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Holidays to Riviera Maya – Top Tips for Travellers
The Riviera Maya is a popular holiday destination in Mexico. The laid back, low rise surroundings of the resorts are popular with holidaymakers who want to relax and enjoy some Mexican sunshine. Holidays to Riviera Maya feature great beaches, water activities and some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.
Where is Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is about 30 minutes’ drive from Cancun on the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Riviera Maya stretches along the Caribbean coastline from Playa del Carmen in the North to Tulum in the South. Most visitors access Riviera Maya via Cancun International Airport.
Things to do in Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is famous for its water activities. Reef diving and snorkelling are very popular activities in the area. There are several beautiful Cenotes and underground caves in the area that are worth exploring. Rio Secreto is one of these; a series of Cenotes connected by an underground river, just 5km south of Playa del Carmen. The ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum are well worth exploring, bring a hat and sunscreen though, it is quite exposed and can get very hot.
Riviera Maya or Cancun
If you are planning a holiday to Mexico and can’t decide between Riviera Maya or Cancun here is some info that might help you decide:
- Cancun attracts a younger twenty-something crowd, lots of students and singles.
- Cancun is very built up with lots of high rise hotels, while Riviera Maya is low rise and has more space.
- Cancun is party central with a vibrant nightlife and excellent bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Riviera Maya is more laid back, nightlife is centred around Playa del Carmen. Some resorts offer a shuttle service, or a taxi will cost around $25.
- The beaches are quite different. Cancun has wide sandy beaches with no waves. Riviera Maya has more sunshine and better waves thanks to the nearby reefs.
Top Tips
- Avoid visiting Riviera Maya in March as this coincides with “Spring Break” for US colleges. It gets very crowded and noisy.
- If you plan to stay in Riviera Maya and want to do some exploring in the area, consider hiring a car.
- Check if your resort offers a shuttle service to local towns and if an extra charge applies.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat if you are visiting the Mayan ruins at Tulum. There is very little shade.
- The best time to visit a Cenote is often in the afternoon, the tour buses will have left at this point.
Holidays to Riviera Maya– Ask the Experts
If you are planning a holiday to Riviera Maya, speak to an American Holidays travel expert, we have first-hand experience of the best all-inclusive resorts, activities and attractions. We’ll arrange a great all-inclusive package to Riviera Maya and give you expert advice on what to see and do when you get there. Call us now.