Sun, sand, surf, buzzing towns like Tulum, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen along with hundreds of resorts and hotels set along the water, Mexico’s 100-mile-long Riviera Maya has certainly become a travel hot spot. Especially for those of us in the Northern hemisphere who want to escape the long cold winters at home.

For those who don’t know, Riviera Maya is the area that stretches around 100 miles along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. What was once sleepy fishing towns and villages soon become a bustling tourist destination that now caters to every kind of traveler. These days millions of travelers regularly descend upon this beachy getaway from the US, UK and Asia. From family vacations to romantic getaways to adults only resorts there is something for everyone to see, do and experience.Here’s how to make the most of a spring break getaway along Mexico’s most happening coastline.

Getting to Riviera Maya, Mexico

While many folks think Mexico is a cheap destination to travel to, Riviera Maya being a popular destination is actually expensive for any last-minute travel. Like any vacation, a little planning ahead of time goes a long way. Most international flights to the Riviera Maya land at Cancun’s international airport which is the second largest in Mexico.Accessing most parts of the Riviera Maya from Cancun is usually by road along a highway that hugs the coast and links Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Most hotels and resorts offer an airport shuttle pick-up and drop-off service. This can be arranged at the time of booking as well. Another option is to fly into the Cozumel and then take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen. Throughout the Riviera Maya, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, with fares set by the government.

Another cool option is to use public transportation like buses and jitney-style vans. Of course, if you want to make the most of your getaway sans schedules and the freedom to explore the area on your own, you can rent a car from the airport. Most well-known brands like Avis and Thrift have counters at the airport. According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico, and Mexican insurance is required for rental vehicles. It is best to check with your travel agent or can rental company while booking to be breast of all current laws and regulations.

Best time to go to Riviera Maya

Tempting as it might be to hit the warm sand and sunshine during the harshest of winters in the US, this is considered peak season in Mexico. Especially the time between Christmas holidays through the end of March which is spring break season. Prices tend to be higher, beaches more crowded as most visitors are just looking for a little break from the mundane back home. Off season is a great time to visit especially if you have some flexibility in your getaway.

Riviera Maya does experience a hot and rainy season that lasts from June through October. You will find that hotels have more availability and prices are at their lowest. And while hurricanes are rare in this region, they have been known to impact the area. So travel insurance is a good idea, especially during hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. Your travel planner should be able to advice you on the best times to visit based on your type of vacation.

Things to do in Riviera Maya

According to the Ministry of tourism in Mexico, over 15million people visited Riviera Maya in 2019 with over 3.5million of those being international travelers. The average hotel room capacity rate for 2019 hit almost 65% with over 2% increase in the hotel room supply rate from the previous year. What this means is that with so many tourists descending on Riviera Maya, there isn’t a dearth of hotel room or things to do.From UNESCO World Heritage sites on land to watersports to many eco-friendly activities there is always something to explore and do.

• Learn about ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum
• Explore Coba, a Mayan temple in the Yucatan Peninsula
• Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Underwater exploration of the Great Maya Reef—the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest coral reef in the world
• Swim in a cenote which is a natural sinkhole filled with water. Some of the top spots include Cenote Azul, Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos

Places to stay along the Riviera Maya

As tourism grows in the Riviera Maya, so does the range and style of accommodation. From exotic to romantic to ultra-luxury, here are some that really bring the wow factor to any getaway.

• Mayakoba is an eco-friendly resort development built amid lush mangroves lining a white-sand beach. There are properties for every type of luxury traveler, plus an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course.
• Rosewood is an intimate resort with modernist suites crafted from indigenous materials with private plunge pools.
• Banyan Tree brings the essence of Asia to the Riviera Maya; every room has its own pool.
• Andazoffers amenities like sunrise yoga on the beach and photo or video shoots with a local photographer.
• Grand Velas Rivieria Maya breaks the mold of the typical all-inclusive resort with private butler service, sprawling suites that start at 1,000 square feet, and unique experiences like stargazing with an astronomer from the Astronomic Society of Quintana Roo.
• El Dorado Maroma Palafitos brings the first overwater bungalows in Mexico. Each bungalow has a glass-bottom floor, a private infinity pool, and a ladder right into the water.

What to eat/drink along the Riviera Maya

Most of the restaurants in the Riviera Maya are at resorts or in the towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Take advantage of the many restaurants at the resorts because they have perfected the art of catering to a wide variety of culinary pallets for their guests and visitors alike.Word on the street is that Mayakoba is one of the best resorts for a great dining experience. With dozens of restaurants, a cooking school, and a farmer’s market selling local craft beers and fresh churned ice cream, Mayakoba is a foodie’s dream. Rosewood offers unique experiences through their culinary programs that invites guests to embark on extraordinary gastronomic journeys that create authentic connections with the locale. From Taco workshops, to a tour of a bee farm to a beach food fest and more, you will never go hungry for the entirety of your stay.For a more global inspired food experience, Banyan Tree’s Saffron serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared by chefs from Thailand.

7-day itinerary to explore Riviera Maya area

There is definitely something to be said about exploring a popular touristy destination – the art of hospitality and welcoming a traveler – has been perfected. And Riviera Maya certainly has that going for it. No matter what type of getaway you are looking to experience, chances are you will find that and more in many of the properties along this golden coast.

Day 1 and 2: Cancun

For most people, Cancun and its surrounding areas are associated only with its beaches. But the area is also very rich in history and Mayan ruins. You can get a sense of local culture and local communities with a quick trip to the Coral Negro Flea Market and do some shopping. Spend the rest of the day in Playa Delfines, a very popular beach with transparent turquoise water and white sand. The beach is not too far from the Hotel Zone, provides serene beach experience plus greater privacy. The beach is secluded and not spoiled by commercialism that’s why you won’t find any fancy hotels, restaurants and bars. Make sure to bring your snacks and supplies if you would like to spend the whole day here. Other optional activities would be to try some water sports like jet skiing or even snorkeling.

Day 3: Valladolid

Valladolid is a charming colonial town in the heart of Yukatan Peninsula. The town is located 2 hours west of Cancun and can be reached by taking local buses or driving on your own. Once you get to Valladolid you can rent a bike.  Biking around Valladolid is a great option which allows you to enjoy the area at your own pace. Don’t forget to wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules around the central area.

Day 4: Chichen Itza

No trip to Riviera Maya is complete without a visit to Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage site in the Yucatan Peninsula is best explored by joining a guided tour to get the most of your experience. The local guides are knowledgeable and can often offer insight into a lot of the culture and history of the place you might not get by just exploring alone. The highlight of this ancient site is the Temple of Kukulkan also known as El Castillo pyramid ruin.

Day 5: Tulum

On your fifth day, take an all-inclusive day trip to breathtaking Tulum Ruins from Valladolid. Like the majority of Mayan cities, Tulum had a significant role during the Mayan Empire’s post-classic period. Because of its strategic location on a coast, Tulum served as a trading port. Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city serving as a major port for Cobá. The ruins of Tulum are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea.

Day 6 and 7: Playa Del Carmen

On day 6, travel to Playa del Carmen from Valladolid. Depending on your time of arrival, you can either take it easy and soak up the atmosphere in Playa Del Carmen or you can begin your tour of its famous attractions.  Rest a bit then get set to explore some of the most famous attractions of Playa Del Carmen like Xcaret Eco Theme Park, Cenote Chaak Tun (swim in caves with crystal clear water), Quinta Avenida and La Playa Xpuha. There is so much to see and do in Playa Del Carmen.

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