RIVIERA MAYA
The Riviera Maya is a turquoise dream along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a land where ancient Mayan ruins meet world-class resorts and vibrant coral reefs.
This tropical corridor offers a perfect mix of cultural history, adventurous jungle excursions, and stunning white-sand beaches, making it Mexico’s premier vacation destination.
Most Popular Attractions
Ancient Mayan Cities & Archaeological Sites
Chichén Itzá: A spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, featuring the iconic Kukulkán Pyramid (El Castillo).
Tulum Archaeological Zone: Dramatic ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, once a major Mayan port city.
Cobá: Site of Nohoch Mul, a tall pyramid (one of the few still climbable in the region) and extensive interconnected ancient roads (sacbéob).
Ek Balam: Well-preserved Mayan city with detailed stucco sculptures and a massive Acropolis structure.
Muyil: Lesser-known ruins near Tulum, situated next to a beautiful lagoon with an ancient canal system.
Natural Wonders – Cenotes & Reefs
Gran Cenote: A beautiful, large, open-air cenote popular for swimming and snorkeling near Tulum.
Dos Ojos Cenote: A famous flooded cave system offering incredible scuba diving and snorkeling experiences.
Cenote Azul: A large, open, shallow cenote, perfect for families and cliff jumping.
Akumal Bay (Turtle Sanctuary): Famous for its calm waters and the opportunity to swim alongside green sea turtles (with guided tours).
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System: The second-largest coral reef system in the world, offering unparalleled snorkeling and diving, accessible from Cozumel and the mainland.
Theme Parks & Eco-Adventures
Xcaret Park: A massive eco-archaeological park featuring underground rivers, natural pools, cultural shows, and a recreation of a Mayan village.
Xel-Há Park: A natural aquarium park where a river meets the sea, famous for snorkeling, water activities, and its scenic inlet.
Xplor Park: An adventure park offering ziplining, amphibious vehicle driving, rafting through caves, and swimming in underground rivers.
Xenses Park: A park designed to challenge the senses with various optical illusions and sensory experiences.
Coastal Cities & Town Cores
Cancún Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera): A 15-mile strip of land with high-rise resorts, nightclubs (like Coco Bongo), shopping malls, and pristine beaches.
Playa del Carmen (Quinta Avenida): The lively pedestrian street, a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Isla Mujeres: A charming island getaway accessible by ferry, known for its relaxing atmosphere and Playa Norte, one of the world’s best beaches.
Cozumel: A large island famous worldwide for its spectacular scuba diving and cruise ship port.
Tulum Town (Pueblo): A rapidly developing town offering a bohemian-chic vibe, trendy restaurants, and boutique shopping.
Cultural & Entertainment
Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA): An art installation featuring over 500 permanent sculptures submerged in the ocean, creating an artificial reef.
Ferry to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres: A popular activity for day trips to the nearby islands.
Tulum’s Hotel Zone Beach Clubs: Famous for their exclusive, bohemian-luxe beach clubs and restaurants.
Activities & Experiences
Snorkel or Dive in a Cenote: Explore the magical, crystal-clear sinkholes unique to the Yucatán Peninsula, such as Cenote Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote. Many offer both snorkeling and diving opportunities in these underground river systems.
Visit the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum: Tour the dramatically located archaeological site perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Explore Chichén Itzá: Take a day trip to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site and marvel at the magnificent Kukulkán Pyramid (El Castillo), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Wander through the Cobá Ruins: Rent a bike or hire a tricitaxi to explore this extensive site, which features the tallest pyramid in the northern Yucatán, Nohoch Mul.
Dive or Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal: Experience the incredible opportunity to swim alongside resident green sea turtles in their natural feeding grounds (often requires a guided tour for conservation).
Experience a Mayan Temazcal Ceremony: Participate in a traditional pre-Hispanic sweat lodge ritual led by a shaman for spiritual cleansing and meditation.
Take a Ferry to Isla Mujeres: Spend a day or two exploring the island by golf cart, relaxing on the pristine sands of Playa Norte, and visiting the Punta Sur cliffside park.
Discover the Nightlife in Cancún: Experience the mega-clubs, bars, and shows in the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), including the famous Coco Bongo.
Go Scuba Diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef: Take a boat trip from Cozumel or Playa del Carmen to explore the vibrant coral reefs, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.
