the fastest-growing cities in Latin America, making it a hub for investment, tourism, and exclusive lifestyles in the region.
What cities are not in the Mexican Riviera?
Although they are iconic and nearby tourist destinations, the following places are not part of the Riviera Maya:
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Isla Mujeres
- Puerto Morelos
- Cozumel Island
- Holbox Island
- Bacalar
- Mahahual or Costa Maya
However, these destinations are located near the Riviera Maya, making them excellent choices for day trips. Places like Holbox Island and Mahahual stand out for their stunning beaches and peaceful atmosphere, making them well worth spending 2 or 3 full days to truly enjoy everything they offer.
If you’re planning a vacation in the Riviera Maya, consider including some of these nearby destinations in your itinerary to maximize your experience and explore the full richness of the region.
Is Cancun and Riviera Maya the same thing?
No, it is not the same thing. Cancun is a city of 900,000 inhabitants with all its tourist services in a touristic area. In contrast, the Riviera Maya is an area, which includes small cities and towns, it has 399,726 inhabitants, only Playa del Carmen has 304,942 residents and Tulum just 46,721 residents.
10.9% of the population are born in other countries, where the majority of foreign residents come from the United States, Canada, Europe and South America, influencing the local gastronomy.
Is Riviera Maya nicer than Cancun?
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel where you can relax without leaving the resort, then both destinations are excellent options. Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer luxury hotels with world-class services, perfect for a worry-free getaway.
However, if your goal is to explore the area and discover its wonders, then staying in the Riviera Maya is a better choice. Most of the region’s iconic attractions, such as stunning beaches, cenotes, eco-parks, and Mayan ruins, are located within the Riviera Maya. By staying there, you’ll save time and avoid the hassle of daily trips from Cancun, allowing you to make the most of your vacation.
Interesting Fact: the Riviera Maya has more luxury hotels and grand tourism than Cancun, despite being a much newer tourist destination.
Which one do you think is better Riviera Maya or Cancun?
What is the best time of year to go to Riviera Maya?
The best time to visit the Riviera Maya largely depends on your schedule and preferences. If you can choose when to take your vacation, there are two key factors to consider: the weather and holiday seasons.
When is it the hottest?
The hottest months are July and August, with average temperatures of 32°C (90°F).Which are the coolest months?
The coolest months are December, January, and February, with average temperatures of 23°C (73°F).When does it rain the most?
The rainy season peaks in September, October, and November, so it’s best to plan indoor activities if visiting during this time.
Additionally, consider peak travel seasons like Christmas and Easter, when prices are higher, and tourist spots are more crowded. For a quieter experience and lower costs, the months of May to June and September to November (outside heavy rains) are great options.
When is low season in the Riviera Maya?
The off-season in the Riviera Maya is the same than the wet season from September to November because they are the months with the most rain.
When is high season in the Riviera Maya?
The high season in the Riviera Maya runs from late November to early March, aligning with the months of minimal rainfall and pleasant weather. This period is particularly popular among travelers from colder countries who come to escape the winter and enjoy the sun and the warm waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
Another high season occurs during Easter Week (in March or April) and the school summer holidays in July and August. These dates attract both national and international tourists, leading to crowded hotels, beaches, and tourist activities.
It’s important to note that during high season, the prices for flights and accommodations typically increase significantly due to high demand. If you plan to visit during these periods, book well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
What is hurricane season in Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya and Cancun hurricane season is from June to November, normally the months of June, July and August are months where we can get some light rains occasionally and they might become tropical storms.
The season with the highest probability of hurricanes in the Riviera Maya is from September to November, we get usually category 1 or 2 hurricanes, nothing to worry about. This zone has not received any dangerous hurricanes since 2005, on top of that, the geographic location of the Riviera Maya is privileged since it is protected against hurricanes by Cozumel island and other islands of the Caribbean.
What is the best month to visit Riviera Maya?
The best month to visit Riviera Maya can be any month from November to August, as it has a subtropical climate with a very pleasant temperature throughout the year, an average temperature of 25°C or 77°F in approximately 250 sunny days.
Riviera Maya Climate
| Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Max | Min | Rain (mm) | Max | Min | Rain (in) |
| January | 26.5 | 22.5 | 52.3 | 79.7 | 72.5 | 2.06 |
| February | 27.1 | 22.8 | 41.2 | 80.8 | 73 | 1.62 |
| March | 27.8 | 23.2 | 36.4 | 82 | 73.8 | 1.43 |
| April | 29.5 | 24.4 | 18.6 | 85.1 | 75.9 | 0.73 |
| May | 30.6 | 25.3 | 68.2 | 87 | 77.5 | 2.68 |
| June | 31.1 | 25.8 | 110.5 | 88 | 78.4 | 4.35 |
| July | 31.8 | 26.3 | 43.4 | 89.2 | 79.3 | 1.71 |
| August | 32.1 | 26.4 | 85.6 | 89.8 | 79.3 | 3.37 |
| September | 31.8 | 26.3 | 113.1 | 89.2 | 79.3 | 4.45 |
| October | 30.2 | 25.2 | 135.3 | 86.4 | 77.4 | 5.32 |
| November | 28.4 | 23.7 | 82.8 | 83.1 | 74.7 | 3.26 |
| December | 27.5 | 23.5 | 64.6 | 81.5 | 74.3 | 2.54 |
How to get to the Riviera Maya?
