Riviera Maya holidays

Beach lovers: Your Riviera Maya holiday will introduce you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Strewn with white, powder-soft sands, fringed by lush palms, and lapped by clear blue waters, every beach in the region is something special. However, it’s worth taking the time to visit Maroma Beach, which is widely considered to be the cream of the crop. Paradiso Beach, Akumal Beach, Xu-Ha Beach and Manitas Beach are also well worth a visit, with great facilities and plenty of room to stretch out and relax.

Nature Lovers: A holiday to Riviera Maya wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Xel-Ha ecological park. From daredevil high-dives, to safe and supervised snorkelling activities for young children, the Xel-Ha park offers you the chance to discover new activities and challenge yourself.

Adventurers: Let loose your inner Indiana Jones or unleash the Lara Croft within, with a visit to some of the ancient ruins that the Riviera Maya has tucked away in its dense rainforests. One of the easiest to get to and most impressive is the clifftop fortress of Tulum. Built in the 13th century, it overlooks a stunning beach so if the midday sun gets a little too much, you can refresh yourself with a dip in the warm, blue sea.

Language: The primary language spoken here is Spanish, but you’ll find that the locals also have a good command of basic English.

Currency: The currency used is the Mexican Peso, although some establishments will accept US Dollars.

Local Time: Riviera Maya is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly To: Cancun International Airport. Transfers to Riviera Maya take 1–2 hours. 

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Riviera Maya is 10.5 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found here.

Visa / Health: Before your holiday to Riviera Maya, visit here for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Holiday destinations related to Riviera Maya:

• Cancun
• Playa Del Carmen
• Playacar
• Playa Mujeres
• Puerto Vallarta

By Car: Hire a car and explore the area at your own pace. Rental companies can be found at the resort and the airport. Roads are well maintained and well signposted.

By Bus: Bus services are dependable and efficient. Most buses are air conditioned, making this a very cool way to travel. Tickets can be bought from the local bus stations.

By Colectivo: Colectivos are vans, which operate as shared taxis. They don’t have designated stops, so it’s a case of hailing one down, hopping on, telling the driver where you want to go, and paying your fare. Cheaper and quicker than buses, colectivos are the better option for longer journeys to neighbouring resorts, such as Cancun.

BPM: For ten days in January, Playa del Carmen gives itself over to the annual BPM Festival. Thousands of clubbers come to see leading lights from the world of electronic music, as DJs from every corner of the globe play pumping sets and get the crowd whipped up to dance all night long. You’ll find outstanding gigs at nightclubs, on the beaches, and even in the spectacular cenote caves. A truly world-class event for those who like it loud!

Carnival: Take your Riviera Maya holidays in February if you want to enjoy the biggest and brightest spectacle on the local calendar. Carnival is definitely Mexico’s answer to the Brazilian Mardi Gras, and you can expect live music, fabulous floats, stilt-walking giants, street food, and a party atmosphere like no other!

Jazz Festival: While this region has plenty to offer clubbers and techno-heads, it’s also home to one of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. Book your break in November and you’ll find the beaches brimming with jazz fans, listening to laid-back tunes played by some of the biggest names and jazz bands. Pack a picnic, choose your spot, and relax in the sunshine.