Stroll La Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen: Walk along the vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare, which is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and street performers.
Go Ziplining and ATV Riding: Spend a day at an adventure park (like Xplor, Xel-Há, or Xcaret) to enjoy high-octane activities through the jungle, often combined with cenote swimming.
Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Book a guided boat tour into this protected natural area south of Tulum to see manatees, dolphins, and diverse birdlife in the lagoons and mangroves.
Learn to Cook Authentic Yucatán Cuisine: Take a cooking class to master regional specialties like Cochinita Pibil, Sopa de Lima, or Pescado Tikin Xic.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport: The ADO Bus Network: ADO is the premier bus service, offering comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable connections between all major points: Cancún Airport (CUN), Cancún City, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Valladolid. Use it for intercity travel.
Collectivos (Shared Vans): For budget-friendly, local travel, collectivos are shared white passenger vans. They run constantly along Highway 307 between Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. They are ideal for reaching cenotes or resorts outside the main towns.
Taxis: Taxis are abundant, but prices are often non-metered and should be agreed upon before you start your ride, especially in Cancún and Tulum, where drivers are less regulated and prices can be high.
Car Rentals: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring cenotes, Mayan ruins, and remote beaches. However, be aware of high insurance costs (often mandatory) and the potential for police checkpoints (drive carefully and adhere strictly to all traffic laws).
Getting Around Town:
- Cancún (Hotel Zone): The R-1 and R-2 public buses run 24/7 along the entire hotel strip and are the easiest way to travel.
- Playa del Carmen: The city center is very walkable.
- Tulum: Renting a bike is the primary way to travel between the town pueblo and the beach zone.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary and expected for good service, particularly in tourist areas. A 10-15% tip (propina) in restaurants is standard. Tip taxi drivers only if they provide extra service, and $1-$2 USD per bag for hotel bellhops.
Currency and Payments: While Mexican Pesos (MXN) are the official currency, U.S. Dollars (USD) are widely accepted (often at poor exchange rates). Always try to pay in Pesos. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential for street vendors, small shops, and collectivos.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: If you plan on swimming or snorkeling in cenotes or the ocean, you are required to use biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen. Regular chemical sunscreens damage the fragile coral and cenote ecosystems.
The Sascab (Limestone Soil): The entire region is limestone, which means it’s highly porous. This is the source of the incredible cenotes. When walking on jungle paths or through ruins, be mindful of uneven ground.
Hidden Gems
- Mercado 28 (Cancún): Escape the Hotel Zone to this sprawling flea market and street food area in downtown Cancún for better prices and more authentic local color.
- Laguna Kaan Luum (Tulum): A beautiful, less-crowded lagoon south of Tulum with a massive, deep blue cenote in the center. Great for kayaking and peaceful swimming.
- Muyil Ruins: A smaller, quieter Mayan site inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. The real treat is taking a boat tour from here to float lazily down a natural canal that the Maya built.
- Cozumel’s East Side: While the west side is where the ferries dock, the undeveloped east side (known as “The Other Side”) is wild, beautiful, and a great place to stop for a drink and fresh fish lunch.
Top Restaurants
Taquerias El Ñero Juarez [$5-$15] – A classic local taqueria in Playa del Carmen famous for its flame-grilled tacos, especially the regional specialty, suadero (a thin cut of beef).
Taqueria Honorio [$5-$15] – A wildly popular morning spot in Tulum town for authentic Yucatecan fare, specializing in slow-roasted cochinita pibil (marinated pork) tacos and lechon (roast suckling pig) tortas.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca [$5-$15] – A well-known Tulum local favorite for incredibly affordable and delicious tacos al pastor, panuchos, and salbutes.
Birria de la 30 [$5-$15] – Located in Playa del Carmen, this is a must-try for birria (spicy shredded meat stew, often goat or beef) served in tacos or with a side of rich consommé.
Loncheria La Esquina [$5-$15] – Considered one of the best budget-friendly and authentic Mexican spots in Downtown Tulum, famous for its regional lonches (small sandwiches) and simple, fresh cuisine.
Asadero El Pollo [$5-$15] – A no-frills Playa del Carmen institution specializing in perfectly charcoal-grilled chicken served simply with rice, tortillas, and salsa.