Most tourists arrive in the Riviera Maya via the international airports of Cancun and Tulum, which offer direct flights from major cities in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America. These airports make the region easily accessible for travelers worldwide.
Others choose to travel by bus, car, or even motorcycle from various parts of Mexico and neighboring countries such as Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as from more distant locations like the United States and Canada.
Additionally, many visitors arrive on cruises docking at the ports of Cozumel, Calica, and Progreso. Cozumel’s port, the largest in Mexico, serves as a key gateway, offering ferry connections to Playa del Carmen, making it easier for tourists to explore the wonders of the Riviera Maya.
How far is Riviera Maya from airport?
It depends on what part of the Riviera Maya you want to visit, but you can travel from 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, check out our table of distances.
Table of distances of the main touristic spots in the Riviera Maya and its surroundings
| Start | Destination | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | Playa del Carmen | Tulum | |
| Airport | 40 min 52 km 32.3 mi | 1 h 25 min 117 km 72.7 mi | |
| Puerto Morelos | 18 min 23 km 14.3 mi | 20 min 34 km 21.1 mi | 1 h 05 min 96 km 59.7 mi |
| Playa del Carmen | 40 min 52 km 32.3 mi | 45 min 62 km 38.5 mi | |
| Xcaret | 49 min 61 km 37.9 mi | 9 min 9 km 5.6 mi | 36 min 53 km 32.9 mi |
| Puerto Aventuras | 55 min 74 km 45.9 mi | 15 min 22 km 13.7 mi | 30 min 40 km 24.9 mi |
| Xpuha | 58 min 79 km 49.1 mi | 18 min 27 km 16.8 mi | 27 min 35 km 21.7 mi |
| Akumal | 1h 05 min 89 km 55.3 mi | 25 min 37 km 22.9 mi | 20 min 25 km 15.5 mi |
| Tulum | 1 h 25 min 114 km 70.8 mi | 45 min 62 km 38.5 mi | |
| Sian Ka’an | 2 h 10 min 134 km 83.3 mi | 1 h 30 min 82 km 50.9 mi | 45 min 20 km 12.4 mi |
| Coba | 2 h 05 min 161 km 100.1 mi | 1 h 25 min 109 km 67.7 mi | 40 min 47 km 29.2 mi |
| Cancun | 15 min 14 km 8.7 mi | 56 min 73 km 45.4 mi | 1 h 33 min 128 km 79.5 mi |
| Isla Mujeres | 1 h 06 min 30 km 18.6 mi | 1 h 44 min 89 km 55.3 mi | 2 h 23 min 144 km 89.5 mi |
| Cozumel island | 1 h 20 min 70 km 43.5 mi | 40 min 18 km 11.2 mi | 1 h 27 min 80 km 49.7 mi |
| Chichen Itzá | 2 h 27 min 201 km 124.9 mi | 2 h 17 min 186 km 115.6 mi | 1 h 56 min 147 km 91.3 mi |
| Holbox island | 2 h 30 min 143 km 88.9 mi | 2 h 24 min 137 km 85.1 mi | 3 h 06 min 182 km 113.1 mi |
| Bacalar | 3 h 43 min 330 km 205.1 mi | 3 h 03 min 278 km 172.7 mi | 2 h 21 min 216 km 134.2 mi |
| Mahahual / Costa Maya | 3 h 51 min 340 km 211.3 mi | 3 h 11 min 288 km 178.9 mi | 2 h 28 min 226 km 140.4 mi |
How do you get to Riviera Maya from Cancun airport?
Bus
The ADO bus company offers the bus service from the Cancun airport to the Riviera Maya, they travel frequently, they have air conditioning, Wi-Fi and all the amenities. Travel to the main cities of Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Bus is the best option for people who want to travel comfortably to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and want the best price.
Bus Price List from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen and Tulum
| City | Passenger | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | Adult | $216 MXN $11 USD |
| Children | $108 MXN $5.50 USD | |
| Tulum | Adult | $288 MXN $14 USD |
Children | $144 MXN $7 USD |
Taxi
Taxis from the Cancun airport to the Riviera Maya provide you with more comfort since you do not have to wait and they take you directly to your hotel, but it is important to agree on the price before boarding a taxi to avoid being overcharged.
Taxi is the best option for small families or groups of friends of 3 or 4 people.
Taxi Price List from Cancun Airport to Riviera Maya
| City | Price |
|---|---|
| Puerto Morelos | $600 MXN $30 USD |
| Playa del Carmen | $900 MXN $45 USD |
| Akumal | $1,400 MXN $70 USD |
| Tulum | $1,600 MXN $80 USD |
Car Rental
Rent a car is very easy and versatile, since you can travel everywhere comfortably and can find public and private parking lots and some parking meters at any destination. You can find car rental agencies in Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun airport with: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Expedia, Hertz, National Car Rental, etc.
