Who hasn’t imagined relaxing under a palm tree in the Riviera Maya at least once? Even though it’s a faraway destination and located in such a large country as Mexico, traveling to the Riviera Maya is actually easier than it seems.
In this article, I share the most important things to consider when traveling to the Riviera Maya: the best time of year to go, how to pay, how to get around, where to stay, and what documents you need as a tourist. I’ll explain everything clearly so organizing your trip feels simple.
If you need extra motivation: we completely fell in love with the Riviera Maya. The beaches, the cenotes, the jungle landscapes, the islands, and the archaeological ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea truly make it a paradise.
Take note of the following tips for traveling to the Riviera Maya. I’m sure they’ll help you enjoy your trip as much as we did.
1. Best time to travel to the Riviera Maya
My recommendation is to travel during the dry season, from November to May. Rainfall is low, and temperatures are pleasant, usually between 22°C and 28°C. The sea temperature is also perfect for swimming.
We traveled in December and had excellent weather. We swam almost every day, although we did use a light jacket at night.
If possible, I would avoid traveling between June and October, which is the tropical storm season. Summer months are humid, and temperatures can exceed 32°C. If these are the only months you can travel, plan some flexible days in case heavy rain affects your plans.
2. Is an all-inclusive resort recommended?
When it comes to accommodation, the Riviera Maya offers many options. There are excellent all-inclusive resorts, like the one we stayed at in Puerto Aventuras near Xpu-Ha Beach. These hotels usually have several restaurants and offer drinks and snacks all day long.
They are a great option if you’re looking to relax and spend most of your time inside the hotel. In our case, we stayed three nights in an all-inclusive resort to recover from jet lag and adjust to the destination.
If you prefer eating out or an all-inclusive hotel doesn’t fit your budget, don’t worry. There are many other great places to stay. For example, we also stayed in a cozy family-run hotel in Tulum, close to restaurants and interesting places to visit.
We traveled independently and tried both types of accommodation, and we were very comfortable with both.
3. How to get around the Riviera Maya
You have two main options to explore the Riviera Maya. The most flexible one is renting a car. If renting a car in Mexico worries you, I can say from experience that it went very well for us. The car was in perfect condition, prices were fair, and there were no hidden conditions.
Having a car allows you to visit beaches and attractions whenever you want. Roads in the Riviera Maya are in good condition, and driving is easy and safe.
If you prefer not to rent a car, there are many organized excursions available that take you to islands, archaeological sites, and natural attractions.
4. Is it safe to travel to the Riviera Maya?
Yes, traveling to Mexico is safe. Before our trip, we had some doubts due to the country’s reputation, but we felt very safe throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, especially in the Riviera Maya, which is a well-controlled tourist area.
We never experienced or saw anything that made us feel unsafe. During the day, we even left our luggage in the car trunk while traveling. Traveling independently in the Riviera Maya is safe, although it’s always wise to stay informed before any trip.
5. Can I visit the Riviera Maya without a car?
Yes. There are many excursions that allow you to explore the Riviera Maya without your own vehicle. Most tours depart from Playa del Carmen, but they often include pickup from nearby towns.
Popular excursions include visits to Tulum and Cobá ruins, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and Chichén Itzá, one of the most impressive places in the region. This last excursion is very popular, so it’s best to check availability in advance.
6. How many days do you need?
A common trip to the Riviera Maya lasts seven days, which is enough to enjoy the beaches and main attractions. If you want to travel at a slower pace or visit other areas of the Yucatán Peninsula, you can stay longer.
If you plan to include Yucatán and Campeche, I recommend around 14 days.
7. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, traveling with good travel insurance is essential. Even though we felt very safe, unexpected situations can happen anywhere.
Our daughter had a food reaction during the trip, and thanks to our insurance, she was treated quickly without any upfront payment. Having insurance gave us peace of mind throughout the journey.
8. How to pay in the Riviera Maya
The local currency is the Mexican peso. We mainly paid using a debit card suitable for foreign currencies, which made payments easy and secure. Using a separa