La Cochi Loka [$5-$15] – A small, bright spot in Playa del Carmen dedicated to the Yucatecan delicacy, cochinita pibil, served in tacos, tortas, and more.
Taqueria Los Gómez [$5-$15] – A simple, highly-regarded local taqueria in Playa del Carmen, known for attracting a strictly local crowd and for excellent al pastor.
Pozolería Mi Abuelita [$10-$20] – A classic Mexican restaurant in Playa del Carmen specializing in pozole (a hearty soup/stew), which is a Mexican staple and a favorite of locals.
Loncheria Doña Mary [$5-$15] – A very small, local spot in Playa del Carmen famous for its traditional Yucatecan antojitos (snacks) and comida corrida (daily fixed-price menu).
El Faraón [$5-$15] – A classic, highly-recommended late-night taco joint in Cancún, particularly lauded for its tacos al pastor.
El Compadre [$5-$15] – An authentic, non-touristy taco spot in Playa del Carmen known for late-night service and traditional cuts of meat.
Don Sirloin [$10-$20] – Known for their arrachera (skirt steak) tacos, this spot has a few locations in Playa del Carmen and is a step up from typical street stands.
Taqueria El Compa Chino [$10-$20] – A local’s secret in Cancún offering a unique blend of Chinese flavors and traditional Mexican tacos.
Gory Tacos [$5-$15] – An unassuming, highly-rated taco stand in Cancún that is a favorite for locals seeking great, no-frills street tacos.
El Negro del Puerto [$10-$20] – A low-key spot in the Puerto Morelos town square for local tacos and regional specialties away from the resort crowds.
El Camello Jr. [$10-$25] – A long-standing, no-frills Tulum institution in the town center famous for serving incredibly fresh, affordable, and massive portions of ceviche and fried fish.
Los Aguachiles [$15-$30] – With locations in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this is a trendy but local-loved spot specializing in aguachiles and tostadas, offering creative seafood dishes.
El Fish Fritanga [$20-$40] – Located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, this one is an exception; it’s a casual, local-feeling roadside stall/restaurant famous for its fresh seafood tacos and a more relaxed lagoon-side dining area.
El Pirata [$20-$40] – Just off the main tourist street in Playa del Carmen, this market-style seafood spot is frequented by locals and known for its fresh fish sold by weight, which they grill or fry for you.
La Bomba Jarocha [$15-$30] – A very popular, no-frills local seafood spot in Playa del Carmen known for its Veracruz-style seafood dishes.
Mariscos El Rincón de la 38 [$15-$30] – A well-regarded, low-key spot in Playa del Carmen for fresh seafood, including tacos and shrimp cocktails.
Pescaderia Tulum [$15-$30] – A highly-rated, local fish market and simple restaurant in Tulum Pueblo, where the freshness of the catch is the star.
Flamingos Seafood Kitchen [$20-$40] – A long-time favorite in Puerto Juárez (Cancún) for casual, classic seafood and great views of Isla Mujeres.
Muelle 115 [$20-$40] – A local choice in Playa del Carmen for mariscos (seafood), offering simple, high-quality preparations.
La Negra Tomasa [$15-$30] – A popular seafood and antojitos spot in Tulum town known for its lively atmosphere and fresh catch.
Axiote Cocina de México [$30-$60] – An upscale but warm restaurant in Playa del Carmen focused on gourmet Yucatecan and traditional Mexican dishes, known for its open kitchen and inventive menu.
NÜ Tulum [$50-$80] – A fine dining experience in the Tulum jungle/beach zone that focuses on a contemporary interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine and uses local, seasonal ingredients.
Le Chique [$100-$150+] – Located near Puerto Morelos, this is an award-winning, avant-garde restaurant (often with a Michelin star) offering a multi-course, innovative tasting menu focused on molecular and modern Mexican gastronomy. (Worthy Tourist Destination)
Hartwood [$70-$120+] – A famous, highly-acclaimed, and now quite-touristy spot in Tulum Beach, but still considered worthy for its unique farm-to-table concept and wood-fired cooking in an open-air setting.
Arca [$60-$100] – A contemporary jungle-side restaurant in Tulum Beach, known for its inventive small plates using micro-seasonal ingredients, cooked over a wood fire.
