One of the most touristic areas of Mexico is the Riviera Maya. If you like the sun, the sea and the beach this is one of the most sought after destinations in America, so today in Actualidad Viajes we will give you information and tips for traveling to Riviera Maya.
With the pandemic the area has suffered a lot but little by little tourism is beginning to return, so take notes for your next trip.
Riviera Maya
It is on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, about 210 kilometers in total, on the eastern part of the Yucatá peninsulan. Only here there are 405 hotels of different categories, with an offer of around 43.500 rooms. And yes, the vast majority offer the all-inclusive system, which is super practical.
The area is covered by a semi-tropical forest dried, the beaches are coral sand, the crystal clear and warm waters, typical of the Caribbean, and as the land is limestone there are many caves underground or caves, nowadays another tourist attraction.
The main points of interest in the Riviera Maya are Puerto Morelos, about 16 kilometers from Cancun International Airport and 32 from Cancún same. It is a coastal town, of fishing origin, with a quiet atmosphere.
Also Playa del Carmen, the most important and largest city on the Riviera, with many hotels, shops and restaurants, There are four kilometers of pedestrianized areas and beaches and it is the starting point to visit Cozumel. Another destination is Port Adventures.
Puerto Aventuras is a tourist and residential development with a nautical air, with the best marina on the peninsula, a golf course and spectacular beaches. Follow him Akumal, with fewer hotels but with the beautiful Yalku lagoon for snorkeling, cenotes and coastal reefs. Here you cannot miss a visit to Aktun Chen, a beautiful cave with three rooms, its own cenote and many stalactites and stalagmites.
Tulum It is the most classic postcard. The coastal archaeological zone is a beautiful photo. Ancient walled Mayan city, today there are some hotels and restaurants, there are cobá ruins, about 40 kilometers away, and there are also several cenotes. Speaking of Cobá, it is another Mayan archaeological site, 90 kilometers from Chichen Itza.
For nature lovers there is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, on the Caribbean coast, a World Heritage Site since 1987.
Tips for traveling to Riviera Maya
If you are going to move by car then you must bring with you the international driver's license.In my case, I always process it at the Automobile Club in my country and it is super professional. Later, if you are going to practice a particular sport such as sailing and others, you should bring your own certificates. Health Insurance also, of course.
With respect to the current currency is the Mexican peso but in most tourist sites they are equally accepted US dollars and euros. The main t They are also common (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), but not in small shops and street stalls, so it is always convenient to have some pesos on hand, especially when you go on an excursion.
There are many ATMs in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, but do not trust them and whenever you leave the hotel on this type of excursion, take your own money. You will need it if you want to buy water, sunscreen, a craft that you like or leave a tip. Here in Mexico the usual thing is to leave 10 and 15% of the total bill in bars and restaurants, but it is convenient to check because some sites already include it. And yes, it is also customary to tip tour guides.
When should you go to Riviera Maya? Well, it is hot and humid throughout the year, but it rains between May and October and from June to November it is hurricane season. The dry season is between November and April with pleasant temperatures of around 25ºC, although in January and February the nights can be cooler. North winds can bring some clouds and some rain in December and January. Except for the holidays, these dates are generally considered low season so there are better prices and fewer people.
On the other hand, the rainy season is between May and October with rain and heat and humidity. The rains can be intense and short and after a while the sun comes out. High season is between June and August and then the prices are more expensive and there are more people. To tell the truth, the worst is the hurricane season, from June to November, but especially between August and October. It is not that there are hurricanes every year and the weather system always detects it in time but precautions are not taken away.
15 million tourists visit the Riviera Maya and Cancun every year, so it is a safe destination. Yes, I have also seen the latest news about shootings in commercial areas ... Unfortunately drug trafficking is a danger and we must take that into account but it seems to me that it is still not a reason to cancel this part of Mexico from our list of tourist destinations. In relation to other precautions, you have to take the usual ones.
With regards to Services in the area there is everything, from buses and taxis to car rental and private services. The transport you choose will depend on your plans. If you go on an excursion maybe you can rent a car or sign up for roundtrip tours that include the assistance of a guide and tickets. If you go shopping, ask for a taxi at the hotel and voila. If you are going to stop one on the street, make sure it has a license and fix the price of the trip as there is no meter.
Can you drink tap water? En general, No. And even if I say yes, it doesn't suit you. Does anyone want to spend their vacation in the bathroom with a stomachache? Always prefer bottled water.
Finally, Where should you stay? There are many all-inclusive hotels and they are always the best option. Especially if you go through the Cancun area. Now, if you are going to visit the Riviera Maya and in particular Cozumel and Playa del Carmen there are beautiful hotels like Royal Hideaway Playacar for adults only, or Occidental in Xcaret or Allegro Playacar in Playa del Carmen. The Barceló group It has many accommodations in this part of Mexico.
What cannot be missing on a trip to Riviera Maya?
- Visit to the Akumal Ecological Center
- Snorkel in the Cenote Dos Ojos
- Punta Venado Eco Park
- Xel- Há Caves
- Visit Holbox Island, two hours from the Riviera Maya. It is only 42 kilometers long, but it is full of tropical birds.
- Playa del Carmen, Rio Secreto
- Cancún