Riviera Maya Vacations — Mexico's Most Beautiful Coast
Mexico
The Riviera Maya stretches 130km south of Cancún along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula — a region of extraordinary natural beauty where the world's second-largest coral reef lies just offshore, Mayan ruins overlook the turquoise sea, and the freshwater cenotes of the Yucatán limestone offer some of the world's most extraordinary swimming and diving experiences.
Why Visit Riviera Maya?
- ✓Playa del Carmen — the Riviera Maya's most vibrant town
- ✓Tulum — clifftop Mayan ruins with extraordinary Caribbean views
- ✓Cozumel — world-class diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
- ✓Cenote Dos Ojos — one of the world's most beautiful cave diving systems
- ✓Cobá — climb the tallest Mayan pyramid still open to visitors
Things to Do in Riviera Maya
Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.
Tulum Ruins
Explore the extraordinary clifftop Mayan ruins of Tulum — the only Mayan city built on the coast, with extraordinary views of the Caribbean.
Cenote Diving & Snorkelling
Explore the extraordinary cenote system — Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Azul are among the most beautiful in the world.
Cozumel Diving
Take a ferry to Cozumel for world-class diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — extraordinary coral, sea turtles, and marine life.
Cobá Mayan Ruins
Climb the 42-metre Nohoch Mul pyramid at Cobá — the tallest Mayan pyramid still open to visitors, with extraordinary jungle views.
Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue
Explore the pedestrianized Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) in Playa del Carmen — shopping, restaurants, and the vibrant street life of the Riviera Maya's most cosmopolitan town.
Biosphere Reserve Sian Ka'an
Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve — mangroves, lagoons, and extraordinary wildlife.
Ready to book your Riviera Maya trip?
Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.
Where to Eat in Riviera Maya
Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.
Wood-Fire Cuisine
Hartwood, Tulum
One of the world's most celebrated restaurants — open-fire cooking using local ingredients in a beautiful jungle setting.
Cave Restaurant
Alux, Playa del Carmen
A unique restaurant set inside a natural cenote cave — exceptional Mexican cuisine in an extraordinary underground setting.
Mexican Breakfast
La Cueva del Chango, Playa del Carmen
A beloved local breakfast spot in a beautiful garden — the best huevos rancheros and fresh fruit on the Riviera Maya.
Where to Stay in Riviera Maya
Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.
Rosewood Mayakoba
LuxuryOne of Mexico's finest resorts — set in a mangrove lagoon with a private beach, exceptional spa, and world-class dining.
Andaz Mayakoba
LuxuryA stunning resort in the Mayakoba complex — beautiful design, exceptional service, and a private beach.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
LuxuryAn extraordinary all-inclusive resort — exceptional food, a world-class spa, and beautiful beach and jungle settings.
Planning Your Riviera Maya Trip
📅 Best Time to Visit
December through April — perfect weather and the peak tourist season. May through November is hurricane season.
🌤️ Climate
Tropical with warm, humid weather year-round (25–35°C). The dry season is December–April.
✈️ Getting There
Fly to Cancún International Airport (CUN) — approximately 5 hours from Calgary. The Riviera Maya is 45 minutes to 2 hours south of Cancún by car.
Frequently Asked Questions — Riviera Maya
What is the difference between Cancún and the Riviera Maya?
Cancún is the main resort city with large all-inclusive hotels. The Riviera Maya is the stretch of coast south of Cancún — more natural, with boutique hotels, cenotes, and Mayan ruins.
Is Tulum overrated?
Tulum has become very trendy and can be crowded in peak season. However, the Mayan ruins, cenotes, and beach clubs are genuinely extraordinary. Wendy can advise on the best time to visit.
Do Canadians need a visa for Mexico?
No — Canadian citizens can visit Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days with a valid passport.
More Mexico & Central America Destinations
Book Your Riviera Maya Trip with Wendy
As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Riviera Maya vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Book Your Riviera Maya Trip with Wendy
Tell Wendy about your Riviera Maya travel plans and she'll respond within 24 hours with personalised options and pricing.