KI’IS Restaurant (by Paco Ruano) [$70-$120] – Located in the Kanai resort complex, this restaurant from a renowned Mexican chef offers an innovative, seafood-focused tasting menu in a modern Mexican style.
Le Four [$30-$50] – A popular bistro in Playa del Carmen known for its contemporary Mexican and international dishes, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Imprevist [$30-$50] – A highly-rated international restaurant in Playa del Carmen that offers refined contemporary cuisine with diverse influences, known for its excellent service.
Saffron [$50-$90] – Located in Mayakoba, this restaurant is a highly-regarded, upscale spot for authentic Royal Thai cuisine on the lagoon, known for its beautiful, romantic setting.
Ocumare [$50-$80] – An inventive restaurant in the Tulum Hotel Zone offering a fusion of international flavors with a focus on Mexican ingredients.
Itzam-na Restaurante Mexicano [$30-$50] – A lovely restaurant in the Tulum Hotel Zone putting a modern, quality spin on traditional Mexican dishes.
Maiz de Mar [$40-$70] – Located in Cancún, this is a contemporary, upscale restaurant by a noted chef, focusing on the coastal cuisine of Mexico.
La Fondita (Mayakoba) [$15-$30] – A small, casual cantina in the Mayakoba’s El Pueblito offering delicious, unique tostadas, including the non-traditional “La Fresa” (jicama base).
Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge [$50-$90] – Located in Playa del Carmen, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience inside a cenote (natural sinkhole cave), known for its stunning atmosphere and upscale international cuisine. (Worthy Tourist Destination)
Kin Toh [$80-$150+] – Located at the Azulik Resort in Tulum, this is an iconic “nest” style dining experience high above the jungle canopy, offering a dramatic setting and high-end international/Mexican cuisine. (Worthy Tourist Destination)
La Cueva del Chango [$20-$40] – A charming, rustic-chic spot in Playa del Carmen with a natural jungle garden setting, serving traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch with a fresh, organic focus.
Rosa Negra [$60-$100+] – A high-energy, vibrant, upscale Latin American restaurant in the Tulum Hotel Zone known for its live DJ, stunning decor, and top-tier cuts of meat and seafood.
Bejuco [$40-$70] – An intimate, jungle-chic restaurant in the Tulum Hotel Zone with a menu focused on authentic Mexican wood-fired cooking.
Mamazzita [$60-$100] – Located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, this is an upscale, high-energy dining experience with fire shows and a menu of elevated Mexican cuisine.
El Fogón (Playa del Carmen) [$10-$25] – While popular with tourists, locals still frequent this spot for its genuinely excellent, no-frills al pastor tacos and bustling, authentic atmosphere.
Palma Central [$15-$30] – An outdoor food park in Tulum town featuring various food trucks and stands (tacos, burgers, etc.), offering a fun, casual evening with live music.
Gitano Tulum [$50-$80] – A beautiful, mezcal-centric jungle bar and restaurant with a bohemian atmosphere, known for its live music and modern Mexican dishes.
Casa Jaguar [$50-$80] – Another atmospheric jungle spot in the Tulum Hotel Zone, serving wood-fired cuisine and creative cocktails in a romantic setting.
Aldea Corazón [$40-$70] – Located in Playa del Carmen, this restaurant is set around a small, beautiful cenote and offers Mexican cuisine in an exotic jungle setting.
Oh LaLa! [$40-$70] – A small, highly-rated international cuisine restaurant in Playa del Carmen known for its intimate setting and personalized service.
Tauro [$70-$120] – An upscale steakhouse located in the Fairmont Mayakoba resort, known for its fine cuts, martini bar, and luxurious setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Handshake Speakeasy (Playa del Carmen): Tucked away and known for its high-concept mixology, this intimate bar offers complex, inventive cocktails and a sophisticated, clandestine atmosphere, placing it among the region’s top bars.
The Roof at The Thompson (Playa del Carmen): A chic rooftop bar in the center of Playa del Carmen that offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean. It’s an ideal spot for sunset cocktails and features a stunning infinity pool.
Abolengo Bartina (Cancún): Located in the heart of the Cancún Hotel Zone’s party center, this stylish bar is known for its high-quality cocktails served in iconic skull glasses and a refined yet lively atmosphere.
Gitano Tulum (Tulum): Set in a lush, jungle-like setting along the Tulum beach road, this popular spot offers mezcal-focused cocktails, a renowned outdoor disco, and a vibrant, bohemian vibe under the stars.
Confessions (Tulum): Situated on the beach road, this upscale lounge and bar is known for its incredible design, mixology, and sophisticated electronic music, offering a stylish pre- or post-dinner experience.
La Buena Barra (Cancún): A sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar in the Hotel Zone that offers stunning lagoon views, specializing in high-end spirits and expertly crafted cocktails alongside gourmet Mexican cuisine.
Eufemia (Tulum): A classic, laid-back beach shack bar on Tulum beach known for its strong margaritas, cheap beers, and an unpretentious, fun atmosphere right on the sand.
Rose Bar at ME Cancún (Cancún): Located in the Hotel Zone, this high-end bar offers an impressive cocktail menu and a sleek, modern ambiance, often featuring a DJ for a sophisticated, lounge-style night out.
Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar (Tulum Pueblo): A local favorite in Tulum town, this vibrant spot serves fresh sugar cane juice (guarapo) used to make exceptional mojitos, often accompanied by live music.
Santito Tun Tun (Playa del Carmen): A lively bar in Playa del Carmen’s center known for its festive atmosphere, live music (often Latin and rock), and a wide selection of local and international spirits.
Frida (Playa del Carmen): A colorful and artistic bar on Fifth Avenue that offers traditional Mexican cocktails, including a variety of unique margaritas, in a relaxed, cultural setting.
The Lost Tiki (Playa del Carmen): A popular spot with a distinctive South Seas theme, offering creative and potent tiki-style cocktails in a fun, immersive environment in the heart of Playa del Carmen.
I Scream Bar (Tulum Pueblo): A unique combination of a bar and an ice cream shop in Tulum town, known for its punk-rock vibe, great tequila and mezcal selection, and lively atmosphere.
Mandala Beach Club (Cancún): While primarily a day club, its bar area is a premier spot in the Hotel Zone for enjoying cocktails by the pool with stunning Caribbean views and a high-energy soundtrack.
Clandestino (Playa del Carmen): A vibrant, laid-back bar offering specialty craft cocktails and a great selection of beers in a slightly off-the-beaten-path location, popular with locals.
Coco Bongo (Cancún & Playa del Carmen): A world-famous super-club in both the Hotel Zone and Playa del Carmen, known for its spectacular high-energy shows featuring professional acrobats, dancers, and impersonators of famous artists, combining the feel of a club and a Vegas show.
The City Nightclub (Cancún): One of Latin America’s largest nightclubs, located in the Cancún Hotel Zone, offering a massive dance floor, incredible light and sound systems, and hosting international DJs and live acts.
Mandala Nightclub (Cancún & Playa del Carmen): A trendy, Asian-inspired nightclub in both major locations, featuring a vibrant atmosphere, often playing a mix of electronic, commercial, and reggaeton music. The Cancún venue is in the Hotel Zone’s party center.
Dady’O (Cancún): A classic, long-standing nightclub in the Cancún Hotel Zone built into a cave-like setting, famous for its theme nights, bikini contests, and high-energy EDM and commercial music.
La Santanera (Playa del Carmen): A renowned club in Playa del Carmen known for its multi-level design, vibrant rooftop terrace, and commitment to electronic and house music, attracting a sophisticated crowd.
Vagalume Tulum (Tulum): More than just a beach club, Vagalume transforms into a premier nightlife spot on the beach road, hosting major international electronic music DJs in a beautiful, natural jungle setting.
Azzurra Beach Club (Tulum): Located on the beach, this venue hosts vibrant parties and club nights, especially on weekends, combining the feel of a beach bar with a dance club, popular for its electronic beats.
Cuncrawl Bar Crawl (Cancún): While not a single venue, this is a highly popular organized club crawl that guides tourists to the top 3-4 clubs in the Hotel Zone (like Mandala, Dady’O, and Cuncun), providing a full clubbing experience.
Akim Beach (Tulum): An exclusive beach club that transitions into a popular late-night spot, offering a stylish party atmosphere with house music and unique light installations on the Tulum beach.
Señor Frog’s (Cancún & Playa del Carmen): A famously raucous and casual club/bar in the Hotel Zone and Playa del Carmen, known for its party-all-day-and-night mentality, interactive staff, and popular commercial music.