Riviera Maya
Everything you need to know before you go.
If you are looking for a spot south of Cancún, the Riviera Maya is a great choice. It stretches along Federal Highway 307 in Quintana Roo, covering everything from Puerto Morelos in the north down to Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The vibe varies depending on where you stay. You can find huge all inclusive resorts or smaller boutique hotels. If you have a bigger budget, there are luxury villas and yacht charters available, though those are less common than the standard hotels.
This area is perfect for people who want a mix of beach time and exploration. You should check out towns like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, or head to Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, and Chemuyil. While you are there, make sure to visit the Caribbean coastline and explore the region extending inland toward the Yucatán border.
For food, stick to local favorites like Cochinita Pibil or fresh ceviche. Prices vary wildly. A casual street taco might cost $2 to $4 USD, while a meal at one of the fine dining restaurants along Highway 307 can easily run $50 to $150 USD per person. It is a practical destination for anyone who wants easy access to both nature and high end amenities.
Sightseeing Tulum Ruins - Ancient Maya city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. $15, 3h.
Food & Drink La Morena in Playa del Carmen - Try the cochinita pibil tacos at this local spot. $12, 1h.
Outdoor Nature Dos Ojos Cenote - Crystal clear water for swimming and snorkeling in a cave system. $40, 3h. Akumal Bay - Swim with wild sea turtles in the shallow turquoise water. $20, 2h.
Nightlife Coco Bongo - High energy show with acrobats and music in downtown Playa del Carmen. $100, 4h.
Cultural Casa del Arte in Tulum - Small gallery showcasing contemporary Mayan art. Free, 1h.
Shopping Quinta Avenida - Main street in Playa del Carmen for leather goods and souvenirs. Free, 2h.
Day Trips Chichén Itzá - Massive pyramid complex from the pre-Columbian era. $60, 8h. Coba Ruins - Jungle site where you can climb some of the taller pyramids. $30, 5h.
Here is where I would stay and eat in the Riviera Maya.
Budget Selina Tulum - Tulum Center. $40 to $80/night. Good for meeting people and close to the main road. Hostel Maya Tulum - Playa del Carmen Center. $25 to $50/night. Basic but puts you steps from 5th Avenue.
Mid-range Hotel Boutique Casa Flora - Playa del Carmen Centro. $150 to $250/night. Quiet spot with a nice pool away from the crowds. The Fives Downtown - Playa del Carmen Center. $180 to $300/night. Modern rooms and very walkable.
Luxury Rosewood Maya Beach - Mayakoba. $1,200 to $2,500/night. Massive private villas in a gated ecological reserve. Hotel Esencia - Tulum Coast. $900 to $1,800/night. Minimalist luxury right on the sand.
Where to Eat El Fogón - Tacos, Playa del Carmen Center. $10 to $20 per person. Order the Al Pastor tacos. La Cueva - Mexican Fusion, Tulum Beach. $50 to $100 per person. The atmosphere is dark and moody with great seafood. calibrate - Seafood/Mediterranean, Playa del Carmen Centro. $30 to $60 per person. Fresh grilled octopus is the move here. Pastelería La Esperanza - Bakery/Cafe, Playa del Carmen Center. $5 to $15 per person. Get a coffee and a guava cake for breakfast. Hartwood - Wood-fired, Tulum Beach. $60 to $120 per person. No electricity here. Try the grilled fish with seasonal vegetables.
Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN). It is the only real option for this area.
Flights from NYC, LA, or Chicago usually cost between $300 and $600 round trip if you book a few months out. Prices spike during spring break and Christmas.
To get to your hotel in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, avoid the airport taxis. They will quote you $100 or more for a ride that should be cheaper. Book a private shuttle like Canada Transfers or USA Transfers in advance. A private van costs about $60 to $120 depending on the distance and group size. Rideshares like Uber are technically allowed but often restricted at the arrivals terminal, meaning you have to walk a bit to find your driver. The drive to Playa del Carmen takes about 45 minutes. Tulum takes about 90 minutes.
Public transit is an option for those on a budget. Take the ADO bus. You buy tickets at the airport kiosks. A seat to Playa del Carmen is around $15. It is safe and reliable, though you have to lug your bags to the bus station.
If you are already in Mexico City or Merida, you can take a flight or a long distance ADO bus. Driving from Mexico City takes about 20 hours, so just fly. If you drive from Cancun, rent a car for about $40 to $70 per day. Stick to the toll roads (Cuota) to avoid potholes and slow traffic.
When you arrive, head to Playa del Carmen. Stay near Quinta Avenida if you want to be close to shops, or find an Airbnb in neighborhoods like Playacar for more quiet.
Eat at local taquerias rather than the fancy spots on the main strip. Order Tacos al Pastor or Cochinita Pibil. A plate of three tacos usually costs $3 to $6 USD. For a sit down meal with drinks, expect to pay $20 to $40 per person.
Visit the Tulum ruins for the views and the Cenote Dos Ojos for swimming. Entry fees for these spots generally range from $15 to $30 per person.
If you are planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, timing is everything because of the rain and wind patterns.
Peak Season: December to April This is when most people go because the weather is stable. You avoid the heavy rains, though if you visit in January or February, watch out for El Norte. These are northerly winds that can make the coast feel cooler. Coastal waters are at their lowest temperature here, around 26 °C (79 °F), but cenotes stay a steady 25 °C (77 °F) all year, so swimming in them is always fine. Prices for hotels in areas like Playa del Carmen or Tulum spike during these months. Expect to pay $300 to $600 per night for decent resorts.
The Sweet Spot: May and November These are the transition months. You might get some rain since the rainy season officially runs from May through November, but you can find much better deals on flights and rooms. This is a great time to eat Cochinita Pibil at local markets where plates cost around $8 to $15. You get the benefit of warmer coastal waters (reaching 29 °C or 84 °F in August) without the absolute peak crowds of winter.
Months to Avoid: June to October This is the heart of the rainy season. The Riviera Maya gets a lot of water, averaging 1,500 mm (59 in) annually. While the reference data notes that hurricane tracks often diverge north toward Cancun or south toward Belize, skipping these months reduces your risk of storm disruptions. It is also incredibly humid.
Quick Weather Reference:
- Annual Mean Temp: 24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F)
- Coastal Water Temp: 26 °C (79 °F) in January up to 29 °C (84 °F) in August
- Cenote Water Temp: Constant 25 °C (77 °F)
Practical Tips: If you want to visit ruins like Tulum or swim in a cenote, go early in the morning to beat the heat. For food, stick to tacos al pastor from street vendors for $2 to $4 per taco rather than overpriced tourist traps in the main hotel zones.