Looking for an unforgettable experience to add to your time in Cozumel? We recommend buckling up for a jam-packed day of adventure with a guided 4-by-4 Jeep tour provided by Amstar DMC, Apple Vacations’ destination management partner.
Featured Riviera Maya Hotels
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TripAdvisor ReviewsRiu Palace Mexico - All InclusiveRiviera Maya
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Riviera Maya
Is Riviera Maya a good vacation spot?
Riviera Maya is a ideal vacation spot. South of Riviera Cancun, Riviera Maya is home to many of Mexico's best hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Stretching 100 miles, from just south of Puerto Morelos to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, the area offers endless white-sand beaches, lush jungles and ancient Mayan cities including Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. Enjoy trendy shopping, wining and dining on Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue, and amazing watersports in the quaint towns of Puerto Aventuras and Akumal. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is just offshore. Be sure to visit Xel-H, the world's largest natural aquarium, and Xcaret, where you'll see fascinating indigenous wildlife and can snorkel in underground rivers.
Weather
The average temperature in Riviera Maya is 27 C (80 F). Summer temperatures are generally slightly higher. With more than 240 days of sunshine, rain is rare.
Travel to Riviera Maya
Planning an all-inclusive trip to Riviera Maya is easy and affordable with Apple Vacations. Enjoy exclusive vacation flights non-stop from more than 20 US cities, and scheduled airline service from departure cities coast to coast.
Exclusive Perks for Your Getaway
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Riviera Maya Excursions
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TULUM HALF DAY TOUR
Take a half-day guided excursion at the archaeological site of Tulum, a gem in a privileged location that rises over the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum Tour
TULUM HALF DAY TOUR
Take a half-day guided excursion at the archaeological site of Tulum, a gem in a privileged location that rises over the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum Tour
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XENOTES
Discover four different cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) in Cancun's beautiful natural surroundings. Immerse yourself into this setting with a different activity at each spot—zip lining, rappelling, snorkeling and kayaking. Xenotes
XENOTES
Discover four different cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) in Cancun's beautiful natural surroundings. Immerse yourself into this setting with a different activity at each spot—zip lining, rappelling, snorkeling and kayaking. Xenotes
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CHICHEN ITZA
Pack 1,000 years of history into one day with a guided visit of Chichen Itza's Mayan ruins, then enjoy a buffet lunch and swim in Ik Kil cenote (freshwater sinkhole). Chichen Itza
CHICHEN ITZA
Pack 1,000 years of history into one day with a guided visit of Chichen Itza's Mayan ruins, then enjoy a buffet lunch and swim in Ik Kil cenote (freshwater sinkhole). Chichen Itza
Where to Stay in Riviera Maya
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Luxury Resort/Spa Scene
The freedom to say “yes” to any and all amenities helps you achieve that ultimate vacation goal: total relaxation! Your Riviera Maya experience is elevated to VIP levels of pampered service in breathtaking surroundings, from picture-perfect beaches to haute cuisine that’ll blow your mind (and palate). Riviera Maya has a luxury, all-inclusive resort for you!
Luxury Resort/Spa Scene
The freedom to say “yes” to any and all amenities helps you achieve that ultimate vacation goal: total relaxation! Your Riviera Maya experience is elevated to VIP levels of pampered service in breathtaking surroundings, from picture-perfect beaches to haute cuisine that’ll blow your mind (and palate). Riviera Maya has a luxury, all-inclusive resort for you! -
Family Beach Scene
When the rest of the family is entertained, you can relax and soak up the sun, too! Enjoy a virtually endless array of entertainment options across an accessible stretch of world-class beach. From the kids who want to see and do everything all day long, to the grandparents, who want to take in the ocean breeze by the sea, Riviera Maya has something to cater to each and every member of your family.
Family Beach Scene
When the rest of the family is entertained, you can relax and soak up the sun, too! Enjoy a virtually endless array of entertainment options across an accessible stretch of world-class beach. From the kids who want to see and do everything all day long, to the grandparents, who want to take in the ocean breeze by the sea, Riviera Maya has something to cater to each and every member of your family. -
Adults Only
We hear you! Sometimes you just want to be with other adults. With an array of all-inclusive resorts that cater to young adult couples, singles, groups of friends, and parents traveling without kids, you’ll be sure to find a venue that fits your vacation dreams—whether that means relaxing quietly under an umbrella in the sun, dancing at a hip club, or socializing at a beach bonfire with newfound friends.
Adults Only
We hear you! Sometimes you just want to be with other adults. With an array of all-inclusive resorts that cater to young adult couples, singles, groups of friends, and parents traveling without kids, you’ll be sure to find a venue that fits your vacation dreams—whether that means relaxing quietly under an umbrella in the sun, dancing at a hip club, or socializing at a beach bonfire with newfound friends.
Top Tourist Attractions in Riviera Maya
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Archaeological Sightseeing
The stretch of coast from south of Cancun to the border of Belize is heavily populated with Mayan archeological sites. See the actual Mayan calendar, experience some of the most impressive pyramids in the western world, or explore other interesting finds from way back in time. With so many sites to choose from—Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, Muyil, San Gervasio, XelHa, and more—the Yucatan is a culture buff’s playground
Archaeological Sightseeing
The stretch of coast from south of Cancun to the border of Belize is heavily populated with Mayan archeological sites. See the actual Mayan calendar, experience some of the most impressive pyramids in the western world, or explore other interesting finds from way back in time. With so many sites to choose from—Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, Muyil, San Gervasio, XelHa, and more—the Yucatan is a culture buff’s playground -
Diving/Snorkeling
Riviera Maya is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. From shallow garden spots that are perfectly suited to snorkeling, to deep wall dives that offer sights few in the world ever get to see, Riviera Maya is one of the world’s must-see dive destinations! Even snorkel trips offer opportunities to encounter barracuda, moray eels, stingrays, tarpon, lobster, conch, a virtual rainbow of smaller tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and maybe even a shark or two!
Diving/Snorkeling
Riviera Maya is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. From shallow garden spots that are perfectly suited to snorkeling, to deep wall dives that offer sights few in the world ever get to see, Riviera Maya is one of the world’s must-see dive destinations! Even snorkel trips offer opportunities to encounter barracuda, moray eels, stingrays, tarpon, lobster, conch, a virtual rainbow of smaller tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and maybe even a shark or two! -
The Beach
With so many amazing qualities, it can be easy to overlook the most obvious draw: the beach itself. Riviera Maya sports some of the most beautiful stretches of pure white sand and jewel-toned surf. And that beach is a gateway to hours of endless fun. Of course, one of the best things to do at the beach is simply stick your feet in the warm sand, close your eyes, and listen to the waves.
The Beach
With so many amazing qualities, it can be easy to overlook the most obvious draw: the beach itself. Riviera Maya sports some of the most beautiful stretches of pure white sand and jewel-toned surf. And that beach is a gateway to hours of endless fun. Of course, one of the best things to do at the beach is simply stick your feet in the warm sand, close your eyes, and listen to the waves.
Family Activities in Riviera Maya
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Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Over one million acres of diverse, UNESCO-protected tropical ecosystems await you and your fellow adventurers or junior explorers. Boat tours are the best way to experience this unique ecosystem: you’ll see mangroves, the nurseries of the Caribbean, jungles (complete with howler monkeys), and all manner of plant life, not to mention Mayan ruins!
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Over one million acres of diverse, UNESCO-protected tropical ecosystems await you and your fellow adventurers or junior explorers. Boat tours are the best way to experience this unique ecosystem: you’ll see mangroves, the nurseries of the Caribbean, jungles (complete with howler monkeys), and all manner of plant life, not to mention Mayan ruins! -
Swim with...
Dream of diving in with sea turtles? How about swimming with dolphins? Taking a tour of tropical fish? If whale sharks are in season, you can experience them as well. Turns out, smart animals prefer to spend time in Riviera Maya, just like you! We have yet to meet a kid (or adult, for that matter) who isn’t overjoyed at the prospect of swimming with any one of the region’s magnificent marine animals. Riviera Maya offers a multitude of outlets that will make these dreams come true.
Swim with...
Dream of diving in with sea turtles? How about swimming with dolphins? Taking a tour of tropical fish? If whale sharks are in season, you can experience them as well. Turns out, smart animals prefer to spend time in Riviera Maya, just like you! We have yet to meet a kid (or adult, for that matter) who isn’t overjoyed at the prospect of swimming with any one of the region’s magnificent marine animals. Riviera Maya offers a multitude of outlets that will make these dreams come true. -
Cenotes
A cenote is technically a sinkhole, but that definition doesn’t do it justice; you have to experience them to believe their beauty! The cenotes in and around the Yucatan include some amazing cave formations that are connected and often navigable by snorkel and kayak, while others will indulge your inner spelunker by requiring harnesses and helmets. Numbers are limited for these tours, so you’ll want to book with Amstar DMC in advance.
Cenotes
A cenote is technically a sinkhole, but that definition doesn’t do it justice; you have to experience them to believe their beauty! The cenotes in and around the Yucatan include some amazing cave formations that are connected and often navigable by snorkel and kayak, while others will indulge your inner spelunker by requiring harnesses and helmets. Numbers are limited for these tours, so you’ll want to book with Amstar DMC in advance.
Nightlife & Entertainment in Riviera Maya
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Club/Dancing
Playacrawl offers a guided way to experience all the top spots in PDC. Kitxen is the spot for the casual beachcomber vibe. Looking for something more lively? You can get your Mojito fix at Batey’s or venture out La Vaquita and Palazzo Disco for the music, dancing, and people-watching.
Club/Dancing
Playacrawl offers a guided way to experience all the top spots in PDC. Kitxen is the spot for the casual beachcomber vibe. Looking for something more lively? You can get your Mojito fix at Batey’s or venture out La Vaquita and Palazzo Disco for the music, dancing, and people-watching. -
Shows
Coco Bongo’s outpost in Playa del Carmen delivers the same sensational show experience as its sister locations. Cirque Du Soleil’s JOYA blends the history and art of Mexican culture with Cirque’s trademark mesmerizing choreography. Rauxa answers the burning question: what happens if Moulin Rouge moves to the Yucatan? Meanwhile Xcaret’s over 300 performers offers an impressive take on local culture and Mayan history.
Shows
Coco Bongo’s outpost in Playa del Carmen delivers the same sensational show experience as its sister locations. Cirque Du Soleil’s JOYA blends the history and art of Mexican culture with Cirque’s trademark mesmerizing choreography. Rauxa answers the burning question: what happens if Moulin Rouge moves to the Yucatan? Meanwhile Xcaret’s over 300 performers offers an impressive take on local culture and Mayan history. -
Fine Dining
Mexican-inspired seafood dishes reign supreme in the region (for good reason), and are the obvious draw for dining out (try Pavo Real). But the area will ensure that your taste buds never get bored: get a world-class steak at Harry’s, amazing Mediterranean fare at Osteria De Roma, and even several vegan options at spots like Passion, Rosa Negra, and NU Tulum.
Fine Dining
Mexican-inspired seafood dishes reign supreme in the region (for good reason), and are the obvious draw for dining out (try Pavo Real). But the area will ensure that your taste buds never get bored: get a world-class steak at Harry’s, amazing Mediterranean fare at Osteria De Roma, and even several vegan options at spots like Passion, Rosa Negra, and NU Tulum.