Car rental is the best option for tourists who want to move freely, especially to places where there is little transportation.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya?
Car Rental Price List for Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun Airport
| Car | Price |
|---|---|
Mini | $281 MXN $14 USD |
| Compact | $304 MXN $15 USD |
| Medium | $326 MXN $16 USD |
| Big | $397 MXN $20 USD |
| SUV | $715 MXN $36 USD |
Shuttle
The Shuttles are small buses or vans that provide transfers from the Cancun Airport to the Riviera Maya, they only pick up and drop off passagers at the large hotels in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It works as a shared taxi, but larger and more comfortable. Prior reservation is required on their websites.
Shuttle is the best option for solo travelers and couples staying in Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Price List for Cancun Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen and Tulum
| City | Price |
|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | $480 MXN $24 USD |
| Tulum | $800 MXN $40 USD |
Private Transfer
It is the most comfortable and fastest way to get anywhere, but it is also the most expensive. They will pick you up at the airport, terminal or your accommodation, they wait for you as long as you need and they do not charge you for excess luggage. You can request the one-way trip or round trip where they can wait up to 7 hours. They also offer transportation services for groups, weddings and tours.
Private Transfer is the best option for those looking for comfort and do not mind paying a little more.
How much does a private transfer cost from the Cancun airport?
Cancun Airport Private Transportation Price List
| City | Private Transfer (1 to 7 pax) | VIP Transfer (1 to 5 pax) | Economy Limousine (1 to 8 pax) | Limousine (1 to 8 pax) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | One way | Round trip | One way | Round trip | One way | Round trip | One way | Round trip |
| Puerto Morelos | $780 MXN $39 USD | $1,200 MXN $60 USD | $1,180 MXN $59 USD | $1,980 MXN $99 USD | $3,400 MXN $170 USD | $6,000 MXN $300 USD | $3,900 MXN $195 USD | $6,400 MXN $320 USD |
| Playa Del Carmen | $1,000 MXN $50 USD | $1,800 MXN $90 USD | $1,380 MXN $69 USD | $1,480 MXN $124 USD | $4,000 MXN $200 USD | $7,600 MXN $380 USD | $5,560 MXN $278 USD | $8,120 MXN $406 USD |
| Puerto Aventuras | $1,200 MXN $60 USD | $2,200 MXN $110 USD | $1,580 MXN $79 USD | $2,580 MXN $129 USD | n/a | n/a | $6,980 MXN $349 USD | $8,480 MXN $424 USD |
| Akumal | $1,480 MXN $74 USD | $2,540 MXN $127 USD | $1,600 MXN $80 USD | $2,700 MXN $135 USD | n/a | n/a | $6,300 MXN $315 USD | $10,200 MXN $510 USD |
| Tulum | $1,400 MXN $70 USD | $2,700 MXN $135 USD | $1,980 MXN $99 USD | $3,280 MXN $164 USD | n/a | n/a | $8,400 MXN $420 USD | $1,240 MXN $620 USD |
Bike
Traveling by bicycle in Tulum and Playa del Carmen is very popular, you can find bicycle rentals everywhere like in your accommodation, Bike Rentals or Rent a Bike businesses and even Playa del Carmen has a Shared Public Bike Rental System that you can find everywhere.
Bike is the best option for people who want to travel short distances and in an ecological way.
Bike Rental Price List in Tulum and Playa del Carmen
| City | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tulum | 1 Day | $150 MXN $8 USD |
| 2 Days | $300 MXN $16 USD | |
| 3 Days | $450 MXN $24 USD | |
| 7 Days | $1,050 MXN $56 USD | |
| Playa del Carmen | 1 Day | $98 MXN $5 USD |
| 3 Days | $196 MXN $10 USD | |
| 7 Days | $328 MXN $16 USD | |
| 365 Days | $420 MXN $21 USD |
Do you want to live or invest in real estate in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Riviera Maya?
If you like the Riviera Maya and are planning to invest in Real Estate, contact us at (+52) 984 218 2330 we answer phone calls, WhatsApp and Telegram messages. If you’re not ready to invest yet, check out our real estate listings: https://plalla.com/en/real-estate/
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Conclusion
This is the end of our Riviera Maya Travel Guide and by now you already know why you should come here and although it is impossible to stop thinking about its white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters and all inclusive hotels, you know you can find much more than that.
The Riviera Maya is full of activities to do and places to visit, such as: the pyramids of Tulum and Chichen Itzá, explore cenotes and underground rivers, dive in the second largest corral barrier in the world, swim with dolphins, turtles or sharks, visit Xcaret and other theme parks, take a yoga class on the beach, etc.
Do you like music? Check out 12th street in Playa del Carmen where you will find the already renowned Coco Bongo, and many more clubs and bars. Do you like electronic music? If you are looking for something more bohemian you will find it at Boca Paila street in Tulum.
Explore the Riviera Maya and be amazed!
What do you think this guide is missing?
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