A river winds through lush, green vegetation.
a river running through a forest
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds
a body of water with trees around it
a scenic view of a lush green valley
Photo by kilo 🐍 on Unsplash

Holiday in Riviera Maya

Region in Mexico — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇲🇽

Country

Mexico

Type

Region

Best time to travel

November–April (dry season), December–March ideal

Budget/day

80–150 € (1,600–3,000 MXN)

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Cancun International Airport (approximately 11–12 hours). From there, take an ADO bus, colectivo, or rental car along the coast.

About Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya stretches over 160 kilometers along the Caribbean coast from Cancun to Tulum and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and fascinating Mayan ruins right on the coast make this region a unique vacation destination that effortlessly combines beach holidays, cultural experiences, and nature adventures. Along the coast, the highlights line up: Playa del Carmen with its lively Quinta Avenida and European flair, the breathtaking ruins of Tulum perched on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea, the Xcaret theme park with its spectacular evening show, and the eco-parks Xel-Ha and Xplor. Beneath the surface, a magical cave system of cenotes awaits, where one can swim and dive in crystal-clear water among stalactites. The Riviera Maya offers the perfect experience for every type of traveler: Families find ideal conditions in all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs and water parks. Couples enjoy romantic boutique hotels and spa retreats in Tulum. Adventurers explore the underwater world by diving at the reef, take zipline tours through the jungle, or visit the lesser-known Mayan sites of Coba and Ek Balam in the hinterland. The region is warm year-round, with the months of November to April considered the ideal travel time.

Relaxation
100
Nature
90
Food
80
Nightlife
80
Adventure
80

Top 5 highlights in Riviera Maya

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Tulum Ruins

The only Mayan city directly by the sea – the ruins sit on a cliff above turquoise Caribbean waters, an unforgettable sight.

2

Playa del Carmen

Cosmopolitan beach town with the famous Quinta Avenida, nightlife, boutiques, and authentic Mexican atmosphere.

3

Akumal

Snorkeling with sea turtles in the protected bay – one of the few places in the world where this is reliably possible.

4

Xcaret Eco-Park

Spectacular eco-themed park with underground rivers, snorkeling, Mayan culture, and a breathtaking evening show.

5

Gran Cenote

One of the most beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya near Tulum – perfect for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.

Hotels in Riviera Maya

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
Kostenlose Stornierung
Bestpreis-Garantie
Hotels in Riviera Maya vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Reise-SIM für Riviera Maya

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Riviera Maya

Recommended travel time

November–April (dry season), December–March ideal

Summer

Hot and humid, 30–35 °C, hurricane season June–November

Winter

Warm and pleasant, 25–30 °C, little rain, perfect beach weather

How much does a holiday in Riviera Maya cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

40–70 € (800–1,400 MXN)

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

80–150 € (1,600–3,000 MXN)

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

200–500 € (4,000–10,000 MXN)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Riviera Maya

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Colectivos (shared taxis) run cheaply and regularly between Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Reef-safe sunscreen is a must – regular sunscreen is prohibited in cenotes and nature parks.

Visit the Tulum ruins early in the morning (opening 8 AM) – it gets unbearably crowded after 10 AM.

Visit Akumal Bay only with an official guide – the turtles are under strict protection.

During hurricane season (June–November), choose flexible bookings and take out travel insurance.

Food & drink in Riviera Maya

These specialties you must try!

Ceviche (fresh fish in lime)
Tacos al Pastor (marinated pork from a spit)
Tikin Xic (grilled fish Mayan style)
Agua de Horchata (rice milk drink)
Elote (grilled corn)
Chilaquiles (tortilla chips in salsa)
Suitable for:BeachCaribbeanSnorkelingMayan RuinsAll-InclusiveCenotesNightlifeDiving

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