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Фотогалерея ‒ Riviera Maya, Mexico

Guide to Riviera Maya

Virtual tour in Riviera Maya

Actually, the Riviera Maya is not just a single resort where you come to lie on the beach, swim in warm waves, and enjoy a meditative retreat. It’s much more than that. At the very least, its 140 kilometers of pristine coastline speak for themselves.

You can relax on the island of Cozumel or in the city of Playa del Carmen. A straight highway runs from Cancun to the southern tip of the Maya coast along the sea. Besides the large central resorts, there are numerous towns, villages, and tourist centers where it’s easy to find the solitude you’ve been longing for and enjoy tranquility.

Excursions to the legendary Chichen Itza depart from here. The numerous cities of the Maya civilization are scattered across the region, so you’ll have to choose what to prioritize—whether it’s the ancient seaside port of Tulum, the city of Ek Balam, an underground river, or the imperial parks.

In the end, if you make an effort, you can see much more. For example, the Island of Swallows—Cozumel—offers plenty of opportunities for a truly paradisiacal vacation. And the nature of the vast coral reef nearby seems perfectly designed for incredible diving.

Tips for tourists

Population
150 000
Time zone
UTC -6
Language
Spanish
Currency
Mexican peso (MXN)

Tours to Riviera Maya

Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula are renowned for their luxurious sightseeing programs and beautiful beaches, making Riviera Maya tours available year-round. Regardless of the season, there are activities to enjoy, although May and June may bring occasional rain, and hurricanes are possible in August and early fall.

For many, these weather variations add a unique "spice" to their vacation rather than being an obstacle. A trip to this region promises adventurous excursions to ancient Mayan cities and the simple pleasure of lounging beneath palm trees. The best Riviera Maya tours blend these two dreams for travelers.

To save money, hot vouchers are a well-known option, allowing for savings of 200-400 USD per person or more. Considering that you can easily find affordable hotels on the beautiful island of Cozumel and its paradise beaches, this can be a cost-effective choice.

Hot tour prices to the shores of Riviera Maya typically range from 1200-1500 USD, with a significant portion allocated to transportation costs. These tours often include all-inclusive hotels, sightseeing, diving opportunities, spas, and access to a magnificent coral reef.

For even more budget-friendly options, prices can go as low as 1000-1100 USD, especially if you choose to travel during stormy periods or brief rainy seasons. You'll still have the chance to explore the region's historical heritage, discover the secrets of underground rivers, see charming beachfront bungalows, and marvel at the natural beauty of the Yucatan.

Interesting places in Riviera Maya

Excursion programs in these parts offer a rich and diverse experience. You can delve into the extensive history of the Indian tribes across the Yucatán region, and there are numerous coastal attractions that are absolute must-sees. Exploring Riviera Maya through excursions adds depth to your vacation, and it wouldn't be complete without them. However, it's essential to consider that hiking routes in Riviera Maya may not be the most practical option. The distances between various points of interest are considerable, making it more convenient to travel by bus with a group of tourists or, at the very least, by car. So, where should you start your adventure?

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

You won’t be able to get to this region without layovers. The two nearest airports are in Cancun and on Cozumel Island. Flying into Cancun is more convenient, as it receives international flights from many European cities. Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, KLM, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, LOT, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines all operate flights here. Round-trip tickets from Berlin, Madrid, Rome, or Warsaw start at €600–750, and the journey takes 12 to 15 hours, including layovers.

If your route goes through Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam, you can find tickets starting from €550, especially if booked in advance. From Cancun, you can easily reach Riviera Maya by bus or taxi. If you choose Cozumel Island, you’ll need to take a ferry from Playa del Carmen. The total transfer time, including layovers, takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your final destination.

The best hotels in Riviera Maya

The extensive coastline and the presence of Cozumel Island provide a wide range of accommodation options to suit all preferences, with rates that vary significantly. You can discover a charming bungalow nestled between coastal towns for as low as 25-30 USD per night, or opt for the luxury of Playa del Carmen, where four or five-star hotels typically range from 150-250 USD per night. Keep in mind that the star ratings of hotels in this region may not always accurately reflect the level of service they provide. A supposed four-star hotel may actually offer three-star quality, and three-star accommodations might disappoint. It's advisable to conduct thorough research in advance. Cozumel tends to offer more small hotels and single-story "fishing houses," while the Riviera coast boasts a concentration of hotels, hostels, and guest houses. The average price for accommodation in the area usually falls within the range of 45-55 USD, which is a reasonable starting point.

The cost of vacation

Three to four days of vacation in the Riviera Maya resorts will cost you 500-700 USD, not including flights. If you want a full-fledged vacation with excursions, add about 100 USD per day to your expenses. You will find many opportunities to save money on hotels, the choice is great.

You can eat in restaurants and cafes here quite inexpensively. So most of the budget will be occupied by excursion filling - trips to Chichen Itza, visits to natural parks and amusement parks. The latter is especially important if you're traveling with teenagers, so you can safely add about 40-60 USD per day for water parks and dolphinariums.

The budget for a trip to Riviera Maya
Flight 1500–1800 USD Accomodation 30–50 USD
Average check in a restaurant 5–15 USD Transportation fare From 6 MXN
Excursion 70-100 USD.
Total: About 2875 USD for a week for two people, including two meals a day and at least one excursion per day.

Riviera Maya: tips for tourists

On the pages of tripmydream you can find out any detail of a vacation on the shores of Riviera Maya. Just find the section you are interested in or ask us any questions you may have.

Visa to Riviera Maya

Citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa for short stays (up to 180 days). They can enter Mexico with a valid passport and a completed tourist card form. However, it is always best to check the current requirements before traveling.

Airports in the Riviera Maya area

The nearest and most convenient airport is near Cancun, about 17 km from the center of Cancun. Visitors from Europe usually fly here. You can also fly to the island of Cozumel, which also has a small international airport. From here it is about 90km to Cancun.

Transfer to Riviera Maya from the airport

If you arrive in Cancun, there are buses and cabs to the city itself, the former costing between 25-30 MXN and cabs costing between 150 and 400 MXN. There are shuttle buses to all the resorts along the coast, the cost and route are marked on the windshield. Cabs are available on Cozumel.

Car rental in Riviera Maya

Most of the big companies have offices here. No collateral is required. You will need an international driver's license. The driver must be 21 years old or older. Local companies allow you to save money, but the car may be unreliable. The average rental price is from 40 USD per day.

Transportation in Riviera Maya

There are Colectivo shuttle buses along the seashores. The route is usually written on them. Most often they go to Playa del Carmen and from there to the hotel. The cost depends on the company and driver, on average from 10 to 40 MXN for short distances, and from 50 MXN for intercity travel. Cabs cost from 100 MXN.

Security in Riviera Maya

Mexico is not considered a safe country, even in resort areas there is a risk of theft and assault. Be careful in the evenings, avoid dark places. Near hotels and large restaurants, lighted beaches are safer. Avoid untested cabs taken on the street